Boats & safety

Many of our customers have never driven a boat before.

This is the fun experience we wish to share with them, their friends and family.
For those who have driven a boat, all boats / motors are slightly different, Maritime rules are different for many countries in the world.
For these reasons an Operations Manual is provided with each boat and full instruction is given. Each person must be happy they understand the safety and operating procedures before the safari can depart.

Operations Manual shows :

• Easy to follow instructions on boat operation
• Maritime safe practices and procedures
• Safety equipment carried onboard each boat.
• Additional Safety equipment and a first aid kit is carried onboard the guide boat

Our qualified guide gives a demonstration and instruction from the Operations Manual before departure.
Follow the guide’s direction while on safari they are there to help and show you the best areas of interest while enjoying a fun day on the waters of the sounds.

More than a sightseeing tour, the fun and freedom to drive your own boat is for most, a once a life time scenic adventure they will never forget.

A boat swamp test
The boat cannot sink even when full of water with people on board.
The boat full of water is still stable with a person standing on the siderail.

Boat design
As a boat designer I have many years experience designing and building boats to the Maritime NZ safety standards. The larger boats of my design are preferred by most water taxi and tour boat operators in the Abel Tasman National Park. They are known commercially in New Zealand and overseas for their safety, stability and smoothness of ride.

Working within the travel industry I have learnt most travellers to New Zealand have already seen many other countries. They are known as free thinking, independent travellers who wish to experience our country as well as see it.
With this in mind, I designed a boat to be used like a rental car; safe, stable and easy to learn to drive. This gives travellers the opportunity to experience the coastline of our island nation in the same manner as enjoyed by many New Zealanders.

Although the boats travel at a reasonable speed we do not want people to race or drive the boats in an irresponsible manner. We set standards. These include one guide boat to six safari boats. The guides are trained in safe practice, and to give full instruction on boat operation for those with little or no experience driving a boat. They understand and are happy to help with any advice.

With confidence you will travel further, see and experience more and have a fun day to remember for a lifetime. This is unique to New Zealand.

I look forward to meeting you on our boating safari.

Leicester Bull
Manager

quick and easy to learn for a first timer