Moutohora: Island Sanctuary

Take a short boat ride to visit the stunning island of Moutohora (Whale Island). Highly restricted and free of pests, this is your opportunity to see NZ’s wildlife as nature intended it.

You will begin your tour by disembarking onto the beach via a stairway at the front of the Moutohora Cat. From there, your guide will lead you on an informative a leisurely walk through the native New Zealand forest, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the island unique flora and fauna. Your tour will lead you on a climb to the island's saddle and then back to the seaside, where you will have the opportunity to see the island's geothermal area and finish with a swim in a beautiful little bay surrounded by Pohutukawa trees. If tides are right you will also experience hot water bathing at the beach.

After re-boarding the Moutohora Cat the tour will continue with a circumnavigation of the island (sea conditions permitting) and before returning back to Whakatane.