Hubby and I did a kayak tour from Purangi reserve to the hive with Shanan. It was a really cool experience. Shanan is a friendly guy and has been in cooks a while. He gave us a few recommendations of other things to see and do in Cooks that we didn’t know were there, so we will be checking them out.
Slightly odd experience. Advertised as free transfer from Ferry's Landing but when I inquired Shanan told me he'd have to charge me a fee. He said it was a 10 min walk with my 6 year old but it took far longer. It was advertised we could go from Flaxmill Bay but when I asked for this it turned out Shanan said he would need to make a special trip which he did. Arrangements for meeting weren't great- he waited in the car when he'd said he'd be on the beach, so we were wandering around looking for him for 10 mins. He then dropped off the board with lifejackets and a paddle which was fine. It was pretty windy on that day. Seemingly as an after thought he asked if I'd paddle boarded before and gave some loose instructions on where to go/not go on the beach.nnHe then charged me extra for paying with my credit card he hadn't said cash was required and I didn't have any on me... as we'd come out to paddle..... Then said if he wasn't here when we finished just to leave the board on the beach he wasn't. He did offer in fairness to drop us back to the ferry after.nnIt was fine and did what it said on the tin - an hour's paddle board hire - but it was not entirely professional and left me feeling a bit uneasy in windy conditions on a beach I didn't know at all, with a 6 year old.
We were doing the walk Hahei to Whitianga ferry landing. Called him up for a boat ride across the estuary, and he was there on time and helped us with a few directions. Even had a bag to keep our shoes dry for us.
Had an absolutely fantastic day today thanks to Shanan, first time Kayaking but he took the time to teach me the correct and safe way before we left up the river towards a Restaurant called “The Hive” we had lunch there and then returned before the water reverted. Think It took about 3 hours in total and the views where absolutely amaizing. The tour was fantastic and you can’t beat the price thank you again Shanan it made my experience in New Zealand.
Had a real blast doing the tour from Cooks Beach down the river to the Hive restaurant. Shanan was an amazing guide and the whole group had a blast. We saw stingrays, kayaked through the lovely mangrove trees and had a lovely lunch. Would recommend if you find yourself in the area.
