WHALE ISLAND GUIDED WALKS

**Tours operate Sundays only. Commencing 8 January through to 25 March 2012**

In association with…………

Coast Guard Whakatane and

Landing on Whale Island
Whale Island Birds

Moutohora or Whale Island - a dormant volcano five nautical miles off Whakatane - is now a wildlife sanctuary, providing refuge for endangered birds and plants and under the protection of the Department of Conservation.

Landing on Whale Island requires a permit due to its status as a wildlife sanctuary. However, during the summer months of every year Coastguard Whakatane in conjunction with White Island Tours provides guided walking tours of this fascinating island.

Cruise out to Whale Island aboard a comfortable vessel. Landing is at Boulder Bay and from there Coastguard volunteers will take you on a guided walk up to the saddle with spectacular views of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and White Island. From there you will make your way back to Sulphur Bay where there is time to relax, have a swim and take in the stunning scenery of this wildlife sanctuary.

The guides will tell you about the Department of Conservation and Ngati Awa initiatives to protect New Zealand’s endangered species. The island has been a wildlife refuge since 1965 and is now pest free. There are a wide variety of native and introduced plant species and the bird life has flourished.

The cost per person is $85.00
Total round trip is approximately 4 hours.

Please note that trips are weather dependent.

WHAT TO BRING

Warm clothing for the boat ride
Sturdy footwear for the walk
Swimming gear
Snacks and a drink (Available from PeeJays Coffee House before your tour)
Small backpack
Sun protection – hat and sunscreen

PROTECTING WHALE ISLAND

Whale Island is a presently rodent and predator free. To keep it this way it is important for us to enforce strict biosecurity checks on behalf of the Department of Conservation.
All bags must be opened and will be inspected by Coastguard guides to ensure that they do not inadvertantly contain rodents.
Please check clothing and shoes for soil and seeds. This is to prevent weed species becoming established on Whale Island.
You may be requested to dip the soles of your shoes into a water bath prior to boarding.
Whale Island is an extremely dry environment and as such there is a high fire risk. Please do not bring matches or lighters on the tour. Smoking is not permitted on the island or on the boat.

For more information on protecting NZ's offshore islands please see the DOC brochure: click here

HEALTH & SAFETY

Children under five are not recommended. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent.
Hazards on the trip include the transfer from the inflatable to shore, thermal activity, rugged terrain with steep areas, boulders and cliffs, and mutton bird burrows.
Special medication and health issues - if you are on special medication or if you have health issues that might affect your ability to manage the walk, please inform a Coastguard member.