nz's premier kayaking resort
Our Vision
We are proud to provide a unique outdoors experience that allows our clients to have fun, develop their confidence and enjoy the stunning Bay of Plenty scenery. While we get to enjoy these wonders every day, it is a pleasure to be able to share them with both our domestic and international clients and give them an experience they will truly never forget.
Numbers Speak for Themselves
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5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor0+
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Stunning LocationsHow it all began
Waimarino was first established in 1975 by the current owners parents. With a vision to teach kayaking to people of all ages. With this vision in mind, a section along the Wairoa River’s edge was purchased. Barry and Barbara started operating with 6 kayaks in a small wooden shed. They soon became a successful education facility.
In 2003 Blair and, his wife Charlotte Anderson purchased the business and became Waimarino Ltd. Barry & Barbara’s son, Blair developed parts of Waimarino beyond the original vision, opening up new ventures, expanding the grounds; and introduced exciting ways to learn and have fun with the sport of kayaking.
Waimarino Kayak Tours started in 2003 and now operate in Tauranga and Rotorua, on The Wairoa River, Lake McLaren and Lake Rotoiti. With the main operations still based in its original location alongside the Wairoa River.
The Owners
Waimarino is a family run business operated and owned by Blair and Charlotte Anderson, with help from their sons Marco and Alec.
Blair’s parents started Waimarino in 1975, Blair was born into kayaking. "I don't remember learning to swim, neither learning to kayak. It's just second nature for me. Kayaking has always been a real passion for me and still is today." Blair is the idea’s man, with a mind that travels a million miles a minute. Charlotte is the brains behind the operation, and the voice of reason behind Blair's grand ideas. As they say beside every great man there is a great woman.
Marco and Alec will be seen around the Adventure Park running activities for you to enjoy, and throughout the busy Summer you will also find Marco out guiding Kayak Tours The family’s dog Chief may also be seen around from time to time. He oversees pest control for the Adventure Park and is the Chief Counsellor, assisting with mental health by reducing stress and creating a comfortable working environment.
The Waimarino Group
Waimarino Group has now expanded further than just the Waimarino Adventure Park and Kayak Tours. It now incorporates The Waimarino Education Trust.
In 2011 The Waimarino Education Trust was created. The Trust provides After School Club, Holiday and Educational Programmes to New Zealand and International School Students. Most programmes based within the Waimarino Adventure Park.
Health And Safety
Waimarino is proud to be accredited with QUALWORX the benchmark for outdoor safety in New Zealand.
Waimarino's comprehensive 3 tier safety management system is designed to be user friendly, informative and in accordance with the appropriate current legislation's.
Safety comes first at Waimarino. We believe in fostering a strong conservative safety culture with all significant risks highlighted so that they can be learned from and avoided.
"A Qualworx Certification Shows That Your Organisation Has Met The Highest Standard Of Safety In The Adventure Activities Industry.''
