Our guides carry waterproof cameras and will take photos during your tour when possible. After your tour, you can view these by visiting the Photos Tab on our website and selecting the album for your tour date, time, and guide.

While we do our best, we can’t guarantee photos of everyone or that every photo will turn out, so we recommend bringing your own camera or phone too. We provide dry bags to help keep your devices safe.

No sorry, we operate on an exposed stretch of coastline that isn’t suitable for freedom kayak hire most of the time.

Light clothing (shorts/tights, tee shirt, hat, sunglasses etc), water bottle (reusable if you can), phone/camera (dry bags provided). We provide thermal tops and paddle jackets if needed. You may bring a small bag for swimwear/towels.

As this is a kayaking tour, please dress appropriately… jeans and dress shoes don’t mix well with the sea and sand!

Cathedral Cove Kayaks operate in a natural coastal environment and is an adventure activity were the risks are real. Risks that may occur are: physical exertion, exposure to natural elements, boat capsize, sea-sickness, encounters with natural wild life, personal injury, death and property damage. Staff and management will take all practicable steps to identify and minimize dangers. A waiver will be emailed for you to complete prior to arrival and a briefing will be given on the day of the trip by the guides giving all necessary information and training needing to participate.

Yes you will need to fill in our Individual Risk Disclosure and Waiver of Liability Form. When you book a link to the waiver will be sent in your confirmation email. Please ensure each person fills this in at least 24hours before the tour. 

 CATHEDRAL COVE KAYAK TOURS PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Risk Disclosure & Acknowledgement

Sea kayaking is an adventure activity and carries inherent risks, including physical exertion, exposure to weather and sea conditions, capsizing, seasickness, encounters with marine wildlife, injury, illness, property damage, or in rare cases, serious injury or death.

Natural Hazard Risks

I acknowledge that the trip takes place in a dynamic natural environment where hazards may include changing weather, wind, swell, tides, currents, coastal cliffs, rockfall, submerged hazards and other water users. These natural hazards are inherent and cannot be fully controlled, even when all reasonable care is taken.

We take all practicable steps to manage these risks. Participants will receive a safety briefing and instructions on the day of the trip and must follow all guide directions and use the safety equipment provided at all times.

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I understand and accept these risks. I agree to follow all instructions, safety briefings, and use of safety equipment, and accept responsibility for my own actions. I understand that Cathedral Cove Kayaks is not liable for loss, injury or damage that could not have been avoided through reasonable care, subject to my rights under New Zealand law including ACC coverage and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

Photo/Video Consent

I consent to my photos being taken by Cathedral Cove Kayaks guides during the trip and being made publicly available. I will notify Cathedral Cove Kayaks in a timely manner if I do not want my photos to be used.

Parental/Guardian Responsibility (for participants under 17years old)

If I am responsible for a participant under 17years old, I will ensure they follow all guide instructions at all times. I accept responsibility for their actions and release Cathedral Cove Kayaks and its staff from any liability arising from failure to follow instructions. Cathedral Cove Kayaks reserves the right to withdraw any underage participant who may endanger themselves or others.

Participant Information Declaration

I confirm that the information I will provide is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I will disclose to the guide, any information that may affect my safety or ability to take part in the trip.

Participant Name:

Phone number:

Are you a capable swimmer? (for example can you swim 25metres unaided):

Yes

No

 Do you have any injuries or ailments that could affect your ability to participate in this
physical activity?

No

Yes – please provide details below

 Are you Asthmatic, Epileptic, Diabetic or do you suffer from any Severe allergic reactions?

No

Yes – please provide details below

Do you have any other medical condition that may require attention during the activity?
(including issues with sight/ hearing):

No

Yes – please provide details below

If you are required to always carry medicine for a medical condition, please confirm you will
have it with you during the Kayak Tour:

Not applicable

Yes I have it with me

Please add additional medical information here (otherwise leave this box empty):

Signature:

Email Address:

Emergency contact:

Name/ Number:

Yes! The great thing about kayaking is that it is easy. After a quick introduction and safety briefing you are out there doing it… sea kayaking to Cathedral Cove! The guide is with your group the whole time and is there to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

No. You don’t need to be able to swim to join our kayak tours. We do ask about your swimming ability on our waiver before the tour so your guide is aware and can provide the appropriate support if needed.

No. We meet beside the kayaks on Hahei Beach in front of the main beach car park. It just keeps things simple for you.

If your tour is cancelled due to weather conditions, you will be given priority to rebook on another available tour.

If you’re unable to rebook, or prefer not to, you are entitled to a refund. If you booked directly with us, we will process your refund. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party booking provider, they will arrange your refund, and you will need to contact them directly to organise.

If booking for 7 participants or less: You can amend or cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your trip is scheduled to begin. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Groups with 8 participants or more: You can amend or cancel your reservation up until 7 days before your trip is scheduled to begin. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable.

Our booking platform (Rezdy) charges a 1.75% booking fee. This is non-refundable if the trip is cancelled for any reason.

If we cancel your Kayak Tour due to poor weather conditions you will receive a refund back to the card you booked with (or you are welcome to reschedule if you wish).

Full Day Tour: If you book for the Full Day Tour but the sea conditions don’t turn out to be suitable on the southern coastline, we’ll still run the Cathedral Cove half of the Full Day Tour. We refund the fee so you only pay for what you do.

No, Hot Water Beach is a very exposed beach that often has big waves and rough sea, not suitable for kayaking.
However, it is a very popular attraction that sees people from all over the world sharing the same natural spa pool in the sand. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide so we suggest doing some research to plan your day.. aim to visit 1.5 hours either side of low tide. Spades are available for rent from the local cafes.

Click the link below to check tide times.

HWB Tide Times

N.B. The tide does not affect the kayak tours.

Generally the minimum age is 5years old – contact us directly if you have any questions

In that situation we would usually have one of our staff paddling with the third child.

That said, we know that all families are different, please email us if you have questions about how things might work for your family.

Children must be accompanied by at least one adult on the tour unless an arrangement is confirmed at the time of booking.

We often have more than one tour starting at the same time. We break into small groups during the check in process, each group averaging six people (maximum eight).

Note: If your joining us as a larger group we can run the tour to suit your group size.

There are public toilets at the Hahei Beach very close to our starting point, which we recommend using before meeting your guide for the tour.

For those on the Full day tour you will have the chance to visit these bathrooms during the lunch break.

Absolutely! We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience Cathedral Cove by kayak, and we do our best to accommodate guests with disabilities, medical conditions, or additional support needs wherever possible.

If you’re unsure whether the tour is right for you, or you’d like to discuss your individual needs before booking, please contact our office. We’re happy to chat and help find the best option for you.