Poor Knights Small Group Tour & Cruise From Auckland

Exploring the captivating Poor Knights Islands off the coast of Auckland is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts. This small group tour and cruise promises an intimate adventure amidst a stunning marine reserve. Visitors can expect exceptional snorkeling and kayaking opportunities, coupled with a captivating visit to a scenic sea cave. With a delicious buffet lunch served onboard, the tour provides a well-rounded day of exploration and relaxation. Convenient hotel pickups and a focus on personalized attention ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. What makes this tour truly remarkable, however, is the chance to witness the breathtaking natural beauty that awaits.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Auckland.

Key Points

• Premier snorkeling experience at the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, with a small group of up to 11 travelers for an intimate tour.
• Includes kayaking, a visit to a scenic sea cave, and a buffet lunch served on the boat, with swift transportation from Auckland.
• Fully guided tour with all necessary equipment provided, catering to various interests like snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring the unique marine ecosystem.
• Pickup available from select Auckland hotels, with specific pickup times based on hotel groupings to ensure on-time departure.
• Tour has a 5.0-star rating based on positive reviews, praising the small group size, guided experience, and variety of activities.

Tour Overview

The Poor Knights Tour & Cruise offers a premier snorkeling experience at the renowned Poor Knights Islands marine reserve in New Zealand. This small-group tour takes a maximum of 11 travelers from Auckland to explore the rich underwater world of this protected area.

Along with snorkeling, the excursion includes kayaking and a visit to a sea cave. Travelers will enjoy a buffet lunch on the boat and swift transportation to and from Auckland.

The fully guided tour provides all the necessary equipment and inclusions, making it a convenient and immersive way to discover the natural beauty of the Poor Knights Islands.

Inclusions

This tour package includes a range of offerings to enhance the overall experience.

Cruise tickets, bottled water, snacks, and a buffet lunch are all provided, along with gratuities. Travelers can also opt to purchase souvenirs, as well as alcoholic drinks during the outing.

Plus, any optional extras and activities can be selected during the booking process.

The tour is a fully guided small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate exploration of the Poor Knights Islands.

Whether it’s snorkeling, kayaking, or visiting a sea cave, the inclusions cater to a variety of interests and preferences, making this an all-inclusive adventure worth embarking on.

Pickup Information

Pickup for the Poor Knights Tour & Cruise is available from select Auckland hotels, with participants needing to be ready up to 20 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Late passengers risk missing the tour, and no refunds will be provided for those who arrive too late. Specific pickup times are determined based on hotel groupings, which are outlined in the table below:

Hotel Grouping	Pickup Time
Central Hotels	7:40 AM
North Hotels	7:50 AM
East Hotels	8:00 AM
South Hotels	8:10 AM
West Hotels	8:20 AM

Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult, with the child rate applying when traveling with two paying adults.

Tour Requirements and Restrictions

Confirmation of booking is received upon completion, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, with the child rate applying when traveling with two paying adults. The minimum drinking age is 18, and infant seats are available. A moderate physical fitness level is required, with a minimum of 4 people per booking.

The tour has the following requirements and restrictions:

1. Participants must be able to engage in moderate physical activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

2. A minimum of 4 people is required for the tour to proceed.

3. Late arrivals risk missing the tour, and no refunds are provided for those who miss the scheduled departure.

Reviews and Ratings

According to the provided information, the Poor Knights Tour & Cruise boasts an impressive 5.0-star rating across 2 reviews, all of which indicate complete satisfaction with the tour experience.

The reviews highlight the tour’s exceptional quality, with travelers praising the small group size, guided nature of the excursion, and the variety of activities included, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and visiting a sea cave.

The convenience of hotel pickups, swift transportation, and the delicious buffet lunch served on the boat also seem to have contributed to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Snorkeling and Kayaking

Snorkeling and kayaking are the main highlights of the Poor Knights Tour & Cruise, allowing participants to enjoy the exceptional marine environment of the Poor Knights Islands.

The tour offers guided snorkeling excursions through the renowned marine reserve, where travelers can marvel at the diverse array of colorful fish and other marine life.

Plus, the tour includes a scenic kayak experience, enabling guests to paddle through the area’s dramatic sea caves and along the picturesque coastline.

The tour offers:

1. Guided snorkeling to explore the vibrant underwater world.

2. Kayaking adventures through the stunning sea caves and coastline.

3. The opportunity to witness the islands’ unique and protected marine ecosystem.

Visiting the Sea Cave

Along With the snorkeling and kayaking activities, the Poor Knights Tour & Cruise includes a captivating visit to a scenic sea cave.

Travelers embark on a boat journey to explore the dramatic coastal formations, marveling at the natural wonder of these cavernous structures carved by the relentless waves.

The tour guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the geological and historical significance of the sea cave.

Visitors have the opportunity to step inside the cave, experiencing its serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The seamless inclusion of this unique natural attraction elevates the overall tour experience, allowing participants to enjoy the diverse landscapes and ecosystems of the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve.

Boat Cruise and Lunch

The Poor Knights Tour & Cruise frequently includes a scenic boat journey to the islands, providing participants with ample opportunities to admire the stunning coastal landscapes.

During this segment of the tour, travelers are treated to a bountiful buffet lunch served onboard the vessel, allowing them to refuel and recharge amidst the breathtaking natural surroundings.

The lunch spread typically features:

1. A selection of freshly prepared salads and hot dishes, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

2. Locally-sourced seafood, celebrating the region’s abundant marine life.

3. A variety of tempting desserts, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to the mid-day meal.

This delectable dining experience, set against the backdrop of the rugged Poor Knights Islands, is a highlight of the tour, leaving participants energized and eager to explore the underwater wonders that await.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling or Kayaking Equipment?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling or kayaking equipment. However, the tour company provides all necessary gear, so it’s not required. Bringing personal equipment may be more convenient but won’t affect the tour experience.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

Participants do not need to know how to swim to participate in this tour. However, a moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour includes snorkeling and kayaking activities. The tour provider can accommodate non-swimmers with appropriate equipment and guidance.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

There is no age limit for the tour, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The child rate applies when there are 2 paying adults. Infants can also be accommodated with provided infant seats.

Can I Book the Tour for a Larger Group?

The tour has a minimum group size of 4 people, but there doesn’t seem to be a maximum size. Customers can book for larger groups, though specific pickup times may vary based on hotel groupings.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can typically be extended, though this may require additional fees. Customers should check with the tour operator about the availability and cost of extending the tour length to accommodate their preferences.

Recap

The Poor Knights Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland offers a truly remarkable and intimate experience.

Travelers can enjoy exceptional snorkeling, kayaking, and a visit to a scenic sea cave, all while cruising around the picturesque islands and indulging in a delicious buffet lunch.

With convenient hotel pickups and a focus on personalized attention, this tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation in a stunning marine reserve.