Cancellation policy
Refund policy:
No refunds within 24 hours of departure. Exceptions are made if operator cancels the activity due to waterway, road or weather conditions (a full refund would be then given).
Sea Kayaking
If a kayaking trip has to be cancelled before leaving Akaroa due to strong winds or warnings, several options would be offered:
- Option 1: No further tours. Full Refund.
- Option 2: Join a 4-hour Full Scenic Nature Tour (same pricing and departure time as afternoon kayaking).
- Option 3: Join a 2-hour Nature Tour ($75/adult, $45/child – refunded difference, depart at 1:30pm).
What if the weather is unpredictable and or variable?
At Pohatu Penguins we try our best to predict the weather to ensure an enjoyable and safe tour. Sometimes, we won’t know if kayaking is suitable until we reach the bay or the wind has unexpectedly changed. If this is the case there are several options for our kayakers:
- Option 1: An immediate return with a 50% refund and no further wildlife guiding can be expected to see penguins or other wildlife.
- Option 2: Join a 2-hour Nature Tour ($75/adult, $45/child – refunded difference, depart at 1:30pm).
If you have young children:
We prefer that children are at least 8 years of age. All customers are placed in safe, double kayaks and each child will be paired with an adult. Please keep in mind that your guide has the final say as to whether or not it is safe for you and your child to kayak. This can vary depending on sea conditions, personal fitness and kayaking abilities. Toddlers and/or infants are NOT allowed regardless of sea conditions or personal ability. Please notify us ahead of time if time if you have a child.
Note:
On certain days with certain weather conditions, we might only be able to run the tour with experienced kayakers. If, due to your lack of experience or because of your child(ren)'s ages and capacities, the guide advises that you cannot join the tour, we please ask for your understanding. If this were to be the case, we would either offer you a full refund or to join one of our nature tours depending on availability.
Rainy day policy
- When living in an island nation like New Zealand, the weather us hard to predict and can quickly change; sunny one minute then pouring with rain the next and this even in the middle of summer.
- Offering outdoor activities, we may sometimes get rained on. We do not cancel our tours due to rainy days; it is just part of experiencing this wild country.
- In saying that, all of our best wildlife viewing is usually when it's raining, especially on our Evening penguin tours.
- Just remember to always bring a rain coat to New Zealand, just in case. We all hope for a beautiful sunny day but rain or shine our guides will give you an authentic New Zealand experience.
- In consideration of the above no refund can be expected in the event of rain.