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To help you explore Opotiki's marine heritage REAF has a fleet of River/Sea kayaks for hire. These are sleek, easily manoeuvrable yet very stable craft.
When our rivers were once our roads, Opotiki was a key Harbour for trade between Maori and early settler Europeans. In 1865 local Whakatohea Iwi (Tribe) owned at least 16 trading ships alone. The cattle loading ramp is still evident on the Opotiki Wharf but the Wharf Sheds have long since gone.
Many boats were stranded on the shallow river bar. New plans are underway to upgrade the river entrance with river training groynes creating a 5m deep entrance. Currently the river entrance is surrounded by driftwood littered beaches creating ideal habitat for endangered bird (dotterel) breeding.
Quietly drifting up on the myriad of birds that fringe the Harbour estuary is to gain a new appreciation of their beauty. Pull your kayak up on the sandy heads beach and have a picnic lunch.
Kayak the Waioeka River. We can drop you 12 kilometres upstream, and meet you again 3 hours later at the Opotiki Boat Ramp. River currents are gentle, with just 3 'rapids' this is an easy Grade 1-2 river that lets you appreciate your surroundings. The bounded rivers and smaller estuary offers ideal kayaking for beginners through to the more experienced.
Hire rates include safety briefing, basic kayaking tuition, life vests, kayak and paddles, what to see guidance and FREE 'Kayak Opotiki' photo certificate.
First hour (on the water) $30
2 hrs hire $40
3 hrs to half a day $50
Full day hire $80
Family or group rate - less 25%
Drop off up river $10 per person (min 2)
Guided Harbour Tours $60 per person, allow 2 hours (Min 2)
Other extras available include hot shower and fresh towel.
Opotiki Kayaks is conveniently located at the Opotiki Wharf.
Prior bookings avoid waits or disappointments. Email, phone and visit our Bookings page to access our calendar and easy web booking form.
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