Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly can I find this amazing transparent kayak adventure in the Matakana region?

Get ready for the ultimate underwater adventure! We’re stationed at the spectacular Goat Island Marine Reserve, in the gorgeous Matakana region of New Zealand. Your transparent kayak journey begins at the Goat Island car park – just a 60-minute drive north of Auckland and super easy to reach from charming Matakana village. Fair warning though in peak times (December – February) – sometimes traffic can add an extra 2 hours to the trip, so plan accordingly and maybe pack some snacks for the journey!

Wait, do I need to hop on a ferry to reach Goat Island for my epic transparent kayak experience?

Nope, no ferry needed for your transparent kayak adventure! Here’s the awesome part – Goat Island Marine Reserve is totally accessible by road, and our crystal-clear kayak tours launches right from Goat Island beach in the. Just drive up, park, walk down the hill and boom – you’re ready to start your see-through kayak adventure! No boats, just pure transparent kayak magic!

Where should I park my car for this incredible clear kayak experience?

Easy peasy! There’s parking right at the Goat Island car park, which is basically your gateway to the amazing Goat Island Marine Reserve. Pro tip from us: during busy times in the Matakana region (especially weekends and holidays), arrive a bit early because this place is so popular the car park fills up faster than you can say “Fish!” But don’t worry – it’s totally worth it!

Are there facilities at Goat Island Marine Reserve where I can get ready for my adventure?

Absolutely! You’re all set with public toilets and changing rooms right at the Goat Island car park. The Department of Conservation keeps these facilities spick and span, so you can freshen up before and after your mind-blowing transparent kayak adventure in the marine reserve.

How do I actually get to Goat Island Marine Reserve from Matakana village?

Oh, this is the fun part! Goat Island Marine Reserve is just a 10-minute drive from Matakana village – it’s like a mini road trip to paradise! Just follow the signs to Goat Island from Matakana, and before you know it, you’ll arrive at the car park where your transparent kayak adventure begins.

How far ahead should I book this incredible transparent kayak experience at Goat Island Marine Reserve?

Here’s the scoop – we recommend booking your clear kayak experience at Goat Island Marine Reserve at least 2-3 days ahead, especially during our busy peak season (December-March) and weekends. Want the best shot at your dream time slot? Book a week ahead for the best availability in the Matakana region! Trust us, your future self will thank you when you’re gliding over the marine life in your transparent kayak!

Help! I haven’t received my booking confirmation for my Goat Island transparent kayak tour?

Don’t panic – we’ve got you covered! First, check that sneaky spam folder, then check any old emails you have since it might’ve autofilled there. If it’s still nowhere to be found, shoot us a message immediately and we’ll resend your booking details for the transparent kayak tour faster than a fish swimming under your clear kayak! We always send confirmations within 24 hours for all our Matakana region experiences.

What awesome stuff is included in my transparent kayak rental price?

You’re getting great value! Your transparent kayak rental includes everything you need: your crystal-clear kayak, a comfy lifejacket, a paddle, a comprehensive safety briefing that’ll make you feel like a pro, and our amazing staff support throughout your entire Goat Island Marine Reserve adventure. We don’t take professional photos but sometimes take photos if we have time – so keep an eye out for those bonus shots!

Do you have any sweet group discounts for transparent kayak tours?

You bet we do! Bring your squad and save! We offer a fantastic 10% discount for groups of 10 or more people booking an hour or longer transparent kayak experiences at Goat Island Marine Reserve. Just give us a shout to arrange your group booking and score this awesome discount for your Matakana region adventure. More friends = more fun = more savings!

What happens if Mother Nature decides to rain on our transparent kayak parade?

Hey, even paradise has its moody days! If we need to cancel your clear kayak experience due to weather conditions at Goat Island Marine Reserve, we’ll contact you ASAP and offer either a full refund or rebooking for another gorgeous day. Safety is our top priority for all transparent kayak activities – we want you to have an amazing time, not a scary one! If you are a beginner kayaker, swimmer or have a medical condition, you should let us know in the comment field when you go to book in case we’d like to reach out to keep you in the loop with the conditions.

Oops! What if I’m running fashionably late for my transparent kayak booking?

Life happens, we get it! If you’re running late for your clear kayak experience at Goat Island Marine Reserve, send a text, email and then try calling us. Sometimes we’re with people so it’s hard to pick up the phone, but we’ll try our best to rebook you! During our super busy periods in the Matakana region, late arrivals might mean we need to reschedule you to another time slot. But don’t worry, we’ll make it work!

What makes these transparent kayaks so special at Goat Island Marine Reserve?

Oh wow, where do we even start?! Our transparent kayaks (also called clear kayaks by the cool kids) offer an amazing underwater viewing experience at Goat Island Marine Reserve! Picture this: a crystal-clear bottom that lets you observe marine life swimming directly beneath you while you’re paddling through New Zealand’s very first marine reserve. It’s like having a window into an underwater wonderland!

Can I totally do this transparent kayak experience solo at Goat Island?

We love our independent explorers on our clear kayak tours at Goat Island Marine Reserve. Our transparent kayaks can be used for single paddlers, and our experienced staff will keep you safe throughout your entire experience in the Matakana region. Many visitors tell us they love the peaceful experience of solo transparent kayak exploration!

Here’s a fun secret – sometimes we have kayaks for one person, so ask us about them!

I’m a total newbie – do I need kayaking experience for this transparent kayak tour?

Beginner is totally okay, but let us know when you book! Our staff will teach you everything you need to know about paddling techniques specific to transparent kayaks at Goat Island Marine Reserve. These kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for beginners exploring the protected waters of the marine reserve. You’ll be paddling like a pro in no time!

How many people can squeeze into one of these transparent kayaks?

We do double kayak hires, not single! Our transparent kayaks at Goat Island Marine Reserve are designed for two people, giving you a shared underwater viewing experience. Sometimes 2 adults and one small child might be able to fit depending on the conditions, adult ability and other factors – please let us know when you go to book so we can work out what’s best for your group!

Are there any weight limits for these transparent kayaks?

Great question! Our clear kayaks at Goat Island Marine Reserve have a limit of 100kg total weight. This ensures your transparent kayak performs well and keeps you safe in the marine reserve waters. Got concerns about weight restrictions? Just give us a shout when booking your adventure – we’re here to help!

Do I need to know how to swim for this transparent kayak experience?

We recommend swimming if you’re planning to get in the water, but there’s no need when you’re just clear kayaking at Goat Island Marine Reserve. All participants wear our provided lifejackets throughout the clear kayak experience, and our staff are water safety pros. Do let us know about your swimming ability though – it helps us keep everyone safe and comfortable!

Will I get soaked during this transparent kayak tour at Goat Island Marine Reserve?

You might get a little bit wet during your clear kayak experience at Goat Island – think paddle drips and maybe some splashing if you’re feeling adventurous! You might get wet up to your knees while you get in and out so we recommend wearing quick-dry clothing and bringing a change of clothes just in case. The transparent kayak design minimizes water entry, but a little moisture is totally normal during any kayaking activity in the marine reserve. It’s all part of the adventure!

Can I bring my camera to capture this transparent kayak adventure?

Absolutely! Bring that camera and capture the magic! You can totally bring cameras or phones during your clear kayak tour at Goat Island Marine Reserve (just at your own risk, of course). The crystal-clear bottom of the kayak creates incredible opportunities for underwater photography!

You can even hire a dry-bag for your trip when booking to keep the small electronics safe.

Can I hop out of my transparent kayak and explore Goat Island itself?

We love your adventurous spirit! But landing on Goat Island itself is actually not allowed because it’s a protected island with conservation rules (and we totally respect that!). The amazing thing is, your transparent kayak experience at Goat Island Marine Reserve focuses on the incredible underwater viewing and marine life observation from the water. Your clear kayak is the perfect platform to explore this marine environment while respecting the protected status of this special place!

What amazing marine life will I see through my transparent kayak at Goat Island Marine Reserve?

Get ready for an underwater safari! Goat Island Marine Reserve is bursting with marine life that you can observe through your clear kayak. You’ll commonly spot snapper, and often blue maomao, red moki, and goatfish like you’re in your own personal aquarium! Keep your eyes peeled for majestic eagle rays, colorful starfish, spiky kina (sea urchins), and gorgeous seaweeds swaying in the current. The marine reserve’s protected status means marine life sightings are frequent!

How clear is the water for transparent kayak viewing at Goat Island?

The water clarity at Goat Island Marine Reserve varies depending on weather conditions, recent rainfall, and tides – which directly affects your transparent kayak viewing experience. On perfect clear days, visibility through your clear kayak can reach up to 15 meters – that’s like looking through glass into an underwater paradise! Fish don’t seem to mind though, because even on cloudier days when visibility might be limited to a few meters, your transparent kayak still hosts curious fish swimming right below you.

How deep is the water where we paddle these transparent kayaks?

The depth varies throughout our operational area at Goat Island Marine Reserve, creating different viewing experiences through your clear kayak! It ranges from knee-deep near the shore (perfect for spotting small fish and sea creatures) to approximately 5-6 meters in deeper sections (where the bigger marine life likes to hang out). This variety gives you everything from shallow reef observations to deeper water marine life encounters!

Where can I stash my stuff during this transparent kayak tour?

We’ve got you covered! We have limited storage space for small valuables at our check-in desk near the Goat Island car park – perfect for your keys, wallet, and other precious items. For bigger stuff, we recommend leaving it securely locked in your car before starting your clear kayak adventure at Goat Island Marine Reserve. Less stuff to worry about = more fun on the water!

What should I bring to make my clear kayak experience at Goat Island perfect?

Great question, future kayak adventurer! We recommend bringing sunscreen (the sun reflects off the water!), a hat to keep you cool, plenty of water to stay hydrated, and comfortable clothing that’s okay getting wet. Got your own snorkeling gear? Bring it along to enhance your transparent kayak experience at Goat Island Marine Reserve even more! And definitely don’t forget your camera in a waterproof case to capture those incredible views through your clear kayak. You’re going to want to remember every moment!