Tour Requirements

Fitness

Peninsula Encounters

Walking is required to access the private conservation area where Hookers Sea lions,  a New Zealand Fur seal breeding colony and Yellow eyed Penguins are located. The walk requires basic fitness as the terrain is hilly farm land and sandy beaches.Generally the two separate return sectors (down & up) each require approximately 15 minutes walking time.

Hill walk from beach (line depicts gradient)

Wild Coast Explorer 

This personalised tour can be tailored to suit clients individual  fitness levels, it can be as hard or soft as you wish.

Cruise ship exclusive tour

Although we provide 4x4 assistance in the normally dry conditions, if it is wet, walking on coastal hillside is required to access the private conservation area where Sea lions, a Fur seal breeding colony and Penguins are located . The walk requires basic fitness as the terrain is hilly farm land and sandy beaches.Generally the two separate return sectors (down & up) each require approximately 15 minutes walking time.

Catlins Encounters

This tour requires a good level of fitness as approximately 30% of the full day adventure is spent exploring beaches forests and other short walks to waterfalls, caves and other view points.

Clothing

Weather can change quickly on the Southern coast at any time of the year. Always take warm and waterproof clothes.

Footwear

Walking shoes or boots with heavy tread are best and recommended particularly if conditions are wet and muddy.

Food and Medicines

For the Peninsula Encounters tour, although food and drink is available through the cafe at the Albatross centre,  and shops in Portobello, participants are welcome to bring their own. For the Catlins Encounters  stops are made for snacks on the way,  you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch. Personal medicines etc. should be carried if required on all tours. Any medical condition which could potentially be a problem should be conveyed to the guide at the commencement of a tour.

Departure Times and Pickups

Check here for departure times for Peninsula Encounters.
Check here for departure times for Wild Coast Explorer.
Check here for departure times for Catlins Encounters.

Photography

Flash We do not allow close flash photography of penguins as this startles them, however we recommend  that clients carry a range of film speeds to allow for the varied light encountered, 200 ASA up to 1600 ASA for dusk.  Information on flash photography of birds and animals.   

Modern digital cameras and camcorders are well suited to the low light encountered in the evenings on our tours Take another look at our Tour Options, the Peninsula Wildlife Tour, the Catlins Group Tour or the Wild Coast Explorer - private option.