We spend the day out of Auckland snorkelling and kayaking at Goat Island Marine Reserve and exploring the surrounding areas. At the reserve you will see abundant fish and other forms of sea life in a pristine environment - the reserve has been in place for over 25 years. The fish are visible in knee deep water, so this is a great trip even for those who are not keen for a full on adventure.

On the scenic drive there, we'll tell you Maori myths and legends about the places we pass, point out various beaches that are especially good to swim at, rivers worth kayaking on etc. We will also stop in at a fruit stall and an award winning local bakery for you to buy your lunch. When we get up North we stop in at our whanau's (families) house for morning tea and to fit you out with snorkelling gear, life jackets etc. So you can sit on the deck and look at the views of the native bush, Kereru (wood pigeons) the wharf and harbour while we get your morning tea and gear ready.

We will take you out snorkelling to all the best places and point out the various fish, shellfish etc. One of the guides accompanies the group by kayak in case you need a rest or to adjust your snorkelling gear. After lunch on the beach under beautiful pohutakawa trees (interacting with the seagulls and ducks!), we will give you a quick kayaking lesson and then go and explore the area by kayak. They are easy to use sit-on kayaks so are great for beginners.

You'll learn about Tangaroa (God of the Sea), that Maori history of the area and the Maori protocols of being in the sea. Depending on the wind we will either explore the sea side of the island - and its sea caves (with Blue Penguin colony resident Oct-Nov), or we will go to a sheltered near-by bay and kayak around the coastline.

We will then drive a further 15 minutes North to visit Pakiri Beach, a beautiful East Coast surf beach. There you can walk along the white sand, dig for shellfish or go for a swim in the beautiful clear water. To finish the day in true 'Kiwi' style, you'll enjoy complimentary hot chips on the beach at Mathesons Bay accompanied by any shellfish we have gathered.

Saturday only: We start our tour by driving to South Auckland and visiting the renowned Otara Market. This is the South Pacific’s largest Maori and Polynesian market. Be personally guided through the market and see great locally made arts and crafts, find unique souvenirs and feel the rhythm of the Pacific as you weave your way through this vibrant community.

> VIEW MARINE RESERVE PHOTO GALLERY

•		Visit the oldest Marine Reserve in Aotearoa (NZ)
•		See large schools of fish- even without getting in the water
•		Learn how to kayak on easy sit-on kayaks
•		Have our guides point out the various fish species and sea-life
•		Explore the beautiful coastline
•		Have real locals show you around
•		Enjoy morning tea on our deck with the whanau (our family)
•		Maori myths and legends explained
•		Free hot chips on the beach from one of the best fish & chip shops in the country

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