Heading for Tauranga on State Highway 2 near Bethlehem, motorists cross the broad, slow-moving Wairoa River. To the right, past a gradual bend you can glimpse some jetties and the bright colours of a climbing wall. It’s just a hint of some fine waterborne (and land) adventures hidden away up the valley at Waimarino Adventure Park.
Whether it’s a guided glow worm tour by kayak (with a gourmet dinner), or a fun family day out Waimarino has it all…
Waimarino Kayak Adventure Park
The main attraction is the riverside area for families. The multi-award winning park is a kayaking nirvana, with so many land and river based activities you could spend days here. There are pedal boats, a thermal pool, climbing wall and rubber slip ‘n’ slide that keeps littlies engaged for hours.
Thrill-seekers can try New Zealand’s only 25 metre-long kayak slide – it spits the rider out over the water two metres up – bound to get your heart racing! The list of activities just goes on and on: Water Trampoline, Low ropes course, tarzan swing, gladiator pole, diving boards, beach volleyball, warm thermal pool…
The BBQ area is popular so bring a picnic and make a full day of it here. Prices include day long unlimited use of kayaks, and all activities from pedal boat usage to rock climbing. See the website for current prices.
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Scenic Kayak Tours for all Abilites
Waimarino runs a number of kayak tours to suit all tastes. There are lake tours, river runs, and even if you have never touched a kayak, you’ll be well looked after.
One tour that’s drawn rave reviews from travellers is the evening Glow-Worm Tour at nearby Lake McLaren. Bruce Elder’s blog in the Sydney Morning Herald captures the mood of this guided night paddle particularly well:
“It is hard to capture the magic of an experience when the only sources of light are glow worms and the southern sky on a perfect, cloudless night. This was an unforgettable experience. Just truly unforgettable.”
The Glow Worm by Kayak Tour has two price options, the ‘Snack’ option costs $120 per person and the Gourmet Dinner option $190 per person. From the calm Lake McLaren to the glow worm canyon, it really is a must do.
Also popular, the Wairoa River Trip (Wairoa translates as tranquil waters) is a 3-hour easy cruise in sea kayaks, from the lower Kaimai Ranges back down the river to the adventure park. It is a gentle, flat paddle and no experience is necessary.
Waimarino also runs guided sea kayaking trips for medium fitness levels between Waimarino and Mount Maunganui’s Pilot Bay – or the reverse trip to run with the tides.
The superb pictures above were taken by award-winning freelance photographer Andy Belcher, a specialist in travel and underwater action, who lives in the Western Bay.
Waimarino is one of the top attractions in the Bay of Plenty. A Kayak park is pretty unique in NZ, so this is a must see – especially for families.
6 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem.
(07) 576 4233
www.waimarino.com