VISIT: end of February 2020
TOUR: Glenorchy Islands Safari Tour
BOOKING: We booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, booking also available directly through their site
GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: 5 stars
EXPERIENCE: wayy more than 10 stars
TOUR GUIDE: 5 stars
This was probably one of the most life changing and beautiful things I have ever done. When we started coming across Kayak tours, my husband was very excited, but I was a bit nervous as I have never kayaked (neither has he haha). I could not be more happy that our first kayak experience was THIS and with these guys.
The owner picked us up from our hotel and drove us to the spot and was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to leave stuff in the van, if needed and they were able to accommodate and bring things in the kayak that we'd like with waterproof bags, etc. We got extremely lucky and the water was like glass and just absolutely beautiful this day. Our tour guide did a great job of explaining the kayaks and where we would be going, sharing great stories of the islands and history of New Zealand. I am so impressed with the New Zealand way of life with our tour guide saying that a lot of what he talked about he learned in school - which in America we wouldn't learn that extensively about our environment. He was also so patient and willing to stop when we wanted to take our many photos :O)
We stopped on an island where he talked about the history of the island, the plants and the animals. I saw a review that said they didn't like this part and I can see how some wouldn't. But if you keep an open mind and submerge yourself into the culture and what the tour guide is talking about, my husband and I loved it and it had some spectacular views!
I should also note that it was just our tour guide in his kayak and us in another. As this was RIGHT before the pandemic started reaching these areas we had a private tour.
FOOD/DRINKS: our tour guide did have snacks and drinks in his kayak with him
BATHROOMS: there is a small port-a-potty type toilet right as you get to the kayaks (where you get in them/out of them)
BEGINNERS: I highly recommend them for beginners, as we were. I was extremely apprehensive when booking this trip, but cannot be thankful enough that we ended up with Rippled Earth. read more