FAQ's

Are the operators reliable?
Cave Rider is operated by Dive! Tutukaka, New Zealand's largest dive charter operator, Qualmark endorsed, a Tourism Award finalist more than once, Outstanding Dive Centre Award and multi-award winners, with 8 vessels in Survey and Safe Ship Management.

How long is the excursion?

Allow 2.5 hours. Half an hour for kit-up and loading, half an hour to the Islands, one hour quietly exploring caves and arches, and half an hour home.

Will your clients get wet?

Not guaranteed, but absolutely possible. A boat can't do what Cave Rider does, without throwing some water around. And, even in mid summer, wind in your face at 60kph or more can introduce a chill factor, too. That is why passengers are kitted out in hooded, full length waterproof wet gear (and life jackets).

There will be wind, there might be spray, but you will be comfortable, in our equipment.

Are there any restrictions?

No children under 5. No physical exertion required, but not recommended for the frail, or people who are scared of the water. Passengers must remain seated while underway, must wear our wet gear and lifejackets, and will be spending two hours in a fast, open boat.

Cave Rider is bigger than most river jets, but is operating in open ocean conditions, with all that implies, in terms of motion.

What are the key points of differentiation?

• The trip is longer than river jet rides. There is a particular thrill in going 23km off-shore into the Pacific Ocean, far from land, where there is marine and bird life not normally encountered on coastal trips.
  
  
• The Poor Knights Islands never fail to enchant, with not only the world's biggest sea cave, but several others of great beauty. Not to mention multiple arches, each more than comparable to the Hole in the Rock.
  
  
• The commentary covers all of this, plus the tragic and fascinating Maori history, and unique natural history of this total reserve.
  
  
• The boat ride is mild adventure; the excursion ranks very highly as a scenic eco-tour.
  
  
• In Tutukaka there are several restaurants and bars with the newest complex in Northland soon to open. Oceans Resort, with 50 rooms and conference facilities, will be operating as a boutique hotel.
  

Cave Rider adds value to Northland as a destination.

Not only is Cave Rider more adventurous, and the eco-experience more complete than Bay of Islands trips, but it is a smaller, stand alone, operation.

It is just off the Twin Coast Discovery Route, a close 2.5 hours from Auckland, and with a limit to 25 per trip, the excursion is more likely to appeal to FITs seeking an intimate and unique Kiwi experience.
Larger tour groups can be catered for by arrangement.