 A very special place...
Welcome to Fiordland. Doubtful Sound is a special and rare place that we are privileged to visit and operate in.
Come and experience this area by joining us on the water in a sea kayak. We guarantee your visit to Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound will be a memorable one.
We are experienced owner/operators with this being our 18th season in the business that was personally established by Reg and Jo. Our operation is based in Manapouri where we have our office located on Waiau Street – the main street in the town that comes in from Te Anau and further south and overlooks the lake.
We are committed to protecting the natural environment in which we live and work – we have an unblemished safety record and comply with all regulating bodies in the surrounding area.
We are members of Sustainable Tourism South and follow recommended practices for sustainability and recycling within the environment. We are involved in the ongoing restoration of Pomona Island on Lake Manapouri – it is now a pest free sanctuary for native bird life with more endangered bird species being introduced over time.
We offer a moderate adventure with added safety features – previous kayaking experience is not required for guided options but for your comfort you should have a good level of fitness.
Bring your sense for adventure and fun with you for the day!
We look forward to meeting you and sharing a ‘Fiordland Adventure’ with you.
Kind regards, Reg and Jo
Information about what we have to offer and our operation:
What we offer:
We have many different options available to cater for both experienced and inexperienced people:
- Row boat hire to cross the Waiau River to the Manapouri Tracks for day or overnight walks (with Department of Conservation huts).
- Hire of personal locator beacons for your personal safety and comfort in remote locations.
- Sea kayak rentals for Lake Manapouri for groups with previous kayaking experience.
- Full day guided kayak adventures into Doubtful Sound.
- Two day guided kayak and camping tours into Doubtful Sound.
- Tours and rental groups meet at our office located at 33 Waiau Street, Manapouri next door to the Allied service station. We have off street parking located there along with indoor storage for luggage and bicycles.
- Toilets and changing rooms are available along with space for briefing clients and packing rental kayaks.
 About our operation:
We run our operation with two vessels – on Lake Manapouri we use ‘Adventurer 1’ for the scenic cruise part of the tour which travels 30 kilometres from Manapouri to West Arm.
On Doubtful Sound our sister vessel ‘Adventurer 2’ is used in conjunction with our kayak tours. Both vessels are operated under a Safe Ship Management programme where they are surveyed when required and carry all appropriate safety and emergency equipment.
To be allowed to operate in this area we are required to have a concession with the Department of Conservation (they control the Fiordland National Park and any people that operate commercially within it) – our concession No is PAC 14 - 06 – 145.
To operate on Doubtful Sound we are required to hold a Resource Consent with Environment Southland – this was granted to us in 2008.
We are full members of the Tourism Industry Assn of NZ.
Important points of note in regard to tours and the area:
- All guided tours are guided by a knowledgeable, experienced kayak guide that paddles with the group. They carry a VHF radio with access to a nearby vessel in case a situation arises that comprises safety of the group. All guides are trained initially in rescue and emergency procedures and follow an ongoing training programme throughout the season. All relevent safety and paddling equipment is provided both to the guide and all paddling clients. While a tour is in progress, weather conditions are continually monitored for unexpected changes – changes will be made to the proposed route/plan for the day if required to ensure the best possible and most enjoyable tour.
- Our kayaks and kayaking gear are all made in a set size. Unfortunately this does mean that we do have to apply both height and weight restrictions on clients to ensure safety for all involved. Please enquire directly prior to booking a tour as to regard to our size limits if you feel you may have any issue in this area.
- While you are on the tour we will not assume any responsibility for any damage or loss to personal items.
- We close for operations during the winter months. Our business operates seasonally from late September, through the summer months until early May. There are minimum number requirements applied for the operation of our guided tours.
- We do not operate tours on the following public holidays: Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th and 26th Dec) and New Years Day (1st January).
- Fiordland is situated in an area on the Southwestern corner of the South Island. It is a mountainous area that can sometimes be subject to rapidly changing weather patterns – every care is taken to ensure your safety and enjoyment at all times on both guided tours and rental options. As with all outdoor activities there is a degree of risk that is minimised if not eliminated with our Safety Plan.
For more detail descriptions, please visit Fiordland Adventure Options.
We look forward to your visit.
Reg Calder and Jo Wilson
Owners/Operators
Adventure Kayak & Cruise
Fiordland, New Zealand
E-mail: information@fiordlandadventure.co.nz
|
