What do we need to be aware of (especially regarding safety and COVID-19) before booking a tour?
Our tour operates in an outdoor environment which can change daily from the tides and weather, and as with any outdoor activity, there is risk involved. We travel under some pretty amazing cliffs that are prone to unpredictable slips and rockfalls, and following a slip in January 2019 which injured two independent walkers, these majestic but temperamental cliffs have been scientifically monitored like never before. The beach track is also in a tsunami risk zone, like all of the NZ coastline.
Rest assured our guides are experienced and extremely familiar with the area – we have been safely transporting visitors for almost 70 years – and as we travel the beach almost every day during the summer we are always observing and noting changes. Our activity is also independently audited by an external auditor – this is a requirement for our DOC concession but also gives us confidence that we run a safe and effective operation.
Ensure you read through our safety information before booking a tour. If you need to clarify anything please give us a call first – the safety of all passengers is our biggest focus.
COVID-19 Protection Framework:
We are open and operating under Government and Public Health guidelines. All of the country is now under the Red level of the COVID-19 Protection Framework and we require all visitors (over the age of 12 years 3 months) to provide proof of vaccination with a Vaccine Pass (or an exemption) on arrival at our ticket office. Please check our cancellation policy for details on Covid related refunds.
We’re visiting by cruise ship – can we come on your tour?
Often the timings of the cruise ships into Napier Port don’t fit in with our tidal departures, but there is the odd exception – please email us and we can let you know if this is the case. If there is a group of you, we may also be able to offer a shorter tour so please enquire.
However, if you miss out this time round we know that you will enjoy your day in our region and want to return, so we’ll see you then!
What time do the tours depart?
As we travel along the beach and rely on the tides, our departure times are different each day, and we only run one tour per day. Please refer to our departure schedule. You will need to arrive at Clifton at least 20 minutes prior to departure time for check-in.
Is it necessary to book or can I just turn up?
Bookings are essential – not only do we need to know our numbers in advance (so that we can organise our drivers for the day) but we also need to know that you are prepared for the tour before you arrive and booking in advance ensures this.
How do I make a booking?
It’s easy – just select any of the ‘book now’ buttons you see on our website! This will take you to our booking site, and a confirmation email will be sent once your booking request is received. Gift vouchers can also be purchased through this system and have a 12 month validity.
When is the best time to visit, and do you operate all year round?
Any time is a good time to visit! The adult gannets are all back in full-force by the time we open, however the chicks start appearing from mid to late November (we generally see the first chicks of the season at Black Reef), and they will leave the colonies at around 15-16 weeks of age. As the adults start to leave once their chick has fledged, bird numbers do get low during the latter part of our season (late March/April).
We are a seasonal operation and generally run from late September/early October through to the end of April but this can alter each season. Tours operate most days, although we there are some days we cannot run due to tide times (these occur more often at the beginning and end of the season), and we are closed on Christmas Day.
