What is the Water Taxi?
Water Taxi means any ship which is available for hire to carry passengers to any intended destination. Slipper Island Resort Commercial Vessels are surveyed and are licenced Vessels under Maritime New Zealand. Slipper Island Resort Commercial Vessels are operated by licenced Skippers with the correct certification required to under Maritime New Zealand. Slipper Island Resort water taxi crosses the entrance of a river into the ocean—a highly unstable environment. Slipper Island Water taxi is chartered for guests who have booked and paid for the Water taxi with their accommodation reservation. The Water Taxi is not a continuous ferry / water taxi service for unscheduled transfers. Slipper Island Resort Commercial Skippers’ decision on any water taxi transfers is final.
Water Taxi Location and service.
The location is Tairua Marina.
The Water Taxi service is a passenger transfer service from the Mainland to Slipper Island Resort.
Tairua Marina to Slipper Island Resort on your scheduled arrival date and returning from Slipper Island Resort to Tairua Marina on your departure date. The water taxi fee is for one return trip per person . Minimum 2-person charge applies. Sea conditions apply.
Where should I get access to the water taxi?
Our water taxi sets out from Tairua Marina. Our skippers will guide you from there.
Our skipper will meet you at the Tairua Marina (the fuel dock) - our water taxi (Slipper Express) transfers take place in the morning. We will confirm the exact departure time a few days before your booking, as this is based on sea and tide conditions. You must arrive 20 minutes before the departure time - this allows time to load luggage, etc.
Slipper Island Resort water taxi only transfers for guests who have prebooked the water taxi service and they have received and confirmed our Boating Confirmation Notification.
Do you have a schedule for water taxi transfers?
Yes, Slipper Island Resort schedules Commercial Vessel transfers for guests who have prebooked the water taxi service transfers online.
Please book your water taxi when you book your accommodation.
Normally we transfer people to and from the island from 10.00 AM-1:00 PM.
Please note since transfers for boating is very dependent on sea and tide condition the transfer time will be communicated with the reservation holder 48 hours prior to transfers.
Our skipper will meet you at the Tairua Marina (the fuel dock) - our water taxi (Slipper Express) transfers take place in the morning. We will confirm the exact departure time a few days before your booking, as this is based on sea and tide conditions. You must arrive 20 minutes before the departure time - this allows time to load luggage, etc.
Communication for water taxi transfers information is not communicated for reservations unless the guest has booked the Water Taxi.
How long is the boat trip?
It takes 15-30 minutes to get to our island. When the sea is calm, the duration of the trip each way will be 15-20 minutes. When the sea is rough, the trip will be slower to make it more comfortable. Taking into consideration the time to load and unload luggage, one return boat trip usually takes an hour.
Is there a restriction or limit on number of bags for each passenger travelling on the Water Taxi to Slipper Island Resort?
Guests are advised to bring their personal bag, aquatic bag + their own food and refreshments. A lot of guests will also bring an Icey Tek + ice for keeping items chilled.
As a guideline the luggage weight per person for personal items(clothing, shoes, toiletries, should not exceed 15 kilograms (15 kg) The aquatic bag should not exceed 10 kgs. In addition, each passenger should also bring a chilly bin plus food bags required for the minimum 2- night stay period. Each passenger in the boat would have approximately 25 kg luggage plus their chilly bin/bins with food/refreshment items. You will need to handle and carry your luggage to and from the boat onto the wharves so each item will need lifting onto and off the boat , onto and off the buggy.
Some items are stowed inside the cabin, but the chilly bins are normally stowed in the back of the boat without cover. The lifting weight should not exceed 15kg handling safety reasons. The wharves have steps and ramps which will need negotiating. Luggage - please be practical with the luggage quantity and take into consideration the water taxi will also have other passengers plus their luggage following the same guidelines.
Can I Charter the Water Taxi for returning back to the Mainland during my stay at Slipper Island?
Guests wanting to return back to the Mainland must arrange their own charter and cover all costs for a boat not associated with Slipper Island Resort. Slipper Island does not provide this option.
Slipper Island Resort Commercial Vessel Service is to safely transfers guests for their reserved arrival date, and reserved departure date. The transfers are calculated on the sea conditions for the arrival and departure dates ONLY and NOT the days in between.
If guests chose to leave the Island for any reason on any day which is not your arrival and departure date, there may be a risk that you will not be able to be transferred back to the Island if the sea becomes rough and unpassable. If your accommodation is affected by not being able to return due to any other charter operators decision, or if the sea conditions deteriorate while you are away from Slipper Island Resort then this is at your expense and responsibility.
I did not book the water taxi at the same time I book by accommodation; Can I book the water taxi at a later date?
Yes, please email info@slipperislandresort.com your details including your booking reference , travel dates and number of passengers requiring the water taxi. Please arrange water taxi at least 5 days prior to your travel dates. Conditions apply to water taxi transfers.
Additional administration fee of $30.00 applies to an issued invoice for administration and accounting for late water taxi reservations.
Transfers are subject to availability ,transfer schedules favourable sea conditions.
Can I bring my own boat to Sipper Island Resort for my vacation experience at Slipper Island Resort?
Yes. Conditions will apply. Please email our office with your own boat request.
Please ensure this is indicated on your booking reservation under arrival and departure information if you will be using your own boat for your own transport throughout the duration of your reservation.
Can I drive my car to Slipper Island or can I transport my vehicle to Slipper Island?
No, there is no mode of vehicle transportation to Slipper Island. Boating or flying is the only way to gain access to Slipper Island.
Does the water taxi transfer vehicles to Slipper Island?
No, the water taxi is for passengers only.
What time is check-in?
Check-in time is 10.30 A.M -1.00 P.M.
What time is check-out?
Check-out time is 10:00 A.M.(STRICT) For check-out, you need to pack up by 9.45 A.M and walk your way to the wharf. Your heavy luggage will be transferred by staff onto the wharf at 9.45 a.m. The Water Taxi will be at the wharf for your departure transfer at 10.00 A.M.
Is free wi-fi provided at the Slipper Island Resort?
Slipper Island Resort does have Wi-Fi, but management rely on the limited data supply for management and monitoring of the solar, generator, security and communications all associated with off grid resources for the Resort. Unfortunately, you will need to use your own data.
Are there any restaurants café or shops on the at Slipper Island Resort or anywhere on Slipper Island?
There are absolutely NO shops, stores, cafes, or restaurants at Sipper Island Resort or on Slipper Island.
Tairua is a small town on the Mainland which you may need to stop at and shop PRIOR to your ocean travel to Slipper Island Resort. Tairua has a small selection of shops available for purchasing supplies before you board the water taxi to Slipper Island. Most shops are in the Main Street of the Tairua. Supermarket, pharmacy, clothing store, butcher, bakery ,hairdresser, alcohol store, health store ,café, petrol station ,bookshop, takeaway shop. There is a dive and fishing shop and a little café at the Tairua Marina. Please check each store for their opening and closing hours and they may be closed on set days. Please allow extra time for shopping. Should you require specific items please shop before you arrive in Tairua to avoid disappointment.
Are there barbeques at the Resort?
Yes, each unit has their own Lidded Barbeque plus a gas bottle attached.
Do the Chalets have a kitchen and fridge?
Our Chalets have kitchens and fridges with a BBQ outside on the deck.
Does the units have Air Conditioning?
No
Is there a restaurant or bar on the island? Do I need to cook myself?
All our accommodation is self catering - there are no restaurants or shops on the island, so you will need to bring all your food and drinks with you.
What facilities do the Glamping and Safari tents have?
Safari and Glamping tents have covered kitchenettes that are self-contained. They are built onto the front deck of each tent . They contain a microwave, a 1-meter-high fridge with a freezer compartment. Kitchen cupboards and sink. Hot and cold water.
Dishwashing liquid, tea towels and dishcloth. Kettle and toaster. Tea, coffee, uht milk, sugar sachets, salt and pepper sachets, cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, pots, bowls. The kitchenettes have doors enclosing the kitchen. The lidded BBQ is on the deck of each tent.
The bathroom situated within the tent contains a Flush toilet, hand basin and shower. Hot and cold water.
Each tent has electric power and lighting.
Can I bring my dog /cat /pet with me on vacation to Slipper Island Resort?
No.
Where is the best/safest place to swim?
Just outside your doorstep, Home Bay is the perfect place to swim, kayak or snorkel.
Can I hire or use any aquatic equipment at Slipper Island Resort?
Aquatic equipment - rods ,bait, tackle, dive , tanks, or snorkelling equipment, wetsuit or spring suits are not supplied or sold at Slipper Island Resort due to hygiene, fitment, damage replacement costs, breakages and individuals aquatic limitations or experience. Dutchy's Dive and Fishing Supply Shop is located at the Tairua Marina and sells a large range of aquatic/fishing gear and equipment for all aquatic sales. Alternatively, you can bring you own, or source from the location you are travelling from.
The Resort has 2 x SUP boards + 4 Kayaks, life jackets , paddles which are free for guests to use and share with other guests during your vacation at the Island.
As a checked in guest - How do I travel to focal points on Slipper Island once I have checked in at the Resort?
All checked in guests can walk to their points of interest on Slipper Island providing they are on WMW Slipper Island Resort property. There are no footpaths on the Island. There is no vehicle transport available.. Other private resident properties on Slipper Island are strictly no assess.
Are there security cameras at the resort?
We have a number of security cameras at the resort, these are all on the lodge and there is one at the wharf in Home Bay.
Can I use the wharf at Home Bay for tying up my boat or swimming off if I am not a checked in guest?
STRICTLY NO.
Can I use a drone at Slipper Island?
Drones are permitted. Please do not encroach onto private properties or use them as an upsetting method of any person's personal space and privacy. Do not use drones to frighten animals. Drones are not permitted to be used if our airfield is actively operating, or neighbouring properties are expecting helicopter arrival or departures.
Day Trippers. Can the public visit Slipper Island?
WMW Slipper Island Ltd is privately owned.
I am a day tripper and have arrived at the beach at Slipper but now I want to enter the property look at the venue and accommodation without prior arrangement?
STRICTLY NO – Do not enter the property above the beach without a prior appointment.
How do I look at the complex prior to securing a reservation?
Please email info@slipperislandresort.com to make an appointment. Assess will be declined without prior notification and a confirmed viewing appointment.
Who owns and operates South Bay Campground?
WMW Slipper Island Limited /Slipper Island Resort owns and manages all reservations at South Bay Campground.
All communication for the campground is corresponded and booked though this email address: info@slipperislandresort.com.
Bookings are essential.
Are Weddings permitted at Slipper Island Resort?
The logistics for the Bridal party to rent WMW Slipper Island Ltd for Weddings is no longer offered for the following factors. Sea conditions , weather conditions and remote location are the main stress factors involved for Weddings at Slipper Island.
Slipper Island is an Isolated location. The Resort can accommodate limited guest at the Resort. Sea transfers - legal restrictions. Commercial Sea Vessel Transportation for the boat and the barge under strict time limitations to cross the harbour entrance and ocean safely to ensure family, guests’ caterers, minister ,makeup artists, photographers, sound systems, florist, transportation of marque for assembly and disassembly, transport food and beverages and furniture arrive safely.
There are days when the sea is unpassable. There are no shops or restaurants at Slipper Island. Limited time to choose another venue if your wedding is cancelled at the Resort due to dangerous sea conditions. No unique Honeymoon room for the Wedding couple.
Group bookings - Water Taxi - Schedules - Check in - Check out.
Group transfers are directed by the commercial Skipper. He normally requests continuous transfers from the Mainland to Slipper Island and then returning to the Mainland for the next group until your group is completed. Passenger transfer numbers may vary depending on passenger/ luggage and sea conditions ,but the vessel can transfers 8 passengers per trip-conditions apply.
This number of passengers on the vessel for each transfer remains the decision of the Skipper . We do not do single guests transfers or small passenger amounts if you have a large group associated with your reservation. Please be prepared for back to back transfers if this has been directed by the Skipper. Failure to be on time to board the vessel may result on a trip, or trips being cancelled or deferred. For example: First trip departs 10.00 a.m. Second trip departs at 11.00.a.m.
Does Slipper Island have Defibrillators?
Slipper Island has 2 active defibrillators on the Island. Please download the AED app.
General Cancellation Policy:
Do you have a Covid 19 Policy?
All guests are advised to follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health in relation to COVID, which is to stay at home if they are feeling unwell or displaying the symptoms of the virus.
Maintain physical distancing.
Wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
Our housekeeping team uses industrial disinfectant sprays, sanitisers.
COVID-19 CANCELLATION FOR RESERVATION PROCESSED EFFECTIVE FROM 13/07 2022
For reservations that cannot proceed due to NZ Government Protection Framework:
If there is a government mandate (lockdown) preventing, you from travelling to or from your local area / region.
We will hold the monies paid towards your affected reservation in our guest account for 12 months from the date of cancellation.
Your new reservation dates will need to be within the 12 months of the date of cancellation.
Refunds for COVID-19 pandemic are no longer covered.
COVID-19 CANCELLATION FOR RESERVATION PROCESSED EFFECTIVE FROM 13/07 2022
If you are confirmed positive with Covid-19:
All remaining monies paid towards your affected reservation are held in our guest account for 6 months from the date of cancellation.
Your new reservation dates will need to be within 6 months of the date of cancellation.
In the case of a cancellation request for Covid-19 related amendment on personal grounds, guests may be requested to provide a medical certificate to confirm the medical grounds on which the request is based.
Rebooked dates are subject to availability, tariff changes and minimum stays. If you are not able to advise your new dates within the time allocated for your cancellation, as outlined above, then your credit will be lost.
All rebooked reservations under this policy are non-refundable if cancelled again (subject to management discretion on a case-by-case basis).
Please note this policy does not cover cancelled events or any other parties in your group wanting to cancel.
Refunds for COVID-19 pandemic are no longer covered.
COVID-19 HOSTS CANCELLATION - APPLIES TO ALL RESERVATIONS:
In the event Slipper Island Resort Host/s are confirmed positive with Covid-19 then you will get a refund for the monetary amount you have paid to Slipper Island Resort, and you can rebook the experience if you want. (Refunds can take up to 14 business days to process).