Frequently Asked Questions - Catamaran

Motion sickness occurs as a result of the brain acting on conflicting signals from the inner ear and eyes. Occasionally, some passengers may feel sea sick while on the Wine Cat.  Our aim is to offer excellent experiences, therefore the skipper will often move closer to the shore, where the waters are typically calmer. We also offer medication onboard that is very effective in removing sea sickness (Biobands and Quease Ease). Several options you can do to reduce motion sickness include:

• Try to focus on the horizon or a distant object.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Move to the centre of the boat, and sit in the fresh air.
• Take ginger, either ginger ale or ginger capsules.
• Have plenty of rest and avoid eating greasy or spicy foods before you come onboard.
• Take some anti-seasickness medication or antihistamines before you come on board. This can be easily picked up at a local chemist, e.g Paihia Bomb, sealegs tablets, avomine or ask you local chemist.

The Cat will still go out, regardless of the weather. We have a large, warm inside area that has the capacity to host all guests. It’s simply like a restaurant where people stay inside. The good news is, if the weather is really bad, the skipper usually shouts a bar tab to compensate. Previous guest are usually delighted to still have a good night with free drinks on the skipper.  You can be confident we wont cancel the cruise.  

Yes. Let us know what you require and we will design a cruise around that.

Yes. We have a wide ramp leading onto the boat, and plenty of seating space. We have hosted many passengers with wheelchairs before.

If the water is really rough, the skipper tends to travel closer to the shore where it is calmer. The route can simply be adjusted depending on the sea. Sometimes though, the weather conditions at land are not the same at sea. So if there is a strong westerly wind blowing, the sea may appear rough but the boat will sit quite flat. If you are concerned about the weather, and have made a booking on the Cat, you are welcome to call the skipper to discuss the sea conditions before your trip.

Yes. Just let us know prior to your trip, and we will do our best to prepare a special meal that’s suitable. 

We have received excellent feedback from our menu, and it continues to be a valued factor.

Click here to see a description of the current menu (link opens in window window)

Yes, Mastercard, Visa, Amex, JCB and Diners are accepted.

Children of all ages are welcome on board. We suggest the lunch cruise if bringing children. Our Duck rides are also a favorable option with kids. 

Passengers board any time from 10.30, with the boat leaving at 11.00am. We cruise the inner harbour and then out into the Bay. Lunch is served generally when the boat is anchored around 12.30. After lunch we cruise the Bay where you can enjoy the sea views with a glass of wine. 

Passengers board anytime from 6.00pm, with the boat departing at 6.30pm. The cruise begins in the inner harbour then travels out into the Bay. We cruise until approximately 8.00pm when the meal is served while the boat anchors. After dinner we have a great selection of music to dance to until we return between 9.30 and 10.00pm

Sea conditions determine each trip. The areas covered are along the Marine Parade, Port of Napier, Westshore, Bay View and Whirinaki. We don’t go out too far, but enough for people to look back at the shore and see the lights at night or the stunning scenery of the Bay during the day.

Unfortunately no, we do not have a BYO license. However there is full bar facilities on board with pricing that is below what you would normally pay on shore.