Central-Lower North Island Must-Do's 2021

MUST EDITION 2020/21

YOUR FREE COPY

DOs

Featuring • Regional Maps & Routes • Things to See and Do • Places to Stay

aatraveller.co.nz Includes: The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Waikato/Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Taupō, Tūrangi, Ruapehu, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Wairarapa, Tararua, Manawatū and Rangitīkei

This summer, go beyond where roads can take you and experience the best way to see Aotearoa. From mountain air to ocean breeze, our Scenic trains and Interislander ferries make it easy to explore.

Our journeys offer the best way to experience New Zealand – connecting you with our landscapes, people, places and culture.

Book now at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

Central & Lower North Island

in the places you love, with the people who matter the most

For over 35 years TOP 10 has been helping holidaymakers create great memories in 50 spectacular locations throughout New Zealand.

With a range of accommodation options, all our Parks feature plenty of space, children’s play facilities, BBQ areas plus indoor and outdoor recreational areas.

10% SAVINGS When you join our Club!

TOP 10 Holiday Parks to love in this region: Cambridge Coromandel Town Coromandel Shelly Beach Foxton Beach Gisborne Waikanae Beach Hastings Hot Water Beach Martinborough Motutere Bay

0800 867 020 0800 521 068 0800 521 066 0508 369 866 0800 521 097 0800 0800 0800 0800

521 074 521 078 521 084 876 012

New Plymouth Ohakune Ohope Beach Rotorua Blue Lake Rotorua - City TaupĹ?

Waihi - Beachaven Waihi - Waihi Beach Waitomo Wellington Whanganui River

0800 521 030 0800 521 003 0800 521 005 0800 521 016 0800 223 267 0800 521 023 0800 867 022 0800 521 054 0800 521 056 0800 521 099 0800 521 102

Join at 1

Central & Lower North Island Tongariro National Park © Getty Images

5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF

Central & Lower North Island

TAKE ON MT TARANAKI He who dares, wins. For the fit and strong-willed, hiking up Mt Taranaki in summer is a challenging but spectacular conquest. Stretches of pathway bearing names such as ‘The Puffer’ hint at the difficulty of this eight to ten-hour return trip.

Perseverance will eventually lead to a startling summit, but bear in mind that winter ascents, when the volcano is swathed in snow, is for experienced mountaineers only.

TACKLE THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING Many North Island youngsters take on this seven-hour beast as part of a school excursion, but don’t be fooled; it’s not a doddle, Kiwi kids are just tough! From the Devil’s Staircase which aptly names a series of thigh-burning steps, to windy ridges that howl with the ferocity of helicopter blades, Mother Nature made this terrain to challenge you. She has however, thrown in multiple rewards, including two striking Emerald Lakes and a hidden waterfall.

ABOVE: Spoonbills, Kapiti Island © Kapiti Island Nature Tours INSET: Lake Taupō © Getty Images

2

SOME SERIOUS BRAGGING RIGHTS COME WITH THESE TOP FIVE ACTIVITIES

DISCOVER LAKE TAUPŌ’S SECRET ENCHANTED WORLD DISCOVER KĀPITI ISLAND Free from all introduced pests and predators, Kāpiti Island is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important bird sanctuaries. The inhabitants, ranging from beadyeyed tomtits to green-breasted wood pigeons are remarkably tame. Many will spy you as soon as the ferry lands, while others will follow you on a guided tour. Just one hour’s drive from Wellington

and five kilometres off the coast, it’s nature exactly as it should be.

KAYAK TO DONUT ISLAND Sparkling just one kilometre off Whangamata Beach, kayak or standup paddleboard to a droplet of pure Utopia, better known as Donut or Whenuakura Island. Venture through the 12-metre cave to find a secret lagoon. This piece of paradise is also a sacred wildlife sanctuary so leave it exactly as you find it.

LOOK BEYOND LAKE TAUPŌ Everyone knows Taupō’s lake is as enchanting as it is enormous, but few people know about The Squeeze. Part of Taupō’s River Jet adventure, you can take a fastpaced jet-boat blast through the Tutukau Gorge to reach a secret, enchanted world. Make your way through rocky crevices and clamber over boulders to find a gorgeous waterfall and a naturally-heated bathing pool.

Central & Lower North Island

M

ost places on Earth don’t look like this.

A land where volcanoes can be climbed – active or otherwise – and great gurgling geysers spit out their insides. When you get used to seeing bubbling mud pools, Hobbit houses and lakes the size of small countries, you know only one thing – you’re on New Zealand’s North Island.

Welcome to

Wellington Night Market Left Bank © Nicola Edmonds INSET: Redwood Treewalk, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

Welcome to CENTRAL & LOWER NORTH ISLAND ISBN > 978-1-98-852350-7 © The New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated 2020. All rights reserved.

Don’t miss any of our must-do’s in the townships listed below; tick off every experience, activity and accommodation we rave about (trust us, we know our stuff) and use the maps to plot your route.

AA and the AA logo and the Tourism pictogram are registered trademarks and the colour combination YELLOW & BLACK are trademarks of The New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated.

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this guide, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies or changes since going to press, or for consequential loss arising from such changes or other inaccuracies, or any other loss direct or consequential arising in connection with information provided in the publication.

There is no requirement for advertisers in this guide to provide discounts for AA Members; some individual advertisers offer concessions and details of these are 4 NEED TO KNOW indicated in their listings.

And that’s just its remarkable middle. Spread outwards and you’re presented with soul-soothing coastline, surf towns and a capital city so far removed from urban bustle, it identifies as a community more than a political centre.

CONTENTS

All content in advertisements was provided by advertisers.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced (except brief passages for the purpose of review), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publishers.

Published in October 2020 by AA Tourism Publishing, Level 1, Building 2, 61 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0632.

PO Box 101 001, North Shore 0745.

T. +64 9 966 8720 F. +64 9 966w 8721 E. tourism.images@aa.co.nz W. www.aatraveller.co.nz Advertising Enquiries: T. +64 9 966 8720 E. tourism.sales@aa.co.nz COVER IMAGE: Castlepoint Lighthouse © Getty Images

5 NORTH ISLAND MAP 7 CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND MAP 9 LOWER NORTH ISLAND MAP 10 THE COROMANDEL 12 SHOREBIRD COAST 12 HAURAKI PLAINS 12 Kaiaua • Paeroa • Pūkorokoro-Miranda 13 THAMES/THAMES COAST 14 Coromandel Town 16 Colville 17 WHITIANGA, WHANGAMATA, WAIHI & SURROUNDS 18 Whitianga 20 BAY OF PLENTY 22 Katikati

22 Tauranga 23 Mt Maunganui 25 Pāpāmoa/Pāpāmoa Beach • Te Puke 26 Whakatāne 27 Ōhope Beach 28 TAIRĀWHITI GISBORNE 31 Ōpotiki • Te Kaha 32 Hicks Bay 33 Gisborne 34 WAIKATO/WAITOMO 36 Hamilton 37 NORTHWEST WAIKATO 37 Te Kauwhata 38 WAIPA 38 Te Awamutu • Cambridge 39 MATAMATA-PIAKO 39 Matamata 39 SOUTH WAIKATO 39 Te Aroha

40 WAITOMO 40 Waitomo Caves 42 ROTORUA 52 LAKE TAUPŌ, TŪRANGI & RUAPEHU 54 LAKE TAUPŌ 58 TŪRANGI 58 RUAPEHU 59 Tongariro National Park • Taumarunui

78 CENTRAL TARANAKI 78 Stratford 79 SOUTH TARANAKI 79 Hāwera 82 WHANGANUI 84 HOROWHENUA, KĀPITI COAST & WELLINGTON 86 Ōtaki • Paraparaumu 87 WELLINGTON CITY

60 HAWKE’S BAY

90 HUTT VALLEY

64 Hastings

91 WAIRARAPA

65 Napier

94 TARARUA & MANAWATŪ

68 Havelock North 70 TARANAKI 72 NORTH TARANAKI 72 Urenui 73 NEW PLYMOUTH 78 Inglewood

94 Dannevirke • Pahiatua 95 Palmerston North • Feilding 96 RANGITĪKEI 96 Taihape

3

Central & Lower North Island

AA CENTRES TAURANGA Cnr Devonport Rd & First Ave Ph: +64 7 927 4772 HAMILTON 313 Barton St Ph: +64 7 958 3610 Shop 7, 5 Cross Rd Ph: +64 7 853 2580 ROTORUA 1121 Eruera St Ph: +64 7 349 0653 TAUPŌ 3 Tamamutu St Ph: +64 7 378 6001 HASTINGS 521 Heretaunga St West Ph: +64 6 878 7543 NAPIER 33 Carlyle St Ph: +64 6 834 2594 NEW PLYMOUTH 49-55 Powderham St Ph: +64 6 968 7845 HĀWERA 121-123 Princes St Ph: +64 6 278 5095

Temperatures Coromandel Bay of Plenty Eastland Waikato/Waitomo Rotorua Taupō Hawke’s Bay Taranaki Wellington

i-SITE VISITOR CENTRES WHANGANUI 202 Victoria Ave Ph: +64 6 348 9163 LOWER HUTT 29 Waterloo Rd Ph: +64 4 917 1861 MASTERTON 221 Queen St Ph: +64 6 377 0802 PARAPARAUMU 8 Amohia St Ph: +64 4 296 1064 PORIRUA 13 Cobham Court Ph: +64 4 910 9708 WELLINGTON 342-352 Lambton Quay Ph: +64 4 931 9999 FEILDING 96 Fergusson St Ph: +64 6 323 8663 PALMERSTON NORTH 227 Broadway Ave Ph: +64 6 355 7720

Average summer

Average winter

18.6oC 10.7oC 23.4oC 14.8oC 24.0oC 14.8oC 23.3oC 14.2oC 22.1oC 12.4oC 22.0oC 11.5oC 23.9oC 14.7oC 21.2oC 13.7oC 21.6oC 12.3oC

THAMES 200 Mary St • www.thecoromandel.com WAIHI 126 Seddon St • www.thecoromandel.com WHITIANGA 66 Albert St • www.thecoromandel.com TAURANGA 103 The Strand • www.bayofplentynz.com WHAKATĀNE Cnr Quay St & Kakaharoa Dr www.whakatane.com GISBORNE 209 Grey St • www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz ŌPOTIKI 70 Bridge St • www.opotikinz.com WAIROA Cnr SH 2 & Queen St • www.visitwairoa.co.nz CAMBRIDGE Cnr Queen & Victoria Sts www.cambridge.co.nz HAMILTON ArtsPost Galleries & Shop, 120 Victoria St www.visithamilton.co.nz MATAMATA 45 Broadway • www.matamatanz.co.nz MORRINSVILLE 251 Thames St • www.morrinsvillenz.co.nz ŌTOROHANGA 27 Turongo St • www.otorohanga.co.nz TE AROHA 102 Whitaker St • www.tearohanz.co.nz TE AWAMUTU 1 Gorst Ave • www.teawamutuinfo.co.nz TE KUITI 160 Rora St • www.waitomo.govt.nz TĪRAU SH 1, Tirau • www.tirauinfo.co.nz WAITOMO 21 Waitomo Village Rd www.waitomocaves.com REDWOODS Longmile Rd • www.rotoruanz.com ROTORUA 1167 Fenton St • www.rotoruanz.com

KAWERAU 1 Plunket St • www.kaweraunz.com TAUPŌ 30 Tongariro St • www.lovetaupo.com TŪRANGI Ngawaka Pl • www.lovetaupo.com TAUMARUNUI Railway Stn, 116 Hakiaha St www.visitruapehu.com HASTINGS Cnr Russell & Heretaunga St East www.visithastings.co.nz HAVELOCK NORTH Cnr Te Aute & Middle Rds www.visithastings.co.nz NAPIER 100 Marine Pde • www.napiernz.com NEW PLYMOUTH 65 St Aubyn St • www.visitnewplymouth.nz SOUTH TARANAKI 55 High St, Hawera www.southtaranaki.com STRATFORD Miranda St • www.stratford.govt.nz WHANGANUI 31 Taupo Quay www.discoverwhanganui.nz FOXTON 92 Main St • www.teawahou.com LEVIN 10 Bath St • www.tetakere.org.nz MASTERTON 10 Dixon St • www.wairarapanz.com MARTINBOROUGH Cnr Bruce & Dixon Sts www.wairarapanz.com WELLINGTON 111 Wakefield St • www.wellingtonnz.com UPPER HUTT 836 Fergusson Dr www.visit.upperhuttcity.com PALMERSTON NORTH The Square • www.manawatunz.co.nz TARARUA 45 Vogel St, Woodville www.tararua.com

JUMP ONLINE

Discover our

© Mount ain Jade

Kiwi Gems!

AA Traveller is proud to present the Kiwi Gems that make our country really special. With over one hundred Kiwi Gems covering the length and breadth of Aotearoa – we guarantee you’ll find something new to do! Check it out:

www.aatraveller.co.nz

This guide and the rest of our suite of Must-Do guides can be downloaded at: issuu.com/aatraveller At the click of a button you can link directly to a property’s website to book accommodation.

COVID CASUALTIES While every care has been taken in the compilation of this guide, due to the pandemic there may have been changes since going to press. We advise you to

check before you visit any establishment mentioned in this guide, as they may be in hibernation, offering limited services or no longer open for business.

Look for the mark of Quality Qualmark is New Zealand Tourism’s official mark of quality. When a business displays a Qualmark rating, you can be sure that the business has been independently assessed and has met strict quality standards. The Sustainable Tourism Business Awards (Gold, Silver or Bronze) also gives a guide to travellers to recognise the business’s performance against the Sustainable Tourism Business criterion.

4

For travel ideas, itineraries, online maps, a time and distance calculator and the AA EV Charge Finder, go to:

www.aatraveller.co.nz

Central & Lower North Island

NORTH ISLAND MAP North Cape

Cape Spirits Reinga Bay

Great Exhibition Bay Nin

Te Kao

ety

1

ur bo ar

a

H

1 Taipa 2 Cable Bay 3 Coopers Beach 4 Mangonui 5 Hihi

Karikari Peninsula

H ou

il e

hor

M

Houhora Pukenui Be

Doubtless Bay

ac

Cavalli Islands

h

2 5 Waipapakauri Waipapakauri 1 34 Beach 10 Awanui Whangaroa Kaeo Kaitaia Ahipara Broadwood

Kohukohu Rawene Ferry

Lake Taharoa Lake Kaiiwi

Paihia

Bland Bay

Ferry

Whangaruru Oakura Oakura Bay

Kawakawa

15

Omapere

Russell

11

Moerewa

Kaikohe

Hokianga Harbour

Cape

Islands Brett

Lake Omapere

12

Opononi

Bay of

Matauri Bay

Kerikeri Mangamuka 4 Waimate Bridge 3 1 Nth Okaihau Ohaeawai 2 1

1

1 Haruru Falls 2 Opua 3 Puketona 4 Waitangi

Matauri Bay

Whananaki

Whakapara

Tutukaka

Hikurangi

Trounson Kauri Park Kaihu

Ngunguru

Kamo

15

14

Tangiteroria

1

Whangarei

Maungatapere

12

Poor Knights Islands

One Tree Pt Whangarei Heads Marsden Point Hen & Chicken

15

Dargaville

Ruakaka Wair

Baylys Beach

oa R

TASMAN o pir Ri

Paparoa

Ruawai

12

Matakohe

Co

SEA

Mokihinau Islands

Islands

Uretiti Beach

Taranga

Waipu Island Waipu Cove Mangawhai Heads Maungaturoto Mangawhai Goat Kaiwaka Island 1

ast

Tinopai K ai p

Wellsford Omaha

ar a

Forgotten World Highway

1

16

br

Shelly Puhoi Beach Kaukapakapa Parakai Silverdale

Waiheke Island

Rangitoto Is

18

Muriwai Beach Henderson

Pukekohe

Waikato River

2

Whangamata

Mayor Island (Tuhua)

26

25 Mercer Ngatea Hikutaia Meremere Kerepehi Karangahake 1 Te Kauwhata 27 Gorge Waihi Paeroa Waihi Beach Waikino Lake

Glen Murray

Port Waikato

Thames

Slipper Island (Whakahau)

25A Pukorokoro/ Miranda Turua Wentworth Valley 25

Bombay

Tuakau

OCEAN

The Aldermen Islands

Tairua Pauanui

a

Patumahoe Waiuku

Thames Coast

Kaiaua

PACIFIC

Hahei Hot Water Beach

25

Papakura

Auckland Int. Airport 22

Clarks Bch

of Thames

Manukau

au M anuk H br

SOUTH

Coromandel Whitianga 3 0 9 Rd

Firth

AUCKLAND

16

20

Piha

Red Mercury Island (Whakau)

Mercury Bay

i nsul Pen

The Classic NZ Wine Trail

Red Beach Whangaparaoa Pen. Whangaparaoa

Albany

Great Mercury Island (Ahuahu)

Waikawau Bay

el

Manawatu Scenic Route

Orewa

1

Cuvier Island (Repanga Island)

Fletcher Bay

Gulf

Waiwera

and

Helensville Riverhead Kumeu

Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island)

Tryphena

r om Co

Surf Highway

Port Fitzroy

Leigh

Matakana Sandspit Kawau Island Snells Beach Hauraki

Warkworth

H

Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island

Waikare

Te Aroha Huntly Gordonton 1B 23

Rukuhia

Ohaupo

Te Awamutu 31

Otorohanga

3

Hangatiki

Ri

Te Kuiti

50 km

Mangakino Piopio

15

3

Awakino

North

4

Mokau

M ok

Taranaki

Waitara Oakura

Egmont Village

Okato

. Mt Taranaki 2518 (Mt Egmont)

Opunake

Kaponga

45

Kuratau

Whangamomona

43

Pipiriki

49

Normanby Manaia

Patea

3

5 M

Himatangi Beach

er Riv ei

Tikokino

Waitarere

Kapiti Island

Te Tai-o-Aorere

IT

Paekakariki RA ST

Karamea Little Wanganui

Inte r -I

Havelock

Nelson

Tapawera

Richmond

Plimmerton Titahi Bay

Porirua

6

1

Wakefield

Renwick

Tawa 1 Petone

sla nd

WELLINGTON F Tuamarina Spring Creek

Blenheim

OK

Hira

60

Rai Valley

CO

Motueka

Masterton

58

2

Lower Hutt

Lake Wairarapa

Eastbourne

63

63

Gladstone

53

Martinborough

Motorway

Sealed

Unsealed

SH 1-9 SH 10-99 Main Roads Railway/Rail Tunnel State Highway Shield

Castlepoint

1

i-SITE Visitor Centre Information Centre

Greytown

Featherston

MAP REFERENCE AA Centre

Riversdale Beach

DOC Visitor Centre International Airport Dive Sites

err y

Wellington Int. Airport

Skiing

Wairau Valley 6

Blackhead Beach Black Head

Cape Turnagain

Carterton

Upper Hutt

Ocean Beach

Waipukurau

Herbertville

Eketahuna Alfredton

Havelock North Waimarama

Porangahau

57

Waikanae Paraparaumu

Portland Island

Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Maui

2

Pahiatua Pongaroa

Otaki

Bay

Clive Te Awanga .

399 Te Mata Peak

57

Tokomaru

East Cape

Otane

Dannevirke

Woodville

Mount Bruce Mauriceville

1

Paraparaumu Bch Raumati Bch

SOUNDS

Tasman Bay /

Marahau Kaiteriteri

Oparara

Takapau

2

Totaranui MARLBOROUGH

Ngarua

Ashhurst 56

Levin

Golden Bay / Mohua

Pohara Takaka

Feilding

56

Foxton Shannon

Collingwood 60

Norsewood

1

Mahia

51

Pukehou

50

Waipawa

Palmerston North

Manawatu River

Pakawau

Mahia Beach

Napier

Hastings

Utiku

54

Tangimoana

Nuhaka

Mohaka

Bay View

Bulls 3

Wainui Beach

Wairoa

2

Hawke Lake 1 Moawhango

itik ng

Gisborne Poverty Bay

Mahia Peninsula

Marton

Bainham

Raupunga Putorino

Mangaweka Hunterville Rata

Sanson

Muriwai

Frasertown

River

aka oh

2

Whanganui

Whangara

38

50 2

4

Ormond

Makaraka Waikaremoana Tuai

Turangi

Taihape

Bight

Whanganui Inlet

Lake Waikaremoana

Waitahanui

Taradale

Waverley

Waitotara

Taranaki

it a ng

Waiouru

nui Riv er ga

Kakaramea

South

Ra

Wh an

Tawhiti

Hawera

Ohakune

Raetihi

Lake Rotorangi

2

Ruatahuna

2797 . Mt Ruapehu

4

Eltham

Huka Falls

Tolaga Bay

Te Karaka

River

48

Stratford

35

Galatea

Reporoa 38 Golden Murupara Springs

Lake Rotoaira 46 47 1967 Mt Tongariro 2287. Mt Ngauruhoe

National Park

Midhirst

1

Tokomaru Bay

Motu Matawai

Te Rangiita

Tokaanu

Owhango

Tahora

Inglewood

Cape

Oaonui

Uruti

3A

3

Egmont

41 43

Motunui Urenui

New Plymouth

Taumarunui

Ohura

Onaero

Lake Taupo

Waipiro Bay Te Puia Springs

2

Taupo

Acacia Bay

Ruatoria

Ruatoki North

Mt Tarawera . 1111

5 32

Tikitiki

35

Ohope Bch 2 Ohiwa Awakeri 2 Te Teko Opotiki Taneatua Kawerau

Waiotapu

1

Kinloch Wairakei

Whakatane

East Cape

34

L Tarawera

30

au R iv er

Bight

L Okataina

Rotokawa

30 Lake Ohakuri

Pureora

Maniaiti/ Benneydale

Thornton

Matata Edgecumbe Lake L Rotoma Rotoma 30

Hicks Bay Te Araroa

Te Kaha

Omaio

L Rotomahana L Rerewhakakaaitu

Whakamaru

30

30 miles

Ra

0

32 v er

Lake Rotoehu

Rotoiti Mourea

Rotorua L Okareka

Tokoroa to ik a Wa

Scale

0

33

Lake Rotoiti

Lottin Point

Bay of Plenty

2

36

Lake Arapuni

37

Waitomo Caves

28

27 Okoroire 1 Tirau Lake 28 5 Hamurana Kihikihi Karapiro Putaruru Ngongotaha Arapuni Lichfield Lake Rotorua

Pirongia

Kawhia

24 29

Cape Runaway

Waihau Bay

Tauranga

Te Puna Papamoa Beach Pukehina Beach 29 Papamoa Maketu Te Puke Paengaroa

Matamata

Cambridge

21

39

Whakaari / White Island

Motiti Island

Mt Maunganui

2

26

Hamilton

Te Rapa

Raglan

Morrinsville

Matakana Island

i

1

Waingaro

Katikati

27

Ngaruawahia

ik

Waikaretu

Cape Palliser

Tramping

Seddon Lake Grassmere

5

Central & Lower North Island

COROMANDEL

Discover our Kiwi Gems

aatraveller.co.nz

6

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND: REGIONAL MAP Ocean Beach Hen and Chicken Islands

Mokohinau Islands

Taranga Island

Langs Beach

Needles Point

Mangawhai Heads Mangawhai

Goat Island

SOUTH

Cape Barrier Cuvier Island

Cape Colville

Silver- OREWA dale

Hauraki Gulf Colville

Waiheke Island

Climb Oneroa Rangitoto

18

AUCKLAND

Clarks Beach

Bombay PUKEKOHE 2

Waiuku

Tuakau

23

1

Hamilton Airport

Pirongia

4

Kopaki 30

30

Barryville

Taumarunui

41

WHANGANUI

Upokongaro

38

Rotorua

PARK

Te Haroto Te Pohue

PARK

5

Moawhango Pukeokahu

RUAHINE FOREST PARK

Ruahine

54

2

Bartletts Morere Nuhaka

Fernhill

NAPIER Clive

Flaxmere HASTINGS Maraekakaho Havelock North 50

Te Hauke

2

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Waimarama

Whangara Turihaua Makorori

Wainui

Young Nicks Head

Classic NZ Wine Trail

MAP REFERENCE AA Centre Sealed

Hawke Bay

51

State Highway 35 / Pacific Coast Highway Gable End Foreland

Mahia Beach

Napier Art Deco Festival Hawkes Bay Wine Trails

35

Te Araroa Trail

Tangoio

Eskdale

Tolaga Bay

Mahanga Beach

Portland Island

Otamauri

Ohotu

Muriwai

Mahia Peninsula

2

Kuripapango

Waiouru

Tiniroto

Wairoa

Mohaka

Ruapehu

Tangiwai

Taihape

2

KAWEKA

Otoko

Mangatuna Wharekaka

GISBORNE

Tuai Piripaua Te Reinga 38 Marumaru Waiau Frasertown Raupunga

Tarawera

Mawhai Point

Whatatutu Te Karaka

Kaitaratahi Ormond Hexton

Lake Waikaremoana

Pohokura

FOREST

Matawai

Rakauroa

Rangitaiki

Hikuwai Arero

Motuoroi Island

TE UREWERA

Taupo

Kaimoho Point

Whareponga Te Puia Springs

Eastland

Motu

Oponae

Ruatoria

35

Toatoa

2

WHIRINAKI TE PUA-A-TANE CONSERVATION PARK

5

Waitahanui

2

Hicks Bay Te Araroa Awatere East Cape Tikitiki

Mt Rotokautuku Hikurangi Hiruharama RAUKUMARA CONSERVATION Aorangi PARK

35

Hawai Torere Opape

Waimana

Kopuriki

Te Whaiti

35

Waioeka Pa

Murupara

Skydive over Taupo

1

Pacific Coast Highway

TE UREWERA

Tikokino Ohingaiti Elsthorpe Mangarimu Waipawa Ashley Peep-O-Day Ashcott Clinton 1 Waipukurau 2 Norsewood Marton Kimbolton Takapau

Fordell Hunterville 3

Reporoa

FOREST

1

4

Kai Iwi

Mt Tarawera Rotomahana

KAIMANAWA

Rangipo

Mt Ruapehu

Koriniti Kakatahi Pa

Waverley

Pohutu Geyser

5

1

Jerusalem Ranana Oreore

Ruatoki North

Earthquake Flat

Ngakuru Wai-O-Tapu Upper Atiamuri Waiotapu Galatea

Chateau Tongariro

49

4

Turangi

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

47

ROTORUA

Trout fishing

46

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK 4 Bridge to Nowhere WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK Ohakune

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK

Hatepe

47

National Park

Raetihi

Lake Taupo

41

Raurimu

Forgotten World Highway

Whangamomona Matauu Pohokura

Taneatua Kawerau

Port Ohope

TAUPO

Kuratau Junction

4

Ruapehu

L Rotoiti

State Highway 35 / Pacific Coast Highway

Te Kaha Awanui Waiorore Whitianga State Highway 35 / Otehirinaki

Ohope OPOTIKI

30 34

Rotorua Airport

1

Ohope Beach

WHAKATANE

Tokerau Edgecumbe Rotoehu

Cape Runaway

Whangaparaoa Waihau Bay Raukokore

Waikawa Point

Moutohora Island

Matata

L Rotorua

30

Acacia Bay

Owhango Tokaanu

Kirikau

Maketu Pukehina Pikowai

33

Falls

The 5 Redwoods

Bay of Plenty

Huka Falls

PUREORA

43

Tahora Kohuratahi

TOKOROA Kinleith

Mokai

32

Tihoi

Tuhua

Ohura

43

3

2

KAIMAI 36 MAMAKU CONSERVATION PARK Okere

Timber Trail

Maniaiti/ Benneydale

Papamoa Beach

Paengaroa Oropi

Whakaari/White Island

Whakaari/ White Island

TAURANGA

Te Puke

29

Mangakino

OngarueFOREST PARK

4

Nihoniho

1 32

Mangatupoto

Strathmore

Mount Maunganui/ Mauao

2

Tauriko MATAMATA 24

PUREORA FOREST PARK

Waiteti

Mahoenui Mokauiti

Tongaporutu Okau Kotare

Katikati

30

Piopio Aria

3

Awakino no

Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks)

Waharoa

Paewhenua

3

Tanehopuwai Mangaotaki

Waikawau

2

CAMBRIDGE 29 28 29 27 Mystery 3 1 Creek TIRAU

Te Kuiti

Regional Boundary Lines

Matakana Island

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

27

Hamilton Gardens

37

CAVES

Bay of Plenty

Waihi Beach

Te Aroha

Otorohanga

Waitomo WAITOMO

Moeatoa

Mayor Island

TE AWAMUTU Paepaerahi 5 Tihiroa Kihikihi PUTARURU Hauturu Lichfield Ngongotaha 39 Honikiwi Ngahape Spas & relaxation

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Te Anga

WHANGAMATA

Omokoroa Beach

Balloons over Waikato

FOREST PARK

31

26

HAMILTON

Te Mata 39 Makomako PIRONGIA

Kawhia

Tirohia

26

Waingaro Landing RAGLAN Whatawhata

25

Karangahake Gorge

Waihou Huntly Tauhei 1B Morrinsville

Ngaruawahia

TE HUTEWAI FOREST PARK

27

Waiterimu

Glen Massey

Surfing in Raglan

25A

COROMANDEL 26 FOREST PARK

2

Manawatu Scenic Route

Pauanui

Paeroa Waihi

Lake 1 Waikare

Lake Whangape

Te Akau

Ngatea

The Aldermen Islands

Tairua

Hikuai Opoutere

THAMES

Te Kauwhata

Waikato

Whenuakite

COROMANDEL FOREST PARK

25

Forgotten World Highway

Hahei Hot Water Beach

Pukorokoro/ Miranda

Mercer Meremere

Port Waikato Waikaretu

25

Coroglen

25

Waiomu Kaiaua

HUNUA RANGES REGIONAL PARK

Driving Creek Railway

Coromandel Peninsula

Firth of Thames

20

Matarangi

WHITIANGA

Ponui Island

Ramarama

OCEAN

New Chums Beach

Waiheke Island

22

Mercury Islands

COROMANDEL

16

20A

PACIFIC

Coromandel

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Whangaparaoa

50km

Claris

Leigh Omaha WARKWORTH Matakana Coast Snells Beach 1

0

Great Barrier Island

Little Barrier Island/ Hauturu

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

SH 1-9 SH 10-99 Major Roads Railway State Highway Shield Must-Do’s i-SITE Visitor Centre

Unsealed

1

DOC Information/ Visitor Centre

International Airport Domestic Airport Skiing Tramping

7

Central & Lower North Island

On a budget

tips for

road trips

Some travel costs you can’t do much about, though it pays to shop around for rental car deals – and a huge range of accommodation options translates to a range of related prices, too. From camping at Department of Conservation (DOC) sites, to booking into high-end, beachside resorts – the price of a bed for the night varies significantly.

If you’re watching your dollars, here’s how to save: • Consider travelling in off-peak season. The height of New Zealand summer – mid-December to March – is when New Zealand families are holidaying. If you can take your road trip earlier or later, you’ll save on accommodation costs.

• Keep an eye out for Farmers’ Markets. Many towns and cities run markets on weekend days.

They’re a great place to pick up cheaper fruit, vegetables, fish, free-range eggs, artisan bread, honey and a lot more – and the produce is likely to be super fresh and probably organic.

• Orchards, market gardens and berry farms selling direct from the gate are well worth stopping for. They tend to operate on the honesty box system, so ensure you have coins for very good deals on apples, citrus, feijoas, nuts, grapes and vegetables.

• Shop around for petrol.

Some service stations are cheaper than others.

© Bay of Plenty Tourism

New Zealand is great for travelling by car. It’s a long, narrow country with intriguing roads in all directions and while many of those roads are winding and narrow, they all lead somewhere interesting.

8

D

rive to the conditions, don’t be in a rush, and allow for plenty of stops along the way.

Be spontaneous. While the plan may involve going from A to B, why not take that back road or explore the side roads?

Do your research. Pick up maps and guides from an AA Centre or i-SITE, or check out itinerary ideas online. Book your accommodation online at www.aatraveller.co.nz

Kids in the car? Think about playing some car games and make a point of stopping to let them stretch their legs. New Zealand has plenty of quality, easily accessible playgrounds and even a run on the beach will help everyone enjoy the journey in the long run.

Pack snacks. With or without hungry children in the car, it’s a good idea to have some food and bottled water to keep the driver’s energy levels up.

• Pick up an AA Smartfuel Membership, collect points on your travels and redeem them in the shape of discounts on petrol.

• Pick up free AA maps and travel guides from AA Centres and i-SITES.

In the glovebox Have on hand:

• Insect repellent • Sun block • Hand sanitiser • Tissues • Mobile phone • Torch • First aid kit • Plastic bag for rubbish

WOMAD

3A

Kapiti Island Waikanae Beach Paraparaumu Beach

Mana Is Mana

ST R

AI T

Wellington Harbour

C

O

Ngawi

Lake Ferry

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

57

3

Mangaore Mangaore

53

Greytown

Cape Palliser (Matakitakiakupe)

Pahiatua

Masterton

Gladstone

Castlepoint

2

Herbertville

Cape Turnagain

Wimbledon

Wanstead

Waipawa Waipukurau

Tararua

2

50

Flaxmere

50 50A

Hawkes Bay Wine Trails

5

2

50

Hawke Bay

38

2

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Wairoa

Te Araroa Trail

NZ Cycle Trail

The Classic NZ Wine Trail

Forgotten World Highway

Manawatu Scenic Route

Regional Boundary Lines

Havelock North

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Cape Kidnappers

Napier Art Deco Festival

Awatoto

NAPIER

Hawke’s Bay

2

Waikaremoana

TE UREWERA

NATIONAL PARK WHIRINAKI TE PUA-A-TANE CONSERVATION PARK Lake

HASTINGS

Kuripapango

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve

Pongaroa

Dannevirke

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

5

KAWEKA FP

Skydive over Taupo

RUAHINE FP

Riversdale Beach

Flat Point

5 Huka Falls

TAUPO

Tinui Whakataki

Alfredton

Wairarapa

Ruakokoputuna

Cape Palliser

Woodville

2

Mangatainoka

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre

Mount Bruce

3

Ashhurst

RUAHINE FP

Eketahuna

Kahutara Martinborough

2

2

Shannon

56

57

Feilding

54

Rangiwahia

Mangaweka

Taihape

1

RESTRICTED ENTRY ARMY TRAINING AREA

KAIMANAWA FP

Alpine Crossing

Waiouru

Mataroa

Ohingaiti

NORTH

Carterton

AORANGI FOREST PARK

REMUTAKA FP

Eastbourne

Parliament Bldgs Petone

1

Marton

TARARUA FOREST PARK

Featherston

1 UPPER HUTT LOWER HUTT Beehive &

Homegrown

Zealandia

Raumati Beach

FOREST PARK

58

Otaki

Waikanae

1

Raumati South Paekakariki Pukerua Bay 1 AKATARAWA

PORIRUA

Bulls Ohakea

Foxton

Levin

Waiterere Beach

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve

Horowhenua/ Kapiti Coast/ Wellington

Paraparaumu

Foxton Beach

3

4

4

49

Ohakune 1

NATIONAL

1

1

Trout fishing

Turangi

Mt Ngauruhoe Tongariro

PARK

41

Acacia Bay Lake Taupo (Taupomoana)

46 Mt Tongariro Tongariro

47

32

TONGARIRO

Mt Ruapehu

4

ei R i v er 1 54 Tangimoana Himatangi Beach PALMERSTON Himatangi

gitik

Manawatu

R an

Rangitikei

WHANGANUI

3

R

4

41

48 Chateau

PUREORA FP

Taumarunui

National Park

4

Raetihi

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK

Pipiriki

PARK

Waverley Waitotara

Whanganui

Patea

3

Eltham

Bridge to Nowhere

Taranaki WHANGANUI NATIONAL

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK

Forgotten World Highway

Whangamomona

43

iver

TASMAN SEA

3

43

43

ui

WELLINGTON

Hawera

45

Stratford

The Goblin Forest

3

Inglewood

Urenui

3

an ang

South Taranaki Bight

Mt Taranaki (Mt Egmont)

3

Waitara

3

Wh

Opunake

45

45

EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

Oakura

44

Bell Block

Len Lye Centre

NEW PLYMOUTH

New Plymouths Coastal Walkway

North Taranaki Bight

Mokau

Awakino

Ri v er W air o a

TASMAN SEA

2

0

35

Sealed

Tramping

Lighthouse

Golf

Dive Sites

Domestic Airport

International Airport

DOC Information/ Visitor Centre

i-SITE Visitor Centre

Must-Do’s

State Highway Shield

Railway

Major Roads

SH 10-99

SH 1-9

Motorway

1

Unsealed

MAP REFERENCE AA Centre

Wainui

30km

State Highway 35 / Pacific Coast Highway

GISBORNE

LOWER NORTH ISLAND: REGIONAL MAP

K O

9

The Coromandel

GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

The Coromandel

10

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

The Coromandel

SWAP LIFE IN THE FAST LANE FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE SEDATE. THE COROMANDEL IS THE ULTIMATE PLEASURE PENINSULA.

I

f you need respite from the go-go-go, The Coromandel provides escapism by the bucketload. From long stretches of near-empty beaches to vast expanses of water peppered with pleasure boats, when you’re looking to disconnect, The Coromandel is the kind of place where you can live in your togs and live out your dreams.

With so many spectacular natural surroundings,

hideaways exist on idyllic beaches such as New Chums.

Discover the world-class surf break and white-sand beach of Whangamata; charge to the top of the Pinnacles; build your own sea-fronting hot tub at Hot Water Beach and stare into a huge open-pit gold mine just minutes from Waihi. You can explore remnants from a prosperous gold-mining history, follow an art trail forged by creatives, or simply soak up the feel-good vibes

that are supercharged in these parts.

With 400km of coastline and a swarm of offshore islands, The Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s favourite aquatic playgrounds. Fishing communities are rife, so book a full day of angling or charter a boat to the tropical droplets of Slipper, Shoe and Aldermen islands.

Whatever you choose to do, go and embrace the tempo change.

Karangahake Gorge reflection © Destination Coromandel

11

The Coromandel

Shorebird Coast WORLD-CLASS BIRDWATCHING, FISH ‘N’ CHIPS AND REJUVENATING HOT POOLS… OH, GO ON THEN!

T

he Shorebird Coast covers the western shoreline of the Firth of Thames with the number of birds flocking to this wetland often exceeding 10,000. The birdwatching is therefore worldclass. Pop into Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre beforehand to get up to speed with its vast and various species.

Don’t miss Miranda Hot Springs, with three pools of varying heat and one that stretches a whopping 47 metres in length. Another must-do

would be the Shorebird Coast’s succulent seafood. While locals are often seen collecting shellfish for a home-cooked meal, nearby restaurants serve equally fresh morsels.

The pretty seaside town of Kaiaua has a safe family beach, excellent fish and chips at Kaiaua Fisheries and popular ice creams at The Pink Shop. The Hauraki Rail Trail has recently been extended to join Kaiaua with Thames so you can enjoy an easy 50km ride observing birdlife and wetland.

Grey heron, Miranda wetlands © AATP RIGHT: Owharoa Falls, Hauraki Rail Trail © Destination Coromandel

Welcome to the Hauraki Plains FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF HARDY PIONEERS AND EXPLORE GOLD-MINING RELICS IN THE HAURAKI PLAINS, THEN STOP FOR THE OBLIGATORY PIC WITH A SEVEN-METRE L&P BOTTLE ON PAEROA’S MAIN STREET. FROM HERE IT’S JUST ANOTHER 20KM TO WAIHI, HOME TO THE COUNTRY’S RICHEST GOLD MINE AND AN EQUALLY DAZZLING WHITE-SAND BEACH.

KAIAUA kai (eat), aua (mullet or sprats) • 85km SE of Auckland

Kaiaua Fisheries Restaurant & Takeaways 941 East Coast Road, Kaiaua • Phone: +64 9 232 2776 Email: kaiauafisheries@gmail.com • Kaiaua’s famous fish ‘n chips. Licensed restaurant or takeaway food. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

• Enjoy views of the Coromandel Peninsula, covered deck & tables.

• Only 1hr from Auckland & 30min from Thames.

• Visit www.facebook.com/Kaiaua.fisheries. famous.fishandchips/ for opening hours.

Group bookings welcome.

12

HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL Dubbed one of the easiest bike rides in the country and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, set aside two to three days for a scenic spin through gold towns and train tunnels beaming with glowworms.

Other highlights include birdlife and the gorgeous Karangahake Gorge.

ducks, ponds and humour. There are dilapidated row boats offering ‘cheap rates’ and fairy tale castles stating: ‘No witches, sorcerers or insurance salesmen’.

PAEROA Where the soft drink L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) was born and is still being made. Take a snap with the 7-metre-high replica bottle and then nip into the town’s museum or visit the riverside Maritime Park for history and paddleboat rides.

PAEROA MARITIME PARK & MUSEUM Understand the importance of New Zealand’s maritime history and then jump aboard the Tamati, a lovingly restored kauri paddleboat which will escort you up the river.

NGĀTEA WATER GARDENS Immaculate gardens scattered with

THE PINK SHOP – KAIAUA

• A place to stop and have a break while travelling along the peaceful Seabird Coast.

• Enjoy the view & have the best coffee on the coast.

• Ice creams, coffee/tea, cold drinks, lunch snacks. Catch up on reading material. PostShop.

• Opposite Pirate ship Playground. WiFi available.

999 East Coast Rd, Kaiaua P: +64 9 232 2824 PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

T

he ill-advised rush through Thames in a hurry to greater Coromandel, whereas those with some nouse scratch a little deeper. Stick around – this historic town only reveals its secrets to the inquisitive.

GOOD TIMES in Thames & the Thames Coast

Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, tens of thousands of Europeans flocked here in the 19th century looking to get rich quick. The resources eventually dried up, but the town’s golden spirit lives on. From its appealing main street, flush with historic wooden buildings, to history hunting at The Treasury and Thames Historical Museum, the past is as vocal as the present.

Don’t miss your chance to try gold panning at the Thames Goldmine Experience.

ORGANIC PRODUCE, ARTS, CRAFTS AND PRODUCTS UNIQUE TO THE REGION, HELD EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8AM-12PM IN GRAHAMSTOWN.

SEASPRAY MOTEL 613 Thames Coast Rd, RD 5, Waiomu Bay, Thames Coast

The motel that’s right on the beach Unique 60s vintage motel right on the water.

Seaviews from every unit. An affordable place to relax and enjoy the sunsets after spending your days exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.

BBQ in the garden. Fish from the lawn. Listen to the sound of the sea. Boat parking available.

Full kitchens. Pets by arrangement.

Tariff: $90‑$150 (2 persons), extra person $15 each. Seasonal rates.

• Beachfront sites 19km north of Thames • Store, kitchen, hot showers, flush toilets, laundry, boat wash, fish-filleting area • Opposite hotel/restaurant • Swim in sea or creek, boat ramp within 4km • Accommodation includes power/ non-power sites, on-site caravans/ cabins • Tariff: cabins from $50 double.

Camping from $15 adult, $10 child per night.

• Off-season rates available • Best priced camp ground in all of Coromandel • Food Trailer in summer season

EST [X6

GLEN RD ORO

25

TA

THAMES HOSTS A WEEKEND MARKET BRIMMING WITH

Tapu Camp

PU C

Royal Oak Hotel

D

TOP TIP

Other, more modern activities include nipping into the cafés on and around Pollen St for a coffee fix, abseiling down thrashing waterfalls in Sleeping God Canyon and venturing into Kauaeranga Valley for a hike just a 10km drive from the Thames town centre.

Tapu School

THAMES COAST R

Thames Coast © Destination Coromandel BELOW: Thames market © Peter Burchell

Ph: +64 7 868 2863 Email: sea.spray@xtra.co.nz www.seaspraymotel.co.nz Hosts: Katherine & John Tizard

The Coromandel

CREAG

H ST

25

723 Thames Coast Road, Tapu, SHW 25, Thames Coast P: +64 7 868 4837 • Email: tapucamp@xtra.co.nz www.tapucamp.co.nz

13

Coromandel Town

COROMANDEL TOWN IS PERFECTLY PEACEFUL. IN FACT, THE NEXT TIME YOU’RE IN NEED OF A LITTLE HARMONY, MAKE A BEELINE HERE.

Coromandel Town © Getty Images INSET: Top Hut, Tuateawa © Carmen Huter

C

oromandel Town’s main street was made for ambling. Stroll from art gallery to art gallery, of which there are many. Between viewings, admire the town’s restored Victorian buildings and fall into various cafés. Should you wish to saunter further, the town’s closest beach, Long Bay (3km north west) has soft sand and a gorgeous campsite, while Waiau Falls, a 20-minute drive south, offers an idyllic swimming spot. Some of Aotearoa’s best mussels and oysters flourish in these waters so taking a charter boat to the outer islands for fishing and sightseeing is highly recommended. Eating them is pretty good, too!

Coromandel Town is linked to downtown Auckland by a twohour seasonal ferry with stops at Waiheke and Rotoroa islands.

Once docked at Hannaford’s Wharf, a complimentary bus transfers passengers into Coromandel Town proper.

COROMANDEL TOWN after HMS Coromandel • 55km N of Thames

BOOK

DIRECT FOR BEST PRICES

Harbour View Motel Coromandel

Whether you are coming for business or pleasure our aim is to make it a memorable one.

We offer Studio & 2-bedroom units at reasonable rates all with well-equipped kitchens.

Other features include 50+Sky TV Channels – Free WiFi – Private outdoor spa pool – Air-con/Heat Pump – BBQ area – Fish filleting area and plenty of off-street parking for boats, buses and trucks.

Our unique style of hospitality has turned many of our guests into regular guests.

We look forward to being your hosts! Dave & Janeen

The shops, cafés and restaurants are only a short stroll away.

Quality accommodation with Certificates of Excellence and great reviews.

365 Kapanga Rd, Coromandel Town • Ph: +64 7 866 8402 Email: corocourt@xtra.co.nz • www.coromandelcourtmotel.co.nz 14

• Peace & quiet • Private deck • Spa pool • Free WiFi • Overlooking harbour • Kayaks & bike use • 6 spacious self-contained units • All units have SKY Guest Select & air-conditioning/heat pumps • Continental breakfast available

ok or Bo ct f ates e R Dir est B

The quiet and peaceful location makes it a popular place to stay.

Harbour View units have views with a deck

25 Harbour View Rd, Coromandel Ph/Fax: +64 7 866 8690 E: harbourviewmotelltd@xtra.co.nz

Visit: www.harbourviewmotelltd.co.nz PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

The Coromandel

FUN FOR ALL Driving Creek Railway is five minutes from Coromandel Town with a shuttle service running from the centre. Chug through native kauri forest on a one-hour miniature train, admiring Hauraki Gulf views.

The narrow gauge locomotive zigzags past ceramic sculptures to a platform called the Eyefull Tower which boasts far-reaching views.

Visitors can also soar through the forest on a zipline with Coromandel Zipline Tours, and if you’ve never tried a bike-powered water cannon before, the wacky water-powered creations at Waiau Waterworks are also a must.

Driving Creek Conservation Park © Coromandel Zipline Tours

NAMING THE COROMANDEL HMS Coromandel, the first European ship to bring settlers to the region, was named after India’s Coromandel Coast and the region came to take the same name. Local Māori called the Coromandel Peninsula, Te Tara-ote-Ika-a-Maui, or the barb on the tail of Maui’s stringray. Maui used the barb to catch a stingray which then became the North Island.

COROMANDEL TOWN MAP Coromandel Golf Course

To Driving Creek Railway (1.5km)

FR

E

ST

K

RI AU

EDWARD ST ST UR TH AR ER T ST

ITT

B AL

G PA

KA RY PA N GA

Wh

r ang a

OR I A T S GREE N HI

V ICT

AP O ANG WH

UA

25

ga

itian

Wh

DOAD ROAR

TI KI MU

RA

KA

AD RO

Coromandel Harbour

N MA

IKO OM

MAP REFERENCE

REC RES

RO AD

NG

RRY CHE

To

T D S UN PO

KOR

O STR

RE

W OOL LA

TE

m

St

I

ah

i

RESERVE

HO

Y

MS

RF HA W PATUKIRIKIRI

K TI

Coromandel Smoking Co.

N

S

am

LL

GLOVER

re

MA RL E EL EN S GOLD

DR

St

ALFRE D

AD RO ST

S NG RI

I

AD RO

ROAD

Golf Police Station PostShop

T AT W

PO T

RESERVE

Te Kouma Harbour Cottages

ST

TIK

RES

BLACKSMITH L ES CHAR

SH 25, Coromandel Ph/Fax: +64 7 866 8747 Email: tekouma@xtra.co.nz www.tekoumacottages.co.nz Reservations: 0800 777 027 Hosts: John & Rose Deane & Family

K ar ak a

D ROA

• Tariff: from $40-$250pp per night. Seasonal rates apply. 7 fully s/c cottages $120‑$150 per night.

Bunkroom for larger groups sleeps 23, & Backpacker Cabins from $40pp per night. Campsites from $20pp per night. 2‑brm log house with private swimming pool $250 (2p).

Whangar a h i

AL LM COURTHOU SE

W alk

D ROA

• Tariff: from $40-$250 a night. Seasonal rates apply.

Str e a m

AN

k oc Bl

Y BA

• Free kayaks, swimming pool, BBQ, games room, nature walks, fishing etc

I AK HA U R

uri

NG

• Cabins available, ideal for fishing groups or backpackers

Ka

RT

Coromandel School of Mines & Historical Museum

Coromandel Oxidation Ponds

LO

• Spectacular views and harbour‑front location • Great venue for weddings and conferences • Surrounded by a farm

EW VI

250m

TE

no noise, no stress, no worries

HAR

UR BO

A LB

0

To Coromandel r oa Oyster H u a Co. (4km)

25

Str e To Thames

15

The Coromandel

COLVILLE

Coromandel countryside © Getty Images BELOW: Colville General Store © Destination Coromandel

& the Top of the Peninsula LOCAL BUZZ ‘I love grabbing some fresh fish & chips from the Coroglen Tavern and heading down to the Waiwawa River with the kids for a picnic. Quite literally on our doorstep with a beautiful freshwater hole to swim in. It’s magic any time of year.’

Michelle Harper – Lifelong local and publican at the Coroglen Tavern

COLVILLE after Rear Admiral Lord Colville • 26km N of Coromandel

OTAUTU BAY FARM CAMP ON THE POHUTUKAWA COAST

Head north from Coromandel Town to Papa Aroha, Amodeo Bay and beyond, stopping at these must-see places on the way.

• A family friendly camp at beautiful Otautu Bay bordered by a working farm on the northern picturesque Coromandel Peninsula.

• Beautiful sandy beach, great fishing, safe swimming, ideal for walking or relaxing • Power & tent sites • Unit & lodge • Laundry, hot showers, toilets, freezer, bait & ice • Tariff: camping $16 per adult per night, children (5-14 yrs incl) $8 per night per child. $8 per night extra for power. Units & lodge seasonal rates apply Prices subject to change.

Port Jackson Port Charles

Otautu Bay Farm Camp

Little Bay

www.otautubaycamp.co.nz OTAUTU BAY FARM CAMP 257 Port Jackson Rd, Colville Ph/Fax: +64 7 866 6801 Email: otautubaycamp@xtra.co.nz

16

A sliver of sand and a thing of beauty, McGregor Bay’s golden good looks are only enhanced when the sun sets.

COLVILLE Local artisans sell their crafts here and the Hereford ‘n’ a Pickle café offers a cosy coffee spot as well as a great range of home-made preserves and an assortment of artwork and books.

ŌTAUTU BAY

Colville

Coromandel

MCGREGOR BAY

Home to Ōtautu Bay Farm Campsite which is a bit of a gem.

Enveloped by a working farm, there’s a safe, sandy swimming

beach 500 metres away as well as a boat launch.

COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY At the very tip of the peninsula is the 7km track that takes three to four hours to walk one way and boasts remarkable views of the offshore islands.

WAITETE BAY You’ll immediately want to dip your toes into the aqua-blue water that laps Waitete’s clean champagne sand. Found at the end of a gravel road and untouched by the masses.

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

The Coromandel

WHITIANGA

Whangamata & Waihi

All of these holiday hot spots will put you in a bare feet and toes in the sand kind of mood.

TAIRUA TO WHIRITOA MAP To Whitianga, Coromandel

W

Waipapa Island Te Ororoa Point

25

SAILORS GRAVE HISTORIC RES Twin Kauri Track

Te Karo Bay

The Aldermen Islands Shoe Island (Motuhoa)

Tairua COROMANDEL FOREST PARK

Mt Paku 179m

Tairua Golf Club

Pauanui The Lakes Golf Resort

Mt Pauanui 387m Watchman Rock

RD

acles

Hikuai A

H IK U

I

TL E M SET

Lakes Resort Golf Course

Penguin Island Rabbit Island

Ohui Historic Phoenix Goldmine

Opoutere

OP OU T

To Thames, Hauraki Plains

Ruahiwihiwi Pt

UA RD

PACIFIC OCEAN

W

OR

Wharekawa

0

wa W h ar ek ar b our r euk aw a H ar r bao HWah

ER E

25A

Slipper Island (Whakahau)

T EN

IR Onemana HIT I P Whitipirorua Point

T A IR UA R D

Whangamata PO RT

Whangamata Golf Club-Titoki

Hauturu Island Whenuakura Island

Whangamata Golf Club-Williamson

Parakiwai

Waiharakeke

HI

WA I

FOREST PARK

COROMANDEL FOREST PARK

ATA RD GAM

ECOROMANDEL

AN WH

NG

Whiritoa 25

Otonga Point To Waihi, Tauranga

MAP REFERENCE

Diving Golf Tramping

5km

hitianga town centre has a lively mix of cafés and shops, as well as a small ferry that scoots to Ferry Landing within minutes. From here you can venture to Cooks Beach or rent an e-bike and zip up the coast to Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. If more time on the water is desired, small cruises and banana boats sail to Cathedral Cove, skimming across the dazzling Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

Cruise to the secret bays of Aldermen and Mercury islands, or if it’s the right week in September, the Whitianga Scallop Festival will be in full shucking mode. For take-home keepsakes, Whitianga’s Bread and Butter Gallery has a retina-pleasing selection of prints, ceramics and jewellery.

A five-minute walk from central Whitianga leads to relaxed Buffalo Beach. Norfolk pines flank the promenade and The Lost Spring Thermal Pool complex is just steps away. A little further north is Lonely Bay, a golden nugget of beach that’s seldom busy.

The quintessential Kiwi surf town of Whangamata boasts the typical white-sand beach and laid-back main street, while nearby Waihi has prospered from mining over the centuries but it’s the beach that now shines brightest. Tackle some waves or watch the surf pros from the shore. Just across from Waihi Beach is The Secret Garden, an oasis of lush greenery reminiscent of Bali. Plant yourself in a hidden corner or a wooden pavilion with strong coffee and a good book. Try a traditional Balinese massage or, if it’s summer, lie back and enjoy live music.

TOP TIP: One kilometre offshore from Whangamata lies Whenuakura Island (Donut Island). This little nugget of tropical splendour has two small beaches at its centre, which is in fact a collapsed blowhole. Entry into the cove is via a 12-metrehigh cave which emerges into the small lagoon. To get there, go with a certified kayaking company and treat the island with respect to ensure it’s preserved for the future.

ABOVE: Mercury Islands © Jamie Wright

17

The Coromandel

Discover Hahei

DIG YOURSELF A JACUZZI AT HOT WATER BEACH. FOR TWO HOURS

Collect a vial of Hahei’s twinkling sand, it’s the beach equivalent of Swarovski crystal!

EITHER SIDE OF LOW TIDE, MAKE A HOLE AND WATCH AS HOT WATER FROM NATURAL SPRINGS SEEPS

Hahei is, of course, so much more than just pretty beach. Start by visiting the Hereheretaura and Te Pare pā sites which are now scenic reserves.

UP THROUGH SPARKLING SANDS.

For adventure, Hahei Beach Bike Rentals have fixed a pannier rack to their bikes, so you have extra space for a spade – perfect if you’re heading to Hot Water Beach. In addition, Schwinn Bikes have added a purpose-built picnic box to some of their bikes, and picnic baskets to the others. Ride them together and you have the perfect picnic date for you and your compadre.

Guided Cathedral Cove kayak tours depart Hahei, or to get completely off the beaten track, the Remote Coast Tour traverses coastline rarely visited by travellers. Kayak to sea caves, rock gardens and old volcanic islands, before paddling deep inside a blowhole.

Hot Water Beach © Destination Coromandel

Make the most of Whitianga

G E O -T H E R M A L P O O L S , D AY S P A & D I N I N G

Escape to The Lost Spring

Escape to The Lost Spring

W H ITIANGA’S G EO –TH E R MAL OAS I S

Sovereign Pier, Whitianga © Destination Coromandel

W

ith easy access to the Mercury Islands, Whitianga is an ideal base from which to go diving. You can also sink into the thermal hot waters at adult-orientated Lost Spring Spring spa or walk along the nearby esplanade.

The always-popular Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio weekends are held annually over the first two weekends in March and combine everything from local sculptors and printmakers to photographers and woodworkers.

If you arrive outside of these dates, the stunning self-drive art tour covers the length and breadth of the region. The Mercury Bay Art Escape Art Guide is updated yearly and can be picked up at artist studios, libraries and local i-SITES, or you can download it. You’re strongly encouraged to contact artists ahead of your visit to arrange a good time to pop in for a yarn and look-see.

18

Geo-Thermal Pools W H ITIANGA’S G EO –TH E R MAL OAS I S

Day Spa Pools Geo-Thermal Cocktails, Poolside

Day Spa & Restaurant Dining Cocktails, Poolside

Restaurant 121A Cook Drive, Whitianga 3510, +64 Dining (07) 866& 0456 The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Book Now www.thelostspring.co.nz +64 (07) 866 0456 www.thelostspring.co.nz

121A Cook Drive, Whitianga 3510, The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Supervised children 14 years & over welcome Supervised children 14 years & over welcome

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

The Coromandel

Cathedral Cove

You can walk to Cathedral Cove from Hahei in 45 minutes, but a boat tour adds a little extra kapow.

SCENIC CRUISES Boat tours come in all shapes and sizes, but Cave Cruzer boasts a small 10-person motorboat which can access smaller areas. Zip around Cathedral Cove, various blowholes and New Zealand’s second largest sea cave, Orua. Cave Cruzer also holds a Marine Mammal Watch Permit allowing the vessel to get closer to penguins, seals and dolphins.

BANANA BOAT Bump through the marine reserve on a banana boat, skipping past stunning beaches, caves and the world-famous Cathedral Cove. Bring your own snorkels for swims along the way, or for something extra special, book the Sunset Tour for an early evening ride.

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT By looking through the boat’s glass panels, you get all the perks of snorkelling without the need to get wet. Explore the reef systems in and around Cathedral Cove and keep your peepers peeled for crayfish, stingrays and even octopus.

Should the water prove too enticing, snorkelling equipment is also supplied.

WITH ITS PHOTOGENIC STONE ARCH, PEARLY WHITE SAND AND AQUA MARINE WATER, CATHEDRAL COVE IS EVERY INCH THE BEAUTY YOU’VE BEEN SOLD IN THE GUIDEBOOKS. Cathedral Cove © Getty Images

WHITIANGA MAP MAP REFERENCE

Airfield Golf i-SITE Visitor Centre Police Station PostShop

REC RES

R

RES

1km

ach

Be

BE AC

B uff al o

BUFFALO

REC RES

RD

R SE ECOU AC

Mercury Bay

Beach

R

uka

Oh

25

BUFFALO BEACH SCENIC RESERVE

BU F

Whitianga

D OA

H

0

To Coromandel

25

B uff

H BEA C LO FA COOK

STRE ET

DRIV E

DR

REC RES

HILTON PARK

Te Ana Point

SOU T

Treleases Point

Whitianga Harbour

CAM PBE LL ST ALB ERT

IV E

LL

CO OK

I RUA T IA N

GA SK E

Passenger Ferry Mercury Bay Museum

RA

Glass Bottom Boat

RD

JOAN

The Lost Spring

h

To Tairua

A A NG

ac

I WH

WHIT I

REC RES

Be

TA

GA

25

D ROA

S

DRIVE

Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club

S PA BY

al o

Whitianga Airfield

SCENIC & HISTORIC RESERVE Whitianga Rock

REC RES

WY

BRUSH UP ON YOUR KIWI LINGO AT THE WHIRITOA

Quarry Point

HH

I RD NG

PU

TOP TIP

Whiritoa Store © AAT

P

STORE AND CAFÉ, 15 MINUTES SOUTH OF WHANGAMATA. BURGER OPTIONS INCLUDE THE ‘YEAH NAH’ AND ‘CHOICE AYE’.

19

Coastal Bay of Plenty

LAND OF FRUIT & HONEY

Coastal

Bay of Plenty It’s in our nature THE NAME SAYS IT ALL. YOU’LL WANT FOR NOTHING IN

THIS BLESSED REGION. RICH IN GOOD FOOD, COASTLINE AND ACTIVE PURSUITS, THERE’S PLENTY TO KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY.

F

our hundred years after Māori first arrived, Captain Cook named this huge stretch of shoreline the Bay of Plenty, namely for its abundance of natural resources, including food.

You certainly won’t have to look far for delicious kiwifruit, avocados and mānuka honey.

It is also a region that offers plenty of excuses to get outdoors. Whether that’s twilight kayaking to see glowworms in Lake McLaren’s canyons, or exploring Moutohorā/Whale Island, where penguins and seals frolic on the rocks and sea caves implore you inside. Swim

20

with dolphins, brave the mountain bike trails, set off on a tramp or cruise to outer islands accessible only by boat.

Moturiki Island (also known as ‘Leisure Island’ in English) is located just a stone’s throw off Mt Maunganui beach. It’s conveniently connected to the mainland by a man-made land bridge and features a ferocious blowhole.

If you’re not exploring then you should be indulging. Succumb to Mt Maunganui’s sophisticated café scene, also home to Friday’s Gourmet Night Market (summer only) and The Little Big Markets, which occur on the first

Saturday of every month. In Papamoa, Dinner in the Domain is also worthy of your taste buds, with food trucks to eat at and chef performances to gawk at.

Families can’t get enough of Waimarino Adventure Park: 10 minutes from Tauranga City and home to water trampolines, giant inflatables and New Zealand’s only kayak slide. For smaller children, there’s Dame Lynley Dodd’s much loved Hairy Maclary sculptures on Tauranga’s waterfront and McLaren Falls is a gorgeous spot for bush walks, picnics and kayaking, with Marshalls Animal Park situated adjacent and full of fun.

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Coastal Bay of Plenty

Mauao, Mt Maunganui Beach in summer © Tourism Bay of Plenty

21

Coastal Bay of Plenty

TAURANGA THE PERFECT BLEND OF CITY AND LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE RIGHT NEXT TO THE BEACH.

Katikati Sculpture, Katikati © Tourism Bay of Plenty

K

nown as New Zealand’s mural town, Katikati has around 60 pieces of art depicting the people and events that have shaped the place. Take a guided mural tour at the weekend, snap a selfie with ‘Barry’, a typical Kiwi bloke reading his newspaper and marvel at the other sculptures.

Museum for local history. Visit in summer for the popular Twilight Concerts; spread out a rug, unpack your picnic and relax for some great Saturday night entertainment.

Don’t forget to visit The Wine Portfolio Cellar Door to taste the finest selection of wines, or drive the Katikati Cuisine Trail to meet 10 local artisans and try their fare. Pop into the Katikati Information Centre on Main Road for more details.

PERSON, MADE FOR SOLO WHITE-WATER ADVENTURES. JOIN RIVERBUG.NZ FOR AN EXCURSION ON THE BAY OF PLENTY’S BOISTEROUS RIVERS. THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR SMALL CHILDREN ALL THE WAY UP TO HARDENED DAREDEVILS.

TAURANGA

sheltered anchorage • 65km N of Rotorua

140 McLaren Falls Road, Tauranga

ps t ou rs en Gr tou ntm & poi ap

There are lots of unique attractions here. Soak in a thermal pool at Sapphire Springs while listening to tūī sing, stroll around the Katikati Bird Gardens and admire the camellias and magnolias.

Check out the Western Bay

A RIVER BUG IS A SMALL INFLATABLE CRAFT FOR ONE

by

The Haiku Pathway, the only one outside of Japan, winds past Uretara Stream and features more than 40 haiku poems carved into river boulders.

Katikati’s prosperity owes much to horticulture. Avocados, kiwifruit, nashi pears, citrus fruit, flowers and vegetables are all grown here, and you can meet the locals and stock up on provisions at the local market every Friday from 4-6pm at the A&P Showgrounds.

HAVE YOU TRIED RIVER BUGGING?

KATIKATI 40km N of Tauranga Sapphire Springs Holiday Park & Thermal Pools Family-owned holiday park. 32ha native bush haven with stream. Choice of motel units, camp sites, bungalow, lodge and cabins. Motorhomes welcome.

Features: Warm thermal pools and hot tubs, playground, BBQs, camp store and more. 5km from Katikati at foot of Kaimai Ranges. Come for the day and play, or stay for a relaxing holiday.

Tariff: Camping from $20. Lodge/cabins from $60. Motels from $130 (2 persons). Bungalow from $360 (12 persons). Check website for day rates.

274 Hot Springs Rd, RD 2, Katikati Ph: +64 7 549 0768 Email: info@sapphiresprings.nz www.sapphiresprings.nz

22

Katikati

Sapphire Springs

Pacifica Golf

To Tauranga

• Playground • Picnic area • Flying fox • Pony rides • Underground springs • Eel swirl • Hand-feed the animals • Refreshments available • Short walk to Falls Café And much much more! Walk or drive.

www.marshallsanimalpark.co.nz PH: +64 7 543 3734 • WITHIN McLAREN FALLS PARK Open all weekends, Public & School Holidays 10am-4.30pm • Other Times: Wed -Fri 10am-2pm PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Coastal Bay of Plenty COME NIGHTFALL, TAKE IN THE SHIMMERING CITY LIGHTS FROM AN EVENING CRUISE OR JOIN A GLOWWORM KAYAKING TOUR. DRIVE TO LAKE MCLAREN IN 25 MINUTES AND AS THE SUN SETS, PADDLE FROM IT’S SHORES INTO AN ENCHANTING CANYON.

Te Papa Peninsula, Tauranga © Tourism Bay of Plenty

W

hen in Tauranga, stroll along the attractive waterfront and linger in the shops, grab fish and chips from Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market and, if you’re visiting on a Saturday, peruse the weekly farmers’ market.

Visit Tauranga’s Historic Village, a charming row of character buildings where New Orleans seems to have met Kiwiana. Lovers of great coffee and bespoke artwork will love this street, while those with a penchant for all things home-made (or homegrown) won’t be able to resist the Historic Village Market. Held every

first and third Sunday of the month.

The Strand reserve runs the length of the waterfront and features nine Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures, tidal stairs, a pier for ‘bombing’ and a pontoon. If you’re an art-lover, visit Tauranga Art Gallery and ask staff for a map detailing a walk which passes the town’s street art and public installations. Don’t forget to take part in Tauranga’s citywide game – Tauranga Rocks.

The concept is simple: hundreds of small painted pebbles have been stashed in parks, gardens and public spaces. If you find one, hide it again for someone else to uncover.

LOCAL BUZZ Aaron Winter – Brand Ambassador, partowner of The General café and a passionate Mt Maunganui local. Here’s what Aaron loves most about living in this region.

‘All it has to offer. Within a 2km radius of where I live I have surf, fishing and diving, the Mount itself to go up or around, Pilot Bay and the harbour. I also love the business precinct and being able to access so much on foot or bicycle. Within an hour you have multiple beautiful lakes to choose from, and within a few hours the mountains and the snow. Within one to two hours north or south there is the beginnings of The Coromandel and East Cape, which have their own wonderful coastal environments.’

MT MAUNGANUI

tall or large mountain • 7km E of Tauranga 224 Papamoa Beach Rd, Papamoa Ph: +64 7 572 1424 Email: thebeachhouse@xtra.co.nz

enuine Soak in rgal hot pools! e min

Book Direct for BEST

RATES

Best Price Book Direct

Private Thermal Pool Sporting groups & families welcome

0800 651 777

Bennett’s Tauranga Motor Inn, 2 Fifteenth Avenue, Tauranga email: stay@btmi.co.nz website: www.bennettsmotorinn.co.nz

• Contemporary, architecturally designed • 18 spacious units • 150 metres to beach • Swimming / spa • Games room • Free WiFi • Restaurant, café & supermarket 3min walk • ASB Stadium Arena/ Speedway 5min drive

www.beachhousemotel.co.nz

Reservations Freephone 0800 42 99 99

23

Coastal Bay of Plenty

Life’s a beach at Mt Maunganui

DOLPHIN SEAFARIS NZ WILL PUT YOU (PRACTICALLY) NOSE-TO-NOSE WITH THESE GRACEFUL CREATURES.

IMMEDIATELY GET TO GRIPS WITH THE LOCAL

ENJOY COMPREHENSIVE

LINGO BY REFERRING TO MT MAUNGANUI

COMMENTARY FROM ONBOARD

AS ‘THE MOUNT’ AND THEN JUST AS QUICKLY

WILDLIFE GUIDES AND LOOK OUT

ADOPT THEIR LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE.

FOR ‘PHOTO DAY ON THE BAY’ EVENTS, WHERE A LOCAL MARINE LIFE PHOTOGRAPHER JOINS GUESTS TO GIVE PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS.

TOP TIP

Mt Maunganui Beach • LEFT: Dolphins BOTH IMAGES: © Tourism Bay of Plenty

S

itting on a peninsula, the town’s surf-centric Main Beach ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world, while Pilot Bay occupies the other side with a beautiful band of shoreline that is ideal for swimming.

Situated at the base of the mountain (Mauao) on both ocean & harbour beaches, next to boat ramp, cafés & the hot salt-water pools. Popular family park.

Ideal for schools & groups.

Sites from $45, cabins from $95 (1-2 persons).

Seasonal rates apply.

While the beaches are startling, it’s Mt Maunganui that instantly draws the eye. A commanding presence at one end of Main Beach, it’s also known by its Māori name of Mauao.

Warn your legs that there’s a thighburning set of steps to the top, or

opt for a flatter, 45-minute walk around the foot of the Mount. Both walks present eye-punching ocean views and once complete, there are geothermal salt-water hot pools at the base.

Watersports are de rigueur here. Charter a boat, water-ski, try parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding, or rent a kayak straight off the beach. For an experience to brag about, visit the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum and enjoy a flight in a World War II biplane.

LOCAL BUZZ Malika Ganley – Brand ambassador, part-owner of The General café and a Mt Maunganui local shares her top tips ‘Walk up the Mount to get perspective on how unique and pretty our home town is.

Enjoy our beautiful beach.’

MOU

MARINE PARADE MAUN GANUI RD TH

EM

AL

L

ONS AV E GRACE AVE

LS

COMM

POO

ADAMS

HOT

AVE

NT

1 Adams Ave (at the base of the Mount), MOUNT MAUNGANUI Ph: 07 575 4471 • Fax: 07 575 4476 • Email: info@mountbeachside.co.nz

RESERVATIONS: 0800 682 3224 • www.mountbeachside.co.nz 24

PACIFIC COAST LODGE & BACKPACKERS

• Award-winning Qualmark rated Siver 4-star hostel.

• Large and spacious. Great vibe and culture.

• Close to the beach and town.

• Free surfboards. On-site parking. WiFi. • Assistance with job placements year round.

432 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui • P: +64 7 574 9601 • Res: 0800 66 66 22 www.pacificcoastlodge.co.nz • E: info@pacificcoastlodge.co.nz PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Coastal Bay of Plenty Just a 15-minute drive from its big sister Mt Maunganui, Pāpāmoa offers a totally different holiday experience.

There are no crowds, and the nightlife is subdued. Enjoy the tranquillity and the sound of the waves tumbling gently on the warm golden sands.

Unwind in Papamoa

Parents will love the laid-back atmosphere and there’s plenty to keep the kids happy. If you need an adrenalin rush, try blokarting on a three-wheel landsailer. There’s also an excellent range of restaurants and cafés, and if you’re after a spot of retail therapy then Pāpāmoa Plaza, Fashion Island and local markets are sure to satisfy.

While entire days can be enjoyed on Pāpāmoa’s beach, there are plentiful active options. The Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park/Te Rae o Pāpāmoa overlooks the beach and boasts views from Mt Maunganui to Whakatāne.

There’s a network of walking and running tracks to explore here, which are open daily from 6.30am to 7pm in winter and until 9pm in the summer.

PĀPĀMOA/PĀPĀMOA BEACH

Pāpāmoa Beach • BELOW: Kiwifruit tour, Te Puke BOTH IMAGES: © Tourism Bay of Plenty

20km SE of Tauranga

TASTY TE PUKE & MATATA! AN ENORMOUS MODEL KIWIFRUIT STANDS ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TE PUKE, HINTING (ALBEIT NOT SUBTLY) AT THE TOWN’S GREATEST EXPORT. YES, THIS IS THE KIWIFRUIT CAPITAL OF NEW ZEALAND.

• Short drive to Mount Maunganui • Ideal for family holidays/reunions, retreats, church or particularneeds groups • Motels • Cabins • Lodges • Villas • Camp sites • Motorhome sites • Mini golf, hot pool & dump station

• Set on 5 acres of park-like grounds • WIFI Tariff: Power sites (2p) $36 - $42 Cabins (2p) $69 - $119 2-brm motel (2p) $124 - $147 3-brm motel (5p) $204 - $244 4-brm villa (6p) $244 - $279

1110 Papamoa Beach Rd, Papamoa • P: +64 7 542 0018 E: office@pacificpark.co.nz • www.pacificpark.co.nz

Te Puke is also home to over 1000 avocado orchards and various bee farms. At the Comvita Visitor Centre, one of the country’s leading honey producers, there’s a virtual beehive, honey tour and shop. For family fun, the Looking Glass Garden is where fairy tales and nursery rhymes come to life. Scattered with sculptures, miniature houses and secret hiding places, it’s really special.

Thirty minutes further down the coast, Matata boasts some of the best surfcasting in the country, and its nature-made merits are extensive. The Matata Wildlife Refuge Reserve has walkways and picnic tables and 5km along the shoreline there’s a stellar birdwatching shelter.

25

9 ways to explore

WHAKATĀNE

Sitting on the harbour at the mouth of its namesake river, Whakatāne is one of the sunniest places in Aotearoa.

Take a tour to Moutohora Island Sanctuary Just 10 minutes off the coast by boat and also known as Whale Island, trips include soaks in a geothermal hot spot and a myriad of wildlife sightings.

Trek to Wairere Falls Allow three to five hours for a return hike to this awesome waterfall – and prepare for steps! The water plunges an impressive 153 metres with several pools to paddle in.

Cycle along the Whakatāne River Walk or peddle the Historic Trail around the town centre and along the riverbank. Visit the replica Mātaatua Waka, one of the debut Māori canoes that arrived here around 700 years ago.

Climb to Puketapu Lookout Towering above Whakatāne, this former Māori fortification boasts vistas pouring over the township.

Explore Muriwai’s Cave One of the most sacred sites in Whakatāne, this is one of three landmarks Māori voyager Toroa was told to look for upon arrival. The dramatic entrance is built into a cliffside and protected by a tiki. The carvings are beautiful and better yet, it’s free.

Whakatāne Heads © Tourism Bay of Plenty

Spy a kiwi Whakatāne is officially the nation’s kiwi capital. Take a night tour to see them in their natural habitat.

Discover River Edge Park Miniature Railway Ride on this delightfully tiny locomotive. With a rose garden and green lawns, it’s also perfect for a picnic.

Get walking One of Whakatāne’s most popular walks is Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, featuring pā sites, pōhutukawa trees and coastline.

Find Mataatua Wharenui A fully carved marae that travelled worldwide before returning home in 2011.

WHAKATĀNE 92km NE of Rotorua

Discover Moutohora Island Wildlife Sanctuary Your exclusive access to one of Aotearoa’s best-kept secrets

whakatane.com

whakatane.nz

26

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Coastal Bay of Plenty Ōhope Beach © Tourism Bay of Plenty

Ōhope BEACH

K

nown as the seaside playground of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Ōhope Beach is 11km of unspoilt sand perfect for swimming and surfing and, unsurprisingly it’s held the title of the nation’s best beach.

Explore Ōhiwa Harbour, separated from Ōhope by a giant sandspit, and look out for the godwits migrating from Alaska.

From Ōhope, pack a picnic and your togs and climb over to the secluded Otarawairere Bay, a beautiful beach that can only be reached by a 15-minute walk or a gentle 10-minute kayak.

Other activities on this prime piece of coastal land include golf at Ōhope’s 18-hole international course and hopping on board a fishing charter boat to check out the abundant marine life.

ASK ANY KIWI ABOUT THEIR FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND BEACH AND MANY WILL SAY (OR SIGH) ŌHOPE. STRETCHING FOR MILES, THIS POCKET OF PARADISE BOASTS SAFE SWIMMING SPOTS, LIFEGUARD PATROLS, BARBECUES, PLAYGROUNDS AND BASKETBALL COURTS. EVEN THE DOGS ARE ALLOWED OFF THEIR LEASHES TO ENJOY IT. NO WONDER ŌHOPE ALWAYS GETS THE THUMBS UP (AND PAWS UP, TOO).

EVENTS IN THE BAY OF PLENTY • If you love to tap your toes, the annual Tauranga National Jazz Festival is held every Easter weekend.

• Meat-free food, ethical products and sustainability come together every October at the Vegan Vibes festival in Mt Maunganui.

• Stunning gardens meet floral trails at the annual Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival, usually held in November at over 70 gardens in the region.

Event at Wharepai Domain © Tourism Bay of Plenty

• With the reputation as ‘the summer music festival you just can’t miss’, Mt Maunganui’s Bay Dreams attracts a whole host of international acts.

• The iconic Mt Festival of Multisport has been part of the Mt Maunganui summer lineup since 1990, making it one of New Zealand’s longest running triathlons.

• Tauranga Arts Festival delivers a world-class programme of leading artists and performers every October.

Awakeri

HOT SPRINGS The perfect place

to explore the Bay of Plenty

• Spacious play area & bushwalks • Set in established bush setting • Park Motel, tourist flats, cabins, power & tent sites • 16km to Whakatane • Hot Thermal Pools – Free for Guests Tariff: (2 persons) $40-$120, seasonal rates apply

SH 30, RD 2, Whakatane Ph +64 7 304 9117 www.awakerisprings.co.nz 27

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

BE THE FIRST TO SEE THE SUNRISE

Tairawhiti Gisborne

28

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Tairāwhiti Gisborne Mahia Bay © Getty Images

The world’s most eastern city THERE ARE ONLY THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GISBORNE – THERE’S SEA, SURF AND CHARDONNAY.

I

f that isn’t a trio that incites a good time, then we don’t know what is. Welcome to an area of New Zealand with serious chill factor.

Both the first Polynesian canoes and Captain Cook landed here, having evidently observed a bounty of treasure on the horizon. They weren’t wrong. From its long stretches of golden sand, rocky headland and plentiful seafood, Gisborne was, and still is, a jackpot region.

Gisborne soils grow the country’s best chardonnay, as well as a decent drop of

Gewürztraminer and pinot gris. Arguably the nation’s best surf spots freckle the shoreline, too. Diehard surfers will already know the thrills found along the coast, and there are plenty of calm waves for beginners to give it a whirl.

Most people know that this eastern stretch of coastline is the first place on earth to sea sunrise, but Gisborne is also full of the unexpected.

From tandem rail biking to stingray feeding and natural rockslides, read on for the full low-down on every surprise.

29

Tairāwhiti Gisborne Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Road less travelled East Cape

LOCAL BUZZ ‘When it comes to iconic Kiwi kai, you can’t go past Fush. Real Kiwi fish and chips, fried chicken, milkshakes and burgers is my kind of kai. It’s cool, it’s relaxed and the manaakitanga (hospitality) is always front and centre. I’m biased, of course, but I built it that way!’

Māui, a figure from Māori mythology, is believed to have fished up the North Island from his waka.

Legend has it that Mt Hikurangi is that boat’s final resting place. The Raukumara Range peak is sacred to Māori; be sure to take a tour to see its sculptures.

Tama Waipara – CEO and Artistic Director, Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

Cooks Cove, Eastland © Getty Images INSET: Tama Waipara © Strike Photography

ŌPOTIKI TO TOLAGA BAY AREA MAP MAP REFERENCE

Whakaari/White Island

Must-Do’s Golf i-SITE Visitor Centre Lighthouse Tramping

Whakaari/White Island

Otarawhata Island Cape Runaway

Whangaparaoa

Whangaparaoa Bay

Waihau Bay

NZ Cycle Trail

Whanarua Bay

Raukokore Papatea

Te Kaha

10

20km

Ohope Beach

Haumiaroa Pt

Ohope Beach

Waimana Tataihapi Pa Tanatana

2

Toatoa Whitikau

Okiore

Rotokautuku Ruatoria Reporua Whakapourangi Mahora Pohatukura Papawera Tuparoa Hiruharama

oott uu

ia ha i ta Wa

Moutohora

Ihungia

Waipiro Bay

1213

2 Matawai

ro ga W ai n

Te Puia Springs

Koutunui Head

35 Hautanoa Waima Te Puka Te Ariuru Tuatini Tokomaru Bay Ongaruru Tokomaru

Huiarua r Ri v e

Tauwhareparae

Maungahaumi

Whareponga Ohineakai Otamarauiri Pt Waipiro Bay

Takapau Hot Pools

Tutamoe 998

Whaikahawai Pt

Kopuaroa

R Riivveer r The Dome 958

R Riivveerr

Wairata

Kaimoho Point

Aorangi

964

Whatatutu

30

1752

Kereruhuahua

Motu

East Cape

Maraehara

er Riv

Teritua 1323 Arowhana 1439 Mat a

mm iiaa

R Riivveerr

R Riivveerr

TE UREWERA

Kaharoa 1030

RRiivv eerr

Tahora Paraoanui

Oponae

W W aaiio oee kkaa

W Whhak akaattaannee

Tauwhare

Ot ar

RAUKUMARA CONSERVATION PARK

M

Matahi Whakarae Pa

Waioeka Waioeka Pa O

eerr RRiivv

Waikirikiri

Matahanea

W Waaiim maannaa

Ruatoki North

Otara

35

Te Wharenaonao Point

Tikitiki

Wharekia 1106

Hikurangi

A AR UM UK A R

Puhikereru 960

Tirohanga Omarumutu Tablelands Waiaua

aa

Wainui Waiotahe Kukumoa Cheddar Valley Kutarere Apanui Kererutahi Waiotahe Marae Taneatua Waiotahe 2 Valley Opouriao Nukuhou Matahapa North

Torere

Opape

OhiwaWaiotahi Beach Opotiki

East Cape Lighthouse (Most Easterly in the World)

Rangitukia

GE AN R

W Waai ippaao oaa

Pahou

Horoera Point

Horoera

Tikitiki Waiomatatini Port Awanui Whakawhitira Wairoa Te Upokoohinepaki Pt Kakariki Takamore

Pungarehunui 1013

Riv e RAUKUMARA r Purahotakaha CONSERVATION PARK 1067

35 Hawai

Haurere Pt

Ohope Ohope Beach

r R ive

u am o un uap p o K

Potts Peak 1405

pa ra

rr v ee RRiiv

Whakatane

R Riivveerr

Piripai

Mo tu

The Watch Dog 944

Wharehinu 994

rraa ppaa HHaa

Houpoto

Te Araroa

Awatere r

Waiorore Awanui Pariokara Omaio Otuwhare Rangipoua Whitianga 1040 Otehirinaki Orangoihunui Pt

RRii vvee rr

0

Tokata

eerr RRiivv

Hariki Beach

Motuhora Island

Oruaiti Beach

vvee RRii

Bay of Plenty

Ke r eu

Te Waha o Rerekohu Haupara Pt Largest Pohutukawa

Hicks Bay

Otamaroa

ko ko re

35 Te Kaha Pt

Matakaoa Pt Hicks Bay

uu RRaa

Waikawa Pt

35

SH35 / Pacific Coast Highway

Potaka

W

u a ia

Hikuwai Arero

Bay Mawhai Point

Motuhina Island Anaura

Bay 35 SH35 / Motuoroi Island Pacific Coast Highway Marau Point The Five Mangatuna Bridges Wharekaka

Takapau Hauiti

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Cooks Cove Walkway

Tolaga Bay

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

AS ONE OF THE FIRST PLACES FOR MĀORI SETTLERS, ŌPOTIKI’S CARVINGS WILL GIVE YOU A FEEL FOR THE HISTORY. BOOK A GUIDED WALK WITH AN HISTORIAN FOR DEEPER INSIGHT.

Home Bay, Lake Waikaremoana © Kerry Fox INSET: Māori carving © Bay of Plenty Tourism

Ō

potiki, the gateway to East Cape, has long, unspoiled beaches to wander, forests to explore and rivers to ride. The pretty town’s main street is decorated with the work of Māori master carvers.

Activities centre around the water with good rafting, jet boating

kayaking, surfing, swimming and fishing. Enjoy good cycling on the Motu Trails, one of the Great Rides.

The Dunes Trail is a 10km ride along the coastline.

remote, rugged, forest terrain. Visit Lake Waikaremoana – there’s a fourday hiking trail around the water’s edge for the adventurous.

Hukutaia Domain has a fine collection of native plants including a 2500-yearold sacred pūriri tree. Ōpotiki also offers easy access to Te Urewera’s

Te Kaha has glorious beaches and bays, perfect for swimming.

Whanarua Bay, with its tranquil beaches and rocky outcrops, is considered to be the prettiest bay.

ŌPOTIKI place of Potiki • 45km E of Whakatāne on SH 2

Eastland Pacific Motor Lodge OPOTIKI • NEW ZEALAND

WELCOME

Opotiki Holiday Park

39 Potts Ave, Opotiki Phone: +64 7 315 6050 Email: opotiki.holidays @xtra.co.nz

Accommodation: Relax in a rural setting only 200m walk to Opotiki town centre. Start of the Motu Trail on our doorstep, or we can arrange shuttle services.

Secure lock-up for bikes and group rates available. Choice of self-contained units, kitchen cabins, tent sites & motel units.

Features: Communal kitchen, metered showers, laundry, TV lounge, Freeview TV, Zenbu WiFi, swimming pool, playground and dump station.

Tariff: 2 persons $50-$120, sites from $20, seasonal rates may apply. Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS.

www.opotikiholidaypark.co.nz

TE KAHA te kaha-hui-a-Tikirakau (the rope of Tikirakau) • 70km NE of Ōpōtiki Holiday Park, Motels & Cafe • 10 units with spa baths, 4 x 2-brm units, 6 x 1-brm units, 8 studio units • Wheelchair access units • Air-con/heat pumps in all units • Sky TV Guest Select • Guest laundry • FREE Wireless internet • Warm welcome & friendly service • Tariff: Studio $145, 1-brm $165, 2-brm $185

Cnr Bridge & St John Sts, Opotiki Ph: +64 7 315 5524 Fax: +64 7 315 5504

Email: eastlandopotiki@xtra.co.nz

www.eastlandpacific.co.nz Reservations:

0800 103 003

Resident Hosts: Lyn & Gary Savage

• A paradise for anglers & families • Park motels, cabins, backpackers, 60 power sites, 100 tent sites • Kayak/bike hire • On-site café, takeaways, general store.

Off-licence, postal agency • Close to beach, permitted boat launching, great fishing & smokehouse • Tariff: $20-$130 (2 persons)

ET\[6 State Highway 35, (RD 3, Opotiki), Te Kaha • Phone: +64 7 325 2894 Email: tekahahp@xtra.co.nz • www.tekahaholidaypark.co.nz

31

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Bask in the warmth of Tairāwhiti Gisborne

GO ON, PUT YOUR FEET UP. THIS IS A LAND OF SUN, SURF, GOOD WINE, FINE

IF YOU’RE IN GIZZY OVER LABOUR WEEKEND, DON’T MISS THE ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL. WISE TYPES BUY THEIR TICKETS IN ADVANCE!

FOOD AND ZERO FUSS. COME AND ENJOY GISBORNE’S NO WORRIES LIFESTYLE.

Villa Maria, Gisborne © nzwine.com • BELOW: Tama Waipara © Strike Photography

LOCAL BUZZ Tama Waipara – CEO and Artistic Director, Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, Eastland.

Tama Waipara’s three favourite hidden gems in Te Tairāwhiti Te Tairāwhiti is rich in hidden surprises, all the way from Pōtaka to Mōhaka.

1. Churches From the intricate and exquisitely carved Toko Toru Tapu (Holy Trinity) in Manutuke, to the remote and beautifully intimate Karaiti Church in Raukokore. These

HICKS BAY 2nd lieutenant on the Endeavour • 180km N of Gisborne

spaces have long histories and special relationships with the communities they exist within.

Each one, too, has its own special nature. The day I visited Karaiti Church in Raukokore there were penguins nesting underneath.

These are iconic places which are cared for and looked after by real people.

2. Waihīrere Domain Nestled at the base of Ahitītī (named specifically for the song of the kōmako – bellbird) is an idyllic domain, Waihīrere – one of

our region’s destination reserves.

Waihīrere is a renowned Māori community; home to Te Aitangaā-Mahaki and Parihimanihi Marae.

3. Mōrere Hot Springs Crossing the Te Arai River from Manutuke, beyond Muriwai and heading into the Wharerata Forest is the quaint and charming Mōrere Hot Springs. A short walk up a path lined with native trees is a good hot soak surrounded by lush green.

HICKS BAY IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO ARRIVE IN HICKS BAY THE NIGHT BEFORE IN ORDER TO CATCH A GLORIOUS SUNRISE THE FOLLOWING DAY. Originally named after Zachary Hickes, second-in-command to James Cook’s Endeavour and the alleged pioneer of this charmed coastal spot, it has since officially changed names to Wharekahika/Hicks Bay.

• Travellers units through to angler’s accommodation • Walking track to fishing grounds • Free unlimited WiFi

• Vodafone coverage • Seafaring kayak hire • Licensed restaurant & bar • Tariff: From $120-$200

If you want to be the first on Earth to see a brand new day, head to Te Araroa, a small settlement just 10km from Hicks Bay. Here, the East Cape Lighthouse which is a little further down the coast basks in the first light of morning.

365 Lottin Point Road, Hicks Bay, Gisborne • P: +64 6 864 4455 E: bookings@lottinpoint.co.nz • www.lottinpoint.co.nz

32

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

GISBORNE TO BE WILD

Motu Trails, Gisborne © Neil Robert Hutton Photography

THE MOTU CYCLE TRAIL FROM ŌPOTIKI TO MATAWAI WHICH ALSO LINKS TO THE RERE FALLS TRAIL GLIDES OVER 103KM OF GLORIOUS ROLLING HILLS CONNECTING MATAWAI TO GISBORNE. ALLOW ONE TO THREE DAYS TO CYCLE THIS GRADE 3 INTERMEDIATE ROUTE.

GISBORNE

W

aipaoa River valley is just northwest of Gisborne and acclaimed for its grape growing.

A big contributor to Gisborne becoming the country’s third biggest grape-growing region, there are around 2000 hectares of vineyards here, with more than half producing chardonnay. Wine tours, including those by bicycle, are available to guide you around a variety of vineyards.

Seasoned surfers know that the best waves are found at The Pipe, just south of Gisborne town, as well as Sponge Bay and Tuamotu Island, while newbies should hit the gentler surf at Waikanae Beach and Roberts Rd. If it’s a leisurely swim you’re after, you can’t beat Midway Beach.

Climb Kaitī Hill (Titirangi) for eyewidening vistas over Gisborne or delve into the deep thickets of Eastwoodhill Arboretum. This 131-hectare-area lends itself to some serious shinrin-yoku:

the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Historians should visit Tairāwhiti Museum which houses the bridge of a sunken ship, and the Whatatutu pā site which was uninhibited for centuries has been restored and welcomes guests.

Feed stingrays in the shallow waters of Tatapouri Bay. They’re gentle creatures and will somewhat amusingly nudge for more food. You can also ride the tandem rail bikes at Gisborne Railbike Adventure. This innovative tourist attraction fuses two push bikes together on a former rail line. You simply pedal; there’s no steering and you can’t fall off.

Arguably everyone’s favourite Gisborne hangout is Rere Rockslide, a naturally-formed slide that speedsters can skid down on a boogie board or inflatable, and just 2km further is the spellbinding Rere Waterfall. Should you forget your bodyboard, there’s usually a skip full of discarded ones.

after Colonial Secretary William Gisborne • 215km NE of Napier

A New Zealand Must-Do! • The largest collection of northern hemisphere trees in the southern hemisphere.

• 25km of trail walks.

• Playground for all ages.

• A unique conservation experience.

• Campervans welcome to sleepover • Accommodation available.

Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery 10 Stout Street, Gisborne • 06 867 3832 Mon – Sat 10am – 4pm • Sun & Public Holidays 1.30pm – 4pm Entry $5, 12 & under FREE • 5min walk from CBD, FREE parking, step-free access, FREE WiFi, café

www.tairawhitimuseum.org.nz

P: +64 6 863 9003 | E: enquiries@eastwoodhill.org.nz A: 2392 Wharekopae Rd, RD 2, Ngatapa, Gisborne www.eastwoodhill.org.nz

33

Waikato / Waitomo

WHERE THE RIVER FLOWS THROUGH

Waikato

and Waitomo

34

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Waikato / Waitomo

HE WHO SAYS HE DOESN’T BELIEVE IN FAIRY TALES HAS NEVER BEEN TO WAIKATO. RULED BY ITS NAMESAKE RIVER, THERE ARE HOBBIT HOUSES AND SPIRITUAL MĀORI STORIES, CAVES THAT GLOW BRIGHTER THAN ALADDIN’S AND WILD PASTURES ROAMED BY PREHISTORIC CREATURES.

T

thousands of glowworms. Waitomo Glowworm Caves host the biggest concentration of these brightbutted larvae in the country.

Cave exploration is huge in Waikato, notably in Waitomo where the cave network is both vast and diverse. Explore slowly by boat, or rapidly by tubing down a pitch-black river system. Abseil into the abyss or simply marvel at

City stays come in the form of Hamilton, an urban centre with more aces up its sleeve than you’d ever imagine. You can seek hedonistic good times in the surfy, bohemian township of Raglan or venture into the very heart of dairy farming country. Before long you’ll stumble into Matamata, where farming sheds and hay bales transform into Middle-earth and Hobbit hamlets.

he latter are tuatara: lizardlike New Zealand reptiles and the only surviving members of a species that slinked about with dinosaurs. They now run free, along with scores of other native species at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, which you are highly encouraged to visit.

Marokopa Falls © Getty Images

35

Waikato / Waitomo

Make the most of

12 TOP THINGS TO DO IN HAMILTON

HAMILTON, THE TRON, THE CITY OF THE FUTURE:

1. VISIT ZEALONG TEA ESTATE Tea lovers can’t resist this one; it’s the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand.

Enjoy plantation tours and tastings as well as a distinguished high tea.

Hamilton THIS BOOM TOWN DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION.

2. GO MOUNTAIN BIKING The Hamilton Mountain Bike Track is great for beginners or rusty cyclists: tackle 10km of single track and Grade 2-3 terrain.

3. ADMIRE CLASSIC CARS The Classics Museum mesmerises with its huge collection of gleaming classic cars and vintage petrol pumps. Should you not be the biggest petrol head in the group, head to the on-site 1950s diner for burgers and thickshakes.

Mansfield House, Hamilton Gardens © Hamilton Gardens

4. GO GREEN Hamilton has plenty of green spaces. Walk the 3.8km perimeter of Hamilton Lake and have a picnic, or visit Hamilton Gardens. Tucked away by the Waikato River with several themed gardens, the latest addition is the Surrealist Garden, a trippy, Alice-in-Wonderland-style arrangement.

TUES, THURS & SUN at 11AM

36

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Waikato / Waitomo 5. CRUISE WAIKATO RIVER Spend a leisurely hour on the water with Waikato River Explorer. Departing from the Hamilton Gardens and Waikato Museum every 90 minutes, the boat is fully covered for rainy days and has an on-board café and bar.

6. GO TO DUCK ISLAND The flagship store of this famous ice cream parlour is on the corner of Cook and Grey streets. Flavours are proudly Kiwi inspired, including feijoa crumble and fairy bread, but with 26 options in total, there’s a scoop for every palette.

7. ZOO SOMETHING FUN! There are 600-plus native and exotic animals at Hamilton Zoo as well as daily keeper talks and premium animal experiences for up-close encounters.

9. GET LEARNED IN WAIKATO MUSEUM This is the kind of

museum all other museums strive to be. It’s got everything for everyone. Thirteen galleries are packed with exhibits on the region, Aotearoa, the wider world, art, science and Māori culture. Like wildlife?

They’ve got that too. World War history? Of course. Enhanced by floor talks, workshops and the annual National Contemporary Art Award exhibition, it’s loved by all.

10. CHANNEL YOUR INNER HIPSTER Don’t miss the eclectic store, Needle in the Hay for eccentric arts, homeware and vinyl records.

Nearby, Sisters on London is the kind of funky fashion store where you’ll want to spend a lot of hours, if not a lot of money!

11. FEILDAYS Play farmer for a day. With over 1000 exhibitors, this is the southern hemisphere’s largest agricultural event.

Raglan, Waikato © Getty Images

NORTHWEST WAIKATO IS FUN FOR EVERYONE WATER BABIES Raglan is such a typical surf town, it’s almost obligatory to have a mop of beachy blonde hair. Watch the pros at Manu Bay, learn yourself or dip your toes at Whale Bay. Take a little piece of paradise home by picking up ceramic homewares from the Tony Sly pottery shop.

FOODIES Pōkeno is the place to stop for ice cream – the more-than-generous scoops sold in the small town have a huge following.

HISTORY BUFFS Rangiriri Pā is just south of Te Kauwhata, the site of a battle between the British forces and local Māori during the 1863 land wars and one of the largest battles in our history.

CREATIVES Te Kauwhata’s talented craftspeople offer visitors a delightful experience. Highlights include Pounamu Taonga Greenstone Shop, Tinkie Arts & Crafts and Cuisine Scene for hand-made gourmet relishes using local ingredients.

Lovegrove Lane, Hamilton © Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

12. CHECK OUT LOVEGROVE LANE Find a collection of charming shops and wellness studios on Hamilton’s gentrified east side.

With a strong community spirit and plenty of nooks for a coffee, it’s delightfully neighbourly.

ACTIVE TYPES Hydro lakes such as Lake Karāpiro provide a watersports playground. Stand-up paddleboarding is popular here, as is after dark kayaking excursions to find glowworms.

Walkers and cyclists can’t go wrong with one of the Waikato river trails and in Arapuni, the 152-metre-long, 50-metre-high suspension bridge is a total showstopper.

TE KAUWHATA the empty storehouse • 53km N of Hamilton on SH 1

Your Hosts; Russell & Connie 42 Thackeray St, Hamilton | P: 07 839 5553 | E: info@lakepointmotel.co.nz

Reservations:

0800 525 376

Greenstone Shop & Museum Pounamu Taonga • View our greenstone carvers at work • Affordable prices

• Spacious rooms • King-size beds • FREE WiFi • 50 Channel TV • Telephone • Tea/coffee-making facilities • Heat pumps • Mini kitchen with fridge, microwave, etc Tariff: from $130 • Hairdryer • Iron/ironing board

• 2 minutes from State Highway 1

140 Wayside Road, Te Kauwhata Ph: +64 7 826 3156 • Email: peter-simpson@xtra.co.nz

37

Waikato / Waitomo

Waipa District GET OUTDOORS AND THE ENDORPHINS WILL FOLLOW.

LOCAL BUZZ ‘Jim Barnett Reserve, Waotu, South Waikato has an enormous ancient totara, fantastic birdlife, and great walking tracks, a perfect half-day discovery and only 20 minutes from SH 1, Putaruru.’

FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN WAIPA DISTRICT Te Awamutu Rose Gardens A beauty to both see and smell, there are more than 2500 rose bushes as well as a striking water fountain depicting birds in flight.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari With its 47kmlong predator-proof fence, this is the largest ecological island on the mainland. Our most endangered species flourish within.

Te Awamutu Museum View Uenuku, a taonga (treasure) of the Tainui people, and memorabilia of legendary hometown boys, the Finn brothers, of Crowded House and Split Enz fame.

Glyn Wooller – General Manager of Waikato River Trails Trust, Waikato

Wharepapa rock climbing. The four main crags of Castle Rock, Froggatt Edge, Sheridan Hills and Waipapa Dam have easy access for rock climbing, with options for all abilities.

Walking Enjoyable tracks wind through Pirongia Forest Park as well as the Kakepuku Historic Reserve. Lake Ngāroto wetland track is also popular.

Pirongia mountain biking Nudging the foothills of Mt Pirongia, the Sainsbury Road Mountain Bike Park trails offer off-road cycling routes ranging from Grade 2-5 (Easy to Advanced). You’ll also find delightful walking tracks in Pirongia Forest Park.

Waikato River Trails © waikatorivertrails.com LEFT: Pirongia Summit © Getty Images

TE AWAMUTU end of the navigable river • 30km S of Hamilton on SH 3

HOME OF EPIC RIDING

Cambridge

I

f it’s got two wheels, two peddles and it’s raring to go, it’s likely to be in Cambridge. Hire bikes from the i-SITE and embark on a section (if not all) of the 70km Te Awa River Ride. For stunt masters, Cambridge BMX Park is located in nearby Leamington, and The Gallagher bike park at the Avantidrome is a family favourite. Also here is the chance to book a ‘Have a Go’ session with an experienced Avantidrome coach. And that’s all before the 10 road trails that are dotted around the countryside. Cambridge is also responsible for breeding 13 Melbourne Cup winning horses. Follow the Walk of Fame for insight into these equine elites and take a horse stud tour. Off the saddle, the public Jubilee Gardens are well-established and feature a fantastic playground. You can visit a working dairy farm, picnic beside Lake Te Koo Utu or stick around for the markets. The weekly farmers’ market pops up every Saturday from 8am on Victoria Square, and the fabulous Trash ‘n’ Treasures second-hand bazaar is held every second Sunday of the month.

38

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Waikato / Waitomo Hobbiton movie set © Getty Images

South Waikato

MatamataPiako

Blue Spring, Waikato © Getty Images

MATAMATA, THE LAND OF HOBBITS

I

f you’re a Lord of the Rings’ fan, then Matamata should be top of your itinerary. Farmland around the small rural town was transformed into the Hobbiton movie location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Take a tour of the Hobbit holes and have enough time for a second breakfast at the Shire’s Rest Café or a Frogmorton ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn. Other activities include visiting the Opal Hot Springs, the Firth Tower Museum and the spectacular Wairere Falls. Nearby Kaimai has a cheese plant with a café and a store that is stocked with all of the delectable Kaimai cheeses.

MATAMATA headland • 63km E of Hamilton on SH 27

SOUTH WAIKATO HAS A FABULOUS PASTORAL LANDSCAPE RIPE FOR EXPLORING. WALK OR CYCLE THE WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS TO GET INTO THE HEART OF THIS LOVELY LAND. SOUTH WAIKATO TOWNS INCLUDE TIRAU, PUTĀRURU AND TOKOROA. THE DISTRICT OFFERS A MIX OF FORESTS, ROLLING HILLS, LAKES AND RIVERS. A HIGHLIGHT IS THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE SPRING, WHERE 70 PER CENT OF NEW ZEALAND’S BOTTLED WATER COMES FROM. FOLLOW TE WAIHOU WALKWAY FROM WHITES RD IN PUTĀRURU TO GET THERE.

Soothing

TE AROHA

Te Aroha Domain © Chris Parker

F

amed for its natural hot springs and one-of-a-kind hot soda water geyser, the Mokena Geyser, take advantage of Te Aroha’s soothing mineral waters.

SWIM ZONE TE AROHA Situated at the foot of the mountain, spend an entire day switching between the outdoor pool and 38°C spa pools.

Experience a slice of real Middle-earth™ with a guided tour of Hobbiton™ Movie Set, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera | HOBBITONTOURS.COM

BATHE LIKE YOUR GREAT-GREAT-GRANDAD! Te Aroha is the only complete Edwardian Domain in New Zealand. Fusing its original Edwardian aesthetics with modern touches, the Number 2 bath house is over 100 years old and delivers 40°C of pure ‘ahhh’.

TE AROHA DOMAIN FOOT POOL It’s free to sit and soak away your stresses here; amidst the trees where it’s a toe-pleasing 36°C. TE AROHA MINERAL SPAS Silky smooth hot soda water is channelled into your own private hot tub, complete with skylights for stargazing.

39

Waikato / Waitomo

King Country

Waitomo

BOTH IMAGES: Kiwiana in Otorohanga © Peter Burchell

TWENTY-FOUR KIWIANA DISPLAYS GRACE ŌTOROHANGA’S TOWN CENTRE, RANGING FROM BUZZY BEES AND PAVLOVAS TO JANDALS AND THE ALL BLACKS. THE EDMUND HILLARY WALKWAY IS FLANKED WITH INTERESTING AND HILARIOUS DISPLAYS OF AUNT DAISY, KIWI SLANG AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Ō

torohanga proudly celebrates and displays everything Kiwi. Don’t miss the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park for a close-up look ­at our national icon – and see other native species including dinosaurlike tuatara.

Te Kuiti is the shearing capital of New Zealand and hosts the annual New Zealand Shearing Championships and The Great New Zealand Muster. See the magnificent statue of All Blacks legend Sir Colin Meads.

Piopio is known as ‘the little jewel on the highway’. This small community is set in rolling farmland and native forests. Take a Hairy Feet tour and walk around the farm where the troll and camp fire scenes in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey were filmed. In the township there are cafés, antique shops and a small museum. A rainforest, waterfalls and impressive limestone bluffs are close by.

The coastal settlement of Kāwhia is steeped in Māori history and its hills and valleys hold many ancient

secrets. Set on a beautiful harbour with glistening water and incredibly beautiful sunsets, Kāwhia has a definite laid-back lifestyle. Go swimming, surfing, fishing or sailing and head to Ocean Beach where hot springs bubble beneath the sand. For a few hours either side of low tide, visitors can dig their very own hot spa pool.

About 31km west of Waitomo on Te Anga Rd, a 10-minute bush walk will take you to a viewing platform of the Marokopa Falls – described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand.

ABOVE: Te Kuiti country road © Getty Images

WAITOMO CAVES water entering a cave • 75km S of Hamilton

OTOROHANGA & WAITOMO • Near Waitomo Caves and Otorohanga Kiwi House • All units have 32” LCD TVs with Freeview & heat pumps • Quiet units available • Tariff: New units from $145.

1-bedroom and 2-bedroom from $150. Standard studio from $140. Economy studio from $130. Family apartment from $155. Additional occupants $20, child (2-14) $15.

Spa & Swimming Pool

NEW UNITS OPENED 2020 59 Main North Rd (SH 3), Otorohanga Ph/Fax: +64 7 873 8289 Reservations Freephone: 0800 82 82 89 Email: stay@otorohangamotels.co.nz

www.waitomomotels.co.nz

40

WAITOMO BIG BIRD B&B / Farmstay

1. Bungalow (4-7p), Chalet (2-4p), Studio (2-4p) 2. Homestead/ensuite rooms (3 rooms) 3. Retreat (3-brm house at Waitomo, 4-10p) Tariff: $85-$130 Dbl, Groups $55 Adult, $30 child.

FREE C/Bfst, FREE Ostrich/Emu & Mini Animal Tour, Mini Horse rides (-30kg). Check in after 2.30pm.

Come as guests leave as friends Email: bigbird.bb@xtra.co.nz www.waitomobigbird.co.nz facebook.com/waitomobigbird

BIG BIRDS & “MINIATURE-ANIMAL” PETTING FARM SEE OUR NEW MOA MASCOT (Ostrich/Emu) Rare-breeds (Baby-Doll Sheep, MiniBull, Munchkin Cats, Mini Llama, Alpaca, Donkey, Horse, Goats) OPEN DAILY 2-5pm $6pp (Min $30) 1hr tours “Unique” experience with “Selfie-Savvy” Adorable Animals – see Facebook!!

“Pet Paradise” for Rest in our Nest “Animal Lovers”!

17 Waitomo Caves Rd, SH 37 Hangatiki Otorohanga 3977 Call now Ph: 0800 733 244 / 0274 772 707

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Waikato / Waitomo

UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

NATURALLY FASCINATING

Hobbits aside, one of the best ways to experience Waitomo is to go underground.

Take an abseiling tour into the Lost World cave. This 100-metre-drop is the highest commercial abseil in New Zealand. Once you’re in, squeeze, jump and slide your way to ground level.

Glowworm Caves

T

he caves you see today have been 30 million years in the making, formed by underground streams carving out apertures through the limestone rock. The caves include deep caverns, luminescent glowworms and dark waterways, as well as amazing limestone formations.

This fabulous subterranean world is both eerie and captivating.

Leaving daylight behind, you will enter an underground network of caverns and passages with pristine crystal formations.

Don’t worry, it’s entirely safe and you won’t be alone. Tour guides deliver an informative commentary, sharing natural history and cultural legends.

For a little more adventure, there’s the option of black-water rafting on a tube beneath ceilings of sparkling glowworms, abseiling or ziplining within the caves.

Waitomo Caves © Waitomo Adventures

WAITOMO CAVES HAVE BEEN ENTERTAINING GUESTS FOR OVER 100 YEARS AND UNSURPRISINGLY THEY’RE AMONG THE MOST-VISITED TOURIST ATTRACTION IN THE COUNTRY. START AT THE WAITOMO CAVES DISCOVERY CENTRE.

YHA Waitomo Juno Hall 600 Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo • Phone: +64 7 878 7649 Email: junowaitomo@xtra.co.nz • Superb farmland views.

Swimming pool, lawn.

• Tent sites, campervan/power points, 4 double/twin rooms.

• Hunting trips. Tennis court. Large kitchen.

Heating. FREE WIFI.

TARIFF: ensuite double/

twin $90, standard double/ twin $80, dorm $33pp, power site $19pp & campervan/tent site $17pp.

LOCAL BUZZ Glyn Wooller – General Manager of Waikato River Trails Trust, helping bring a special journey along New Zealand’s longest River, the Mighty Waikato. Glyn shares his favourite hidden gems in Waikato/Waitomo.

‘Soak in your own hand-dug hot water pools at Main Beach in Kāwhia.

Digging pools either side of low tide is a spectacular experience in a remote yet beautiful location. Just watch your technology when a rogue wave comes through.’

‘Visit the 152-metre-long Arapuni Swingbridge, built 95 years ago, followed by a visit to the Rhubarb Café in Arapuni Village.’

www.junowaitomo.co.nz 41

Rotorua

THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET HOT AND STEAMY

Rotorua IN ROTORUA VISITORS ARE LEFT IN AWE. THIS PERPETUALLY BOILING LANDSCAPE HAS EXPLOSIVE GEYSERS, MAMMOTH CRATERS AND BUBBLING MUD POOLS.

Y

ou’ve never seen anywhere quite like Rotorua. Or smelt anywhere quite so pungent, either. It’s safe to say you’ll get accustomed to the wafts of eggy sulphur, but much less so the staggering scenes of geothermal activity.

When most parks boast green lawns and playgrounds, Rotorua features seething pits spitting out red-hot mud and plumes of steam. Even the drains like to vape.

Experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime include standing before a tightly wound geyser and marvelling when it blows like a rocket; sinking into a forest hot tub heated by nature, and walking 20 metres in the air on boardwalks and suspension bridges weaving through Whakarewarewa Forest. At night, enormous wooden lanterns illuminate the walkway and it’s truly enchanting.

Spewing hot cauldrons aside, this is a city with many additional surprises.

Experience Māori culture in its heartland, stand beside mammoth Californian redwood trees, blaze down the mountain bike trails or spend some time on one of Rotorua’s 18 lakes.

There’s also the famous luge. Operating for over 35 years, this toboggan and go-cart hybrid offers fast, family-friendly racing. Steering your luge down the hillside is almost a rite of passage in these parts.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley © Destination Rotorua

42

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Rotorua

Rotorua has one of New Zealand’s richest concentrations of MÄ ori culture. Manaakitanga means the spirit of hospitality and generosity, something you will experience a lot of when you visit this wonderful region.

43

Rotorua Geothermal lake & geyser, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

How Fire Demons Made Rotorua

TRADITIONALLY, MĀORI BELIEVE THAT ROTORUA OWES ITS THERMAL ATTRACTIONS TO AN EARLY SPIRITUAL LEADER FROM TE ARAWA TRIBE, NGĀTOROIRANGI.

I

n Māori mythology, when the great waka Te Arawa arrived in Rotorua, Ngātoroirangi had to stand on the summit of what is now Mt Tongariro in order to claim the surrounding land for his tribe.

As he reached the top of the mountain, he almost died from the icy wind and the cold. To save himself from the elements, he sent a prayer to his sisters in Hawaiki (where, according to Māori folklore,

Māori people originated from).

They responded, sending fire demons to his aid. These demons cut across the ocean, surfacing at White Island, Rotorua and Taupō before reaching Ngātoroirangi and

freeing him from the lethal cold, leaving a geothermal trail where they had travelled and giving these places the thermal activity that can still be seen today.

THRILL OF THE RIDE

NEGOTIATE THE HIGHEST COMMERCIALLY RAFT-ABLE WATERFALL IN THE WORLD: THE SEVEN-METRE TUTEA FALLS ON THE KAITUNA RIVER.

White-water rafting © Destination Rotorua

44

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

7 top activities in

Rotorua

Rotorua RELAX IN A NATURAL HOT POOL Centrally located Polynesian Spa is a world-leading spa with several indoor and outdoor pools. Dip your toes in Kuirau Park’s free thermal foot baths, or venture to Secret Spot; a haven of 12 private cedar tubs submerged in tranquil forest.

RIDE THE GONDOLA Jump aboard the gondola and glide 900 metres up the hillside. Once you reach Skyline Rotorua, discover zip lines, a skyswing, luge, restaurants and more.

SEE HISTORY COME TO LIFE The Pink and White Terraces were considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, but the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera obliterated them. Take a self-guided walk and download the Waimangu Volcanic Valley app to reveal how the terraces once looked. The eruption also destroyed the village of Te Wairoa. Visit the Buried Village to see parts that have been excavated, along with various recreated houses and relics that represent life as it once was.

BOAT TO MOKOIA ISLAND Zip to this tear-shaped droplet in the middle of Lake Rotorua by water taxi

and step ashore for a guided tour. As an uninhabited sanctuary, it’s teeming with wildlife.

WANDER GOVERNMENT GARDENS Donated to The Crown in the 1800s by Māori, these gardens are minutes from Rotorua’s centre. Enjoy the flowerbeds, bowling green, croquet and playground.

MAKE TRACKS The Rotorua Walkway is the city's ultimate trail. At 26km long, it explores wildlife, geothermal activity, history and culture, and can also be split into eight shorter sections. At the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, take the Crater Lake Walk for crater lake views and a steamy landscape. Both the Tarawera Falls Track and the Okere Falls Track lead to pretty waterfalls, and the 90-minute Blue Lake Track combines secluded beach with stunning views of the Blue and Green lakes.

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING The gondola-assisted bike lift at Skyline Gravity Park Rotorua grants access to 13km of varied terrain, while Rainbow Mountain beckons more experienced riders and the tracks at Whakarewarewa Forest are raved about by all.

Waikite hot pools, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

45

Rotorua

4 PLACES TO FIND A

Family Fun

good gurgling spot

Visit Skyline Skyrides, one of Rotorua’s most popular attractions, to ride the luge, a Rotorua-designed three-wheeled cart. Catch the gondola to the top of Mt Ngongotaha to enjoy amazing panoramic views before zooming down the hill.

The variety of wildlife in the region is also sure to impress the kids. Witness a flight show at Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, New Zealand’s leading conservation centre for these majestic birds.

1. TE PUIA: THE POHUTU GEYSER IS THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE’S LARGEST ACTIVE GEYSER AND ERUPTS UP TO 20 TIMES PER DAY, REACHING HEIGHTS OF 30 METRES. THIS 60HA GEOTHERMAL VALLEY HOSTS OVER 500 GEOTHERMAL WONDERS, MIXED WITH MĀORI CULTURE AND MĀORI PERFORMANCES.

At Paradise Valley Springs, you can have an up close and personal encounter with some exquisite creatures, and check out Rainbow Springs Nature Park where you can combine learning with fun on the Big Splash.

Year-round enjoyment HOT WATER BEACH

ROTORUA CITY MAP

RD

kw

ay

PRIEST

STREET

Wa lk

otu

M

FENTON

alkwa

oa

PARK

30A

Ngapuna AE RO AD

ST R

EE T

ST

ST

To W h Air p ak a or t , t a ne

Cemetery

Fenton Park

o

30

aup

MARGUERITA PEACE

W

FENTON

PARK

To T

LYTTON

LIGHTHEART

Arik ir

Te

ST

UNION ST

EASON ST

HEREWINI ST

RUIHI ST

STREET

Thermal Area

NG

RANOLF

250m

Gymnasium

STREET

A MOHIA

RANOLF

STREET K ING

EET

0

TE

MI L

RAINY DAYS

y

ST

Arawa Park Racecourse

STREET

STREET

ay

PUARENGA

STREET

MAP REFERENCE

AA Centre Must-Do’s TIL SLE i-SITE Visitor Centre Y Police Station PostShop

w

ST MICHAEL’S RESERVE

Glenholme ROBERTSON

46

TI

CARNOT STREET

GREY

Try ziplining at great heights through ancient native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours, or head to Velocity Valley for 40-metre-high, nose-diving swings, the city's only bungy jump and much more.

Sulphur Bay

T STREE

STREET

REC RES

AD RO

SEDDON

LLACE WA ES

Rotorua Little Theatre

AE NG

STREET

ROAD

DR

Rotorua Central

TE

MALFROY

TR

Rotorua Central Mall

VICTORIA

PRETORIA

CR

STREET

QUEENS

Explore Te Rata Bay (Hot Water Beach) which can be reached via the 15km Tarawera Walking Trail.

Once there, create a sandy hole and park your derriere in your own DIY bathtub.

DAREDEVIL ANTICS

GOVERNMENT GARDENS

U OHA AM

PERERIKA ST

KAHIKATEA

STREET

STREET

ST

ST

SHEAF PARK

l

Government Gardens Golf Course and Driving Range

Te Runanga Museum of Energy Events Tea House Art & History Centre Blue Sportsdrome Blue ra ta Baths Baths Tamaki UPATU D R T Maori A H Village & Realm of Tane Rocky Point Rotorua Spas and Arts Village Relaxation

STREET

AMOHAU

Rot or u a La k e fr o nt W a

W

TUTANEK AI ST

AMOHIA

STREET

Rotorua Rotorua DuckTours Tours Duck

To Tauranga

T

ST

STREET

ERUERA

ST

AW

HI TE

HAUPAPA

ST

ST

Library

PUKUATUA HINEMOA

MEMORIAL DR

ST

ARAWA

OR U

QE Health Centre

HINEMARU

ST

RA NGIURU

PUKAK I

ST

Thermal Area

W HAKAUE

TOK O

KUIRAU

W HAKATAU

ET

Lake Timaru

Jetties

DR

PUKEROA ST

ST

E STR

KUIRAU PARK

DR

LAKEFRONT RES

HATA

T RAU RK

T

N

S

RO

AD

Rotorua Hospital

Motutara Point

Lake Rotorua

Kawarau Jet & Parasailing

KE LA

O FR

IRA U KU

F RANOL

Lake Kuirau

Kawarau Jet & Parasailing Jetty

Volcanic Air Volcanic Air Safaris Safaris

LAK E

TUTANEKAI

MAK ITAUNA K

KOTUKU H OU

O TOK IHI RE HE IPA

G RAN ke au

A RO IHA

Test your logic and attention to detail at ROTOFOBIA. Three escape rooms await your quick thinking and wisdom. Kids will have a blast playing indoor laser tag, tenpin bowling and video games at Motion Entertainment, and the 3D Trick Art Gallery will confuse your mind with fun and inventive illusions.

WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST is celebrated for its walking tracks and magnificent spread of towering Californian redwood trees. It is also one of the most established mountain bike networks in New Zealand and

well regarded for its whopping 180km of trails. There are Grade 1-5 tracks which all loop around two central points: the Waipa car park and the visitors centre at The Redwoods.

THE REDWOODS Climb 12 metres into the treetops at the Redwoods Treewalk in Whakarewarewa Forest. This elevated walkway weaves through giant trees via 23 suspension bridges. From dusk onwards, the lights at Redwoods Treewalk switch on for the enchanting ‘Redwoods Nightlights’, allowing the forest to dance with dreamy silhouettes and magical lanterns.

DUCK TOURS We bet you've never been on a tour like this before. Utilising Amphibious WWII landing crafts, your sightseeing vehicle starts on the road but quickly transforms into a sailing vessel upon entering the lake.

FREE THRILLS

Centrally located Kuirau Park is a volcanic area that you can explore for free. With hissing ponds and clouds of steam, occasional mood swings cause hot mud to be spat over the grass.

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Rotorua 3. WAIMANGU VALLEY: HIKE YOUR WAY AROUND STEAMING CLIFFS, VOLCANIC CRATERS AND MINI GEYSERS IN THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST GEOTHERMAL VALLEY.

2. HELLS GATE: ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S MOST ACTIVE GEOTHERMAL

4. WAI-O-TAPU: ARGUABLY THE MOST FAMOUS THERMAL PARK IN ROTORUA, CHAMPAGNE POOLS ARE WIDELY RECOGNISED FOR THEIR BRIGHT ORANGE CRUST, WHILE LADY KNOX GEYSER BLOWS ITS LID EVERY DAY AT 10.15AM.

FIELDS, DISCOVER THE LARGEST HOT WATERFALL IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE AND THEN SOAK IN SKIN SMOOTHING MUD AT THE SPA.

Te Puia Geothermal Valley FAR RIGHT: Waimangu Valley ALL IMAGES: © Destination Rotorua RIGHT: Wai-O-Tapu © Getty Images

DRIVEN BY ADVENTURE >

Ride, Laugh, Quack, Splash!

On New Zealand’s only genuine WWll Landing Crafts

- Choose from two unique tours - engaging, Educational and Entertaining Commentary - Journey through stunning lakes and natural landscapes - Fun for all ages!

You Drive

4WD Bush Safaris >

You Hang On

Monster 4X4 Thrill Rides

You Race

>

Raceline Karting. 1.2km outdoor track reaching speeds close to 100km/hr.

>

You Shoot

Claybird Shooting

>

20 mins north of

Rotorua - just off SH5

GREAT PACKAGE DEALS AVAILABLE! www.ducktours.co.nz Phone 07 345 6522

drive@offroadnz.co.nz | Phone: 07 3325 748 193 Amoore Road, RD2, Rotorua www.offroadnz.co.nz

47

Rotorua

INDIGENOUS KAI (FOOD) TRY TRADITIONAL HANGI (UNDERGROUND COOKING) AT WHAKAREWAREWA THE LIVING MĀORI VILLAGE, OR ENJOY AN ENTIRE EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MĀORI CUISINE AS PART OF A TE PO INDIGENOUS EVENING EXPERIENCE AT TE PUIA.

Dining out in Rotorua

TAKE A BITE OUT OF ROTORUA’S EXPANDING FOOD SCENE

Dining out, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

BREAKFAST For an exemplary eggs bene, Picnic Café serves breakfast from 7.30am until 2pm. Or, if you’re heading in or out of Rotorua from the northern side, Okere Falls Store flanks Highway 33 and boasts an organic range of sustainable produce.

48

LUNCH Pop into Ambrosia Restaurant and Bar for Mediterranean tapas shared outdoors in a large alfresco area.

Located at the lake end of Tutanekai St. Alternatively, Eat Streat is a vibrant dining precinct packed to the rafters with a diverse range of eateries.

DINNER Hearty Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine can be wolfed down at Abracadabra Café and Bar, Contemporary Terrace Kitchen never fails to please, or for something extra special, dine off the a la carte menu at The Regent Room.

ABOVE: Cooking kai, Rotorua © Te Puia LEFT: Dining out in Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Rotorua

ROTORUA DISTRICT MAP Oturoa

Mokoia Island

Ruato

30

al aW ain LAKE at OKATAINA SCENIC RES Lake

MAKATITI DOME SCENIC RES

W

LO

Kapenga

alk w

RD

TUMU NU

Tamaki I Maori Village

Tumunui

Waimangu

RD

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools W AIKI RD TE Y V ALLE

T ET

I

Rotomahana

C

LLEY RD VA

R KU

Ngakuru

HOSSAC

A

WAIMANGU SCENIC RES

OR B

RD

LAKE TARAWERA SCENIC RES

a h an k e t om a La oLake R Rotomahana

Earthquake Flat 5

K

Puhipuhi 364

ay

Mt Tarawera 1047

IN

OHA

NZ Cycle Trail

Makatiti Dome

na atai

Te Puia Maori TA & Crafts Centre Lake Arts RA OKARE WE K A Okareka RA Lake WHAKAREWAREWA Okareka FOREST PARK

W H IR

30

Upper Atiamuri

Ok

Okataina

KI

1

30

kw

Rotorua Airport

RD

30

Guthrie

Lake Rotoma

WAIONE BLOCK SCENIC RES

LAKE TIKITAPU SCENIC RES Lake Tikitapu The Buried Lake (Blue Lake) Village LAKE ROTOKAKAHI Tarawera SCENIC RES Lake Punaromia Rotokakahi Te (Green Lake) Wairoa

Waireka

Rotoiti

LAKE ROTOMA SCENIC RES

n

Pohutu Geyser

Waipa Village

Horohoro

Gisborne Point

Hinehopu

East er

Spas and Relaxation

The Redwoods

ROTORUA

Horohoro Cliffs

Te Ngae

K

R OUTU D

PA R A D I S

Rainbow Springs 5 Kiwi Wildlife Park MT. NGONGOTAHA SCENIC RES CLAYT O N E Y RD ET V AL LE NS Paradise Valley SU Springs

30

Lake Rotokawau ay

Mitai Maori Village

30

Tikitere

s We t er n Ok

MARAEROA RD

Ngongotaha

Rotoehu Lak e

Lake Rotoiti

Hauparu Bay

om a

Agrodome & Showgrounds Agroventures ROAD

Ngongotaha Valley

Arahiwi

Waiteti

Tarukenga

DANSEYS ROAD SCENIC RES

DANSEY

Lake Rotorua

OP

5

Okawa Bay

Mourea

Rot

Mamaku

Awahou

MATAWHAURA Lake Lake NORTH SR Rotoehu Rotoehu

33

Hamurana

Mamaku Blue ARAHIWI SCENIC RES

RD

Manawahe

U

OT UROA KAIMAI-MAMAKU FOREST PARK

ROTOEH

TUT MA NIA U RD

Okere Falls Whangamarino

RD

Okere Falls

36

WAIKITE

Waikite Valley

Living History

VA LL

E Y RD 5

Waiotapu

38 RAINBOW MOUNTAIN SCENIC RES Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

0

5km

Lake Rerewhakaaitu Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Rerewhakaaitu

MAP REFERENCE

AA Centre Must-Do’s Domestic Airport Golf i-SITE Visitor Centre Lookout hi ne Str eam m aw a Tramping N g at a

Cultural performance, Tāmaki Māori Village © Destination Rotorua

Experience Rotorua’s history and delve into Māori culture at the Buried Village, Mitai Māori Village, Whakarewarewa – the Living Thermal Village or Tāmaki Māori Village.

Māori culture is an integral part of New Zealand society, and is central to life in Rotorua, which has one of the highest Māori populations in the country.

The people of Te Arawa tribe first settled in the Rotorua region, becoming the original tour guides to the thermal attractions.

The spirit of hospitality (manaakitanga) is as important now as it was then and the guides still take tourists to the same thermal sites. They also recall Māori myths and legends through song, dance and storytelling.

49

Rotorua

Applaud our CREATIVE ANCESTORS

TAP INTO TRADITIONAL MĀORI ARTS AND CRAFTS THAT HAVE BEEN PRACTICED FOR OVER 800 YEARS WITH A VISIT

L

ocated within Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia houses the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the national schools of carving, weaving and traditional arts. Watch master carvers and weavers working with wood, greenstone and bone, as well as weavers, traditional tattoo artists and talented designers.

TOP TIP: More examples of Māori artwork can be found in Rotorua’s gardens and public buildings, or you can follow the Public Arts Trail by grabbing a guide from the Rotorua i-SITE.

TO TE PUIA. Preparing flax/harakeke for weaving © Te Puia

50

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Rotorua

Time to Zorb Commonly known as zorbing, it was right here in Rotorua where the concept was first devised. Choose from four different tracks and roll down Mt Ngongotaha in a giant inflatable ball.

Zorbing might now be a worldwide activity, but Rotorua is still the only location in New Zealand where you can try it.

ROTORUA CANOPY TOURS

SOAR THROUGH THE FOREST ON A ZIPLINE, VENTURE OVER THE TREETOPS OR HURDLE DOWN THE HILL IN AN INFLATABLE BALL. ROTORUA DOESN’T LIKE YOUR HEART

E

xplore the canopy tops of an ancient native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours on a zipline adventure of a lifetime.

TO BEAT AT RESTING SPEED.

SEEING BREATHTAKINGLY

During your three-hour Canopy Tour you’ll be guided through the magical Mamaku Forest on a 1.2km network of six ziplines, swing bridges and treetop platforms up to 22 metres high in the canopy of an ancient native forest.

BEAUTIFUL FOREST FLORA FROM A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW IS PRETTY SPECTACULAR!

Zipline, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

ARE YOU READY TO SHWEEB? As the only pedal-powered monorail track in the world, shweebing is one of a kind in Rotorua. Give it a go in Velocity Valley, the city's white-knuckle adventure park. There are also giant super swings, bungy jumps, simulated skydives and jet boats that deliver 3Gs of force and 360-degree turns.

Keep an eye and ear out for robins, kererū, tomtit, tūī, bellbirds, whiteheads, kaka and fantails. Around 20 per cent of the forest is free from pesky predators and the aim is to return the ecosystem to the one Captain James Cook discovered when he first arrived in this country in 1769.

Velocity, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

BOOK ONLINE

FOR 10% DISCOUNT

PROMO CODE AATRAVEL

NATURE’S NEVER HAD SO MUCH TO SAY

*Not applicable with Family Tickets

EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD! VISIT NEW ZEALAND’S MOST COLOURFUL GEOTHERMAL AREA. ONLY 20 MINUTES DRIVE SOUTH OF ROTORUA. #SUPPORTTOURISM #SUPPORTLOCAL Please check the website for days of operation and combo deals available.

201 Waiotapu Loop Road, ROTORUA. SH5 (Rotorua-Taupo Highway) PH +64 7 3666 333 | www.waiotapu.co.nz

ONE OF THE MOST

SURREAL PLACES ON EARTH

51

Lake Taupō

Lake Taupo Tūrangi & Ruapehu

Taupō © Bare Kiwi

52

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Lake Taupō

NATURE’S PLAYGROUND IN A REGION THAT’S BEEN CHISELLED BY TECTONIC WIZARDRY, GET READY FOR A LANDSCAPE OF THERMAL VALLEYS POTMARKED WITH MAMMOTH LAKES AND STAMPED WITH VOLCANOES.

L

ake Taupō, the biggest lake in Australasia and roughly the size of Singapore, is also one of the world’s most formidable super volcanoes. Quite remarkably, the Chinese and Romans both recorded seeing red-scorched skies during a colossal eruption in around 180 AD. The region’s hot pools and steaming springs are tell-tale signs of the magma sitting below this serene lake. For now, the beast is sleeping, so you can make the most of the water. Kayaking to Mine Bay, where Māori designs are carved into the cliff face is a popular must-do.

To the south, in the Ruapehu district, lies the Tongariro National Park. Home to three almighty volcanoes – Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro. In winter a snow-blanketed Ruapehu is heaven for powderhounds, while in summer, the one-day Tongariro Crossing is rated as one of the world’s best hikes and covers a 20km path of steep ridges, scree slopes and emerald lakes.

For unprecedented views of Mt Ngāuruhoe, which also goes by its stagename of Mt Doom having starred in The Lord of the Rings, book in for high tea at the stately Chateau Tongariro, or jump

on the Sky Waka gondola and fly up the hillside with all three mountains in your viewfinder.

Nearby Tūrangi is the unofficial trout capital of New Zealand so don’t forget to pack your rod. At day’s end you can rest your angling arms at Tokaanu’s thermal hot pools, just five minutes down the road.

Welcome to a part of the world where a hot-headed Mother Nature spewed out some of her most awesome creations, or if you follow Māori legend – the fiercest fights occurred between the North Island’s tallest, mightiest mountains.

53

Lake Taupō

Terrific Lake Taupo

Cycling, Huka Trails BELOW: Fly fishing in Lake Taupō BOTH IMAGES: © Destination Great Lake Taupō

HUKA FALLS RIVER CRUISE “MAID OF THE FALLS”

UP, OUT & ACTIVE Whatever your appetite for activity is, Taupō delivers

$42 Adult - $15 Child – from $99 Family (2A+2C) Trip times - 1 0.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm all year 4.30pm summer

- allow 1.5 hours Departs ­ - Aratiatia Dam,12km north of Taupo off SH 5

Bookings Ph:

0800 278 336 www.hukafallscruise.co.nz

54

the recently upgraded Spa Thermal Park.

1. Lake Taupō has an international reputation as a trout fishing haven. Brown and rainbow trout can be hooked year-round with a licence.

5. Get a bird’s-eye view with a Taupō skydive. On a clear day, you can see both tips of the North Island.

2. Slip into New Zealand’s only lagoon-style pool with swim up bar and café at Lake Taupō Holiday Resort.

6. At 47 metres high, Taupō Bungy is New Zealand’s highest water-touching bungy jump.

3. Taupō has been awarded Silver Level Ride Centre status by the International Mountain Biking Association. Craters Mountain Bike Park has 62km of excellent tracks through Wairākei Forest.

7. Swoop across Waikato River on the Cliffhanger, an extreme 44-metre-high swing.

4. Ease away your aches in the all-natural (and 100 per cent free) hot pools of Otumuheke Stream in

8. Visit Huka Falls to witness 220,000 litres of water spill over a 11-metre-high ledge every second. A bridge crosses the chasm, or you can book a jet boat or river cruise to get even closer.

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Lake Taupō

LAKE TAUPŌ

3 ways

Lake Taupō © Destination Great Lake Taupō

WALK IT There’s no resisting a walk along the banks of Taupo’s enormous lake and the 10km Great Lake Pathway (Lion’s Walk) is definitely one of the best. It’s relatively flat and suitable for pushchairs, with plenty of places to stop for coffee breaks, ice cream and swims.

If you’d rather walk to Huka Falls, over driving there, sauntering along the banks of the Waikato River from Spa Thermal Park to the falls, takes approximately one hour. For something a little less populous, Pureora Forest Park lies 40 minutes west of Taupō.

Walking tracks take trampers deep into a magical and ancient world of moss-covered trees. Within this shadowy abyss, Waihora Lagoon is a large, little-known body of water.

When its viewing platform is submerged, standing upon it gives the illusion of walking on water.

SAIL IT The Mine Bay Māori rock carvings are only accessible from the water. These contemporary Māori artworks, which tower 14

metres above Taupō’s emerald lake, tell the story of the great Māori high priest Ngātoroirangi.

There are numerous, diverse ways to sail here. You could jump aboard a slick yacht or catamaran on a fully guided trip, or book the more traditional Ernest Kemp, a replica steamboat.

If sustainability is important to you, Sail Barbary is New Zealand’s only commercial electric sailboat, and 100% emission and noise free. Sundowner cruises offer a more intimate setting to see the carvings, with beanbags and blankets to snuggle into, while day trips can be more energetic, with passengers getting involved in hoisting the sails and manning the helm.

For those more compelled by what lies beneath the water, The Loloma offers Lake Taupō fishing charters and can also accommodate six passengers overnight, offering plenty of downtime for barbecues, sightseeing and water sports.

© Doughboats

DOUGHBOATS ARE A MUST-DO Discover New Zealand’s only doughnutshaped boats: a boat-meets-inflatable doughnut hybrid. Totally self-guided, pack a chilly bin, jump in and explore Lake Taupō.

Finally, there’s also lake kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, or for a different vantage point, parasailing 1000 feet above Lake Taupō in a single, tandem or triple parasail harness.

CYCLE IT The Great Lake Grade 3 Trail straddles the north-western corner of Lake Taupō. This 72km, three-day ride can also be split

into four separate sections (or day rides) comprising the W2K Trail, the K2K, Orakau Trail and the Waihaha Trail. Each section is easily accessible from the lively hub of Kinloch, a 20-minute drive from central Taupō. Highlights include a secret waterfall hidden deep in Waihaha Valley, fantastic views and several secluded swimming spots.

55

Lake Taupō Viewing platform at Craters of the Moon © Destination Great Lake Taupō

SOAK THIS UP Geothermal experiences to make you ooh and ahh.

COTE

FLET

CHER

S

I

KIW

ROA

O AV K IN RO

D

E

N UE

L HIL Y ENR TU K RD ST R

w

ay

KAKA

ROAD

OK IN O

W

k al

PA ARE TA H

)

PAE RU KU

PATAK T A ( L ER R io ns A C E

RA HU I

LA KE

ROAD

La ke

HENRY H HILL RD

ST

at

MERE

re

RIT MU

H IPA

AI

IHI

E TR SST ER TH OW CR

WA

E TERRAC

56

Lake Taupo (Taupomoana)

E LAK

Cemetery

MAP REFERENCE

AA Centre i-SITE Visitor Centre Lookout Police PostShop

OE UH AUR NG

TAHAREPA RES

Tapuaeharuru Bay

Colourful craters, Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park © Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park

TU MOO NNGGAAM

T EE STR MERE

IA HU

k al

500m

UI AN AH AIT WW HA AVE M AM KA IP UT O U RI M U E ST P R E EE T S TR T HA EE T

RD RES

W

0

ST

G

RD

E NG

ŌRAKEI KŌRAKO: Between Taupō and Rotorua, explore a landscape of geysers, hot springs, mud pools and silica terraces. A short ferry ride crosses the lake to the start of the walk.

TA

RE ME

KA KA

TUI

RA

WAIRĀKEI TERRACES: Combine Māori culture with pink, blue and white silica terraces at this man-made replica of the original. Afterward, relax in the thermal pools.

AI HO RA

STRE ET

EN

HEAT H

LE RIF

L IE GIL

KAIM A

N

Wha AWA re Ret rangi Vlg

T IT IR AUP

P E HU

ET

S

RUA

STR E

ST

HANS

ST

ST

MOT UTA IK O

STRE ET

HA

ENGA

ST RES

CRATERS OF THE MOON: A 45-minute looped walkway skims past steaming craters and vents. Add on a 20-minute walk to the upper lookout for jaw-dropping views.

W

alk W ve

ST

TA N IW

E DRIV

AKE I WA IR

ST

k at o

D OUB

GAS COIG NE

D WOODW AR

NG

KAIH UA

NOBL E

HO TO S T

AU

W ai

RE

TON GAR IRO

St Johns Wood

ET STRE

U

CAN

MUT

STR IA LAUGHTON EET

Retirement ST AL Village COMMUNITY Miniature LAGHE STRE ST R ET Railway PARK RD TUW W IL L IA M HAR HEU ETO HEU A ST LA STRE ROB KE ERT ET S STR E ET AD TE RO RR E AC NORT KAIMANAWA HCR NG E RES OFT RA NORTHCROFT T LE EE F RESERVE I R STR

RA GAT I RA N

PIHANGA ST RES

GHT ON

DUN

AMA

W HE RET

All Sea Kiw Holiday Tau

ET STRE

LA U

ST

STR EET

KAWA ROTO

SCA NNE LL

TARA TO

HA

RA

ST

I W HIT

NGA

S

Mole

RR Y

ROA D Waiora House

TaupoPI CentralT

ROSE HOR OMA T GARDENS TAN Taupo ORY LANDING GI HEU HEU RESERVE FE MuseumLions G

SPA PIHA

RA

MOT

EET STR

Great Lake Centre

ET STRE

SPA

AD RO

E UTER

GA

TONGARIRO DOMAIN

PAO

ST

TO

RIVERSIDEREC REC RIVERSIDE SCENICRES RES &&SCENIC Taupo Bungy & Cliff Hanger CHERRY T ISLAND RES

T ON

U

Cemetery

T TS

A WA IK

ST

TONGARIRO NORTH DOMAIN RIVERSIDE PARK

R

NGA

AN

UHA

HL

R

TO

ANUI

R

Marina

UC

k an

A WA IK NUK

LA

v er Ri

rb ve Ri

ORU

MC

ST

T REE ST

T KI IC

RUNA

ST

H

er es

ACH PE K KBA N NR VE BIA ERR ST AE UTA H MOT

S MIT

RANGATIRA PARK CONTROL GATES RES

PE OPE

SI N

NO RM AN

N TO

ST HUKA

IO

M I OH

A

TAUPŌ CITY MAP

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Lake Taupō Taupō Bungy & Swing, Taupō © Mead Norton BELOW: Ora Garden, Taupō Museum © Destination Great Lake Taupō

Māori rock art © Destination Great Lake Taupō

TOP FAMILY EXPERIENCES TAUPŌ KARTS: Race your whānau in 390cc karts. Twoseater karts and children’s karts are also available.

ROCK N’ ROPE: A high wire ropes course for all ages.

Choose from the trapeze, high log, giant swing or the ultimate rock drop.

TIMBERLINE RACING SIBERIAN HUSKIES: Learn all about Siberian Husky dogs, meet adorable puppies and watch an eight-dog running team in action.

24 HOURS IN TAUPŌ MORNING Taupō town centre

AFTERNOON The 14-metre-high

is a relaxed, lakeside bubble, with free parking and pedestrian-friendly streets. Everything is in walkable distance so start the day with breakfast at a lake-facing café and enjoy a good mooch.

Mine Bay Māori rock carving can only be seen from the water. Rent a kayak and use your own brawn to get there. You’ll paddle past pumice cliffs and hidden bays while slicing through crystalline water. Motorised kayaks are also available.

NOON Visit Lake Taupō Museum and Art Gallery for an insight into Taupō’s local heritage. The complex also includes the Ora Garden of Wellbeing, a Chelsea Flower Show winner. Afterward, lunch at McDonalds. Yes, you read that right.

Taupō hosts one of Macca’s most unusual venues – with seating in a retired, life-size airplane.

EVENING In summer, book a sunset cruise on the lake or fine dine at The Bistro. For low-key munching, you can’t look past the craft beers and barbecued tucker at Southern Meat Kitchen. For a nightcap with a view, The Deck is the only bar in town that boasts panoramic vistas across the lake.

TAUPŌ DEBRETTS HOT SPRINGS: Kids can swoosh down the hydroslides while adults bathe in healing mineral pools and hit up the spa.

MIND JUNCTION: Home to a giant maze, discovery centre, LEGO® display, mini-golf course and flight simulator.

GREAT LAKE MOTEL • Lakefront, 2 minutes walk from town centre, cafés, restaurants & shops • Heat pumps, air-con, 50+ SKY channels, 40inch Smart TVs, FREE WiFi & FREE parking • Spacious, self-catering studios (sleep 2-3) and 1-bedroom units (sleep 2-5) • Friendly hospitable service dedicated to your comfort • Tariff: $125-$185 (2 persons)

CLOSEST TO TOWN CENTRE

56 Lake Terrace, Taupo | Ph: 07 378 0018 E: stay@greatlakemotel.co.nz | Res: Freephone 0800 488 388

www.greatlakemotel.co.nz 57

Ruapehu Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter © Ruapehu Tourism

Land of ice & fire Ruapehu

Make a stop at Tūrangi

T

he region is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world and you can’t buy trout so you must fish for your dinner.

Find a fishing guide or ask for advice at Tūrangi’s Visitor Centre, but make sure you get a fishing licence first.

The Department of Conservation runs the Tongariro National Trout Centre, just 4km south of Tūrangi.

Walk through the museum and learn all about trout, feed some in the aquarium and learn to fish. Find out about the endangered whio ducks and see them on site.

in peace through beautiful native bush.

Tūrangi is an ideal base for excursions into Tongariro National Park and is just 40 minutes from Whakapapa ski area on Mt Ruapehu.

Nearby Kaimanawa Forest Park offers hunting and tramping, or take a walk around Lake Rotopounamu to see stunning scenery and tuneful birdlife.

There are lovely walks from the centre along the banks of the Tongariro River. Watch out for trout and listen for birdlife as you wander

PSST! HALFWAY BETWEEN TŪRANGI AND TAUPŌ, ON THE LAKE’S EAST SIDE, BULLI PT IS THE PERFECT ROCKJUMPING SPOT, WITH DEEP WATER AND SEVERAL LEDGES OF VARYING HEIGHTS TO LEAP FROM. 58

TWO NATIONAL PARKS, ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FINEST WALKS, THREE SKI AREAS AND AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF REASONS TO VISIT. WELCOME TO RUAPEHU.

S

ome of the purest natural beauty in New Zealand is found in Ruapehu’s two national parks – the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park.

Summer is THE month for tackling the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the country’s best one-day walk. Allow eight hours to tick this 20km mixed terrain walk off your list, and yes, the Emerald Lakes are worth every bun-burning step of the ‘Devil’s Staircase’.

In winter, ski or snowboard down a volcano. There are three ski areas to test your skills: Whakapapa, Tūroa and Tukino.

In spring, cycle The Timber Trail or take the scenic chair lift up Mt Ruapehu. If it’s raining during your visit, stay dry at Waiouru’s National Army Museum.

Distinctly different, but just as impressive, the Whanganui National Park’s gorges, sheer papa (clay) cliffs and waterfalls are accessible on foot, mountain bike, kayak or jet boat. The Whanganui Journey is one of New Zealand’s great walks (even though it’s a kayak trip) and it’s well worth taking the trip to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, which can be reached by jet boat, a short hike or mountain bike. ‑ ABOVE: Skiing on Tūroa © Visit Ruapehu LEFT: Tongariro River © Getty Images

PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP

Ruapehu National Army Museum, Waiouru LEFT: Forgotten World Adventure, Taumarunui BOTH IMAGES: © Ruapehu Tourism

LOCAL BUZZ ‘My most favourite place in the world would have to be the Ruatiti Domain. The crystal clear mountain water that flows down the Manganui o te Ao River is a refreshing place to cool off on some of our hottest summer days.

And, if you are lucky there is often a pair of rare whio (native blue duck) hanging around who don’t mind if you say hello.’

Alex Pearce – marketer, farmer and passionate Ruapehu local

T

aumarunui, meeting place of the Whanganui and Ōngarue rivers, is an important place in Māori history, once providing important waka transport routes.

Taumarunui is known for its farming, trout fishing, railway and forestry history, and is becoming more well known for the Forgotten World Adventures Rail Carts, The Timber Trail cycleway and adventures on the Whanganui River. It is also the northern gateway to the Tongariro National Park and many stunning walks and hikes.

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

• 39km SE of Taumarunui

Tongariro Holiday Park Best location for Crossing • Shuttle to Tongariro Alpine Crossing • Whakapapa Ski Field – 26km • TV & games room • Spa Pool • Satellite Internet • Dump Station (guests only) • Sites from $22pp, Cabins from $65

BOOK NOW: www.thp.co.nz • +64 7 386 8062 2091 SH 47, Tongariro • E: info@thp.co.nz

TAUMARUNUI named after Chief Ki Maru • 115km SW of Taupō

RSA CLUB TAUMARUNUI • Club open from 11am to late.

• Restaurant open 7 nights from 5.30pm.

• Full menu.

• Charge-back facilities to motels.

• Affiliated members & visitors welcome.

10 Marae St, Taumarunui • P: +64 7 895 7517 • F: +64 7 895 8343 www.taumarunuirsa.co.nz • E: taumrsa@xtra.co.nz 59

Hawke’s Bay

THE PLACE TO LAP UP THE SUN

Hawke’s Bay

60

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Hawke’s Bay

THIS EAST LYING TEMPTRESS WILL SEDUCE YOU WITH SUN-STAINED LANDSCAPES, FINE BAYS AND INTOXICATING WINES.

V

isitors fall hard for the fresh ocean air, rich harvest and handsome architecture of Hawke’s Bay. As one of New Zealand’s leading food and wine regions, fertile soils lend themselves to chardonnays and syrahs, as well as freshly squeezed fruit juice. With long summers and winters that rarely drop below 10 degrees, trying to resist this miniMediterranean is futile.

Dryer and flatter than many areas of the North Island, an east coast beauty like Hawke’s Bay doesn’t need lush greenery and towering snow-capped

mountains to beguile. In Napier, art deco buildings are bathed in pastel hues and the promenade oozes with seaside joviality. Alfresco tables spill onto the streets, silently inviting passers-by to join them, and the shops are always dressed to impress.

Hastings is a town that leaves taste buds in a tizz with its restaurants, breweries and vineyards. The local markets boast a bounty of goods and orchards burst with seasonal plums and berries. After gorging relentlessly, overindulgence can be offset with cycling. Scribbled with a 200km

network of scenic trails, the Bay’s routes are smooth, flat and peppered with pubs and vineyards. Drink up the ocean views and then full-bodied reds.

Come summer, thousands of gannets flock to the cliffs at Cape Kidnappers to dine on a menu of seafood. The world-acclaimed Cape Kidnappers Golf Course teeters on a lofty ridge and enjoys the world’s most dramatic spot to tee off, and Te Mata Peak beckons in the distance, with huge redwood trees nestled beneath. It’s impossible to ignore the magnetism of this region, and nor will you want to.

Event at the Mission Estate Winery ABOVE: Art deco performers BOTH IMAGES: © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

61

(O

Esk River

2

TUTIR A , W AIR OA & GISBORNE

Rd ck lo ve Ha

ESKDALE

St

TAUPO & NORTH

ga un ta re He

Rd wa ra ata Ng

Map created by Hawke’s Bay Wine New Zealand

d sR ge or Ge St

Hill Rd

BAY VIEW Seafield Rd

Te Aute Rd

2

Puketitiri Rd

WESTSHORE

Apley Rd

AHURIRI

Hawke’s Bay Airport

PUKETAPU

2 Rd

r ste ce ou Gl

Meea nee R d

Swamp Rd

1

Ra ilw ay Rd

Lo ng lan ds Rd

Rd Crosses u m Rd ra Ka

WAIPAWA, WAIPUKURAU & SOUTH

Tukituki River

d sR ge or Ge t S

TE AWANGA

Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Colony Te Ma ta R d

HAVELOCK NORTH Middle Rd

5

t Eas Rd C lif to d n dR Rd on ym Ra

Te Mata Mangateretere Rd

2 Te Aute Rd

HAUMOANA

Black Bridge

Rd ck lo ve Ha

d aR ro ga an M

BRIDGE PA

Farndon Rd

d ch R Bea l Rd khil Par

HASTINGS

50 Maraekakaho Rd

t n S St by a Au ung St ta re He

d aR tan Rd on M wa ra ata Ng

6

Bridge Pa Aerodrome

CLIVE d ll R Mi

FLAXMERE

d iR ha ow k Pa

Clive River

d ia R hap Rua

) ve Rd k A nd Oa rmo O (

d Rd Elwoo

d tR et bl m Gi

TAKAPAU, CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

Rd

Sandy Rd

Rd

Ngaruroro River

Brookfields Rd

La wn

EXPR ESSW AY

Taihape Rd

i Rd ha kow Pa

Golf Course

Links Rd

d to R ato Aw

Napie r Rd

Korokipo Rd

Ngaruroro River

St

TARADALE

Omaranui Rd

Om ah u

Marine Pa rade

d yR ed nn Ke Churc h Rd

Puk eta pu

FERNHILL

NAPIER

Prebensen Dr

Tutaekuri River

Mere Rd

Hardinge Rd West Quay

Ahuriri Estuary

Dartmoor Rd

Port of Napier

River Rd

3

Tukituki Rd

4 Waimarama Rd

Te Mata Lookout Peak

Red Bridge

Hawke’s Bay Winery Guide 62

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Te Ma ta R d

Brookfields

• 378 Brookfields Road, Meeanee, Napier, Hawke’s Bay 4112 • Ph: +64 6 834 4615 • www.brookfieldsvineyards.co.nz

1

Founded in 1937, Brookfields Vineyards is the oldest boutique winery in Hawke’s Bay. Brookfields Vineyards makes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit Brookfields and enjoy an intimate tasting in the Barrel Room.

Brookfields Vineyards also hosts weddings and corporate functions.

4

Under the spectacular escarpment of Te Mata Peak, the iconic Craggy Range Winery presents a second-to-none visitor experience. Boutique, self-contained accommodation in the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country includes two or four-bedroom luxury lodges offering private retreats overlooking the Tukituki River, and one and two-bedroom boutique cottages set amongst the vines. A short stroll away, you’ll find the Cellar Door offering relaxed and intimate seated tastings, while the award-winning restaurant serves the best local and seasonal produce in elegant surroundings highlighting the breathtaking local landscape.

Craggy Range Vineyards

253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay 4130 Ph: +64 6 873 7126 • Email: info@craggyrange.com • www.craggyrange.com Twitter: @craggyrange | Facebook: @CraggyRangeWinery | Instagram: @craggyrange

Askerne is a boutique family owned winery specialising in aromatic white wines and dessert wines.

We offer you the opportunity to select your own picnic from our wide range of gourmet foods.

Match your picnic with a glass of stunning Askerne fine wine in our idyllic vineyard setting.

Askerne Estate Winery • 267 Te Mata Mangateretere Road, Havelock North, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay 4157 • Ph: +64 6 877 2089 • www.askernewines.co.nz

Black Barn Vineyards

6

Black Barn is the perfect visitor destination to spend an hour or two, a night or two or even a week or two.

You can taste our wines, dine in the Bistro, shop local in our Kitchen store, explore the Growers’ Market, enjoy a concert in the renowned Amphitheatre or all of the above by staying in one of our sixteen luxury retreats. black barn road, havelock north, hawke’s bay P: +64 6 877 7985 E: blackbarn@blackbarn.com www.blackbarn.com

5

3

• 2016 Maraekakaho Rd, RD 1, Hastings • Ph: +64 6 879 4830 • www.sileni.co.nz Sileni is based in the sub-region of the Bridge Pa Triangle in sunny Hawke’s Bay. We are proud to be able to create wines that showcase the region’s stunning Terroir. Come visit our Cellar Door team for a tasting then enjoy a glass of wine in our vineyard.

2

63

Hawke’s Bay

HASTINGS Charming town

Hastings town centre © Getty Images BELOW: Cape Kidnappers’ golf course © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

It’s the largest township in Hawke’s Bay and a lively mecca of seaside optimism, art deco and over 2200 hours of annual sunshine.

You’ll be hooked from the get-go.

ARCHITECTURE The unique

ARATAKI HONEY BEE CENTRE

streets include art deco, Spanish mission/stripped classical architecture. A detailed self-guided walks’ brochure can be picked up from Hastings Information Centre.

Head 10 minutes out of town and discover what makes a queen bee tick, lock lips with gooey samples and learn more about the important role of bees in our food chain. Entry is free.

Cape Kidnappers golf course is listed in the top 50 in the world.

HAWKE’S BAY FARMYARD ZOO Home to an impressive array

ON THE DOORSTEP

HASTINGS CITY ART GALLERY At Civic Square. It’s free to visit and stoically guarded by Nga Pou O Heretaunga: 18 impressive Māori carvings each representing an ancestor from the area.

FOCAL POINT CINEMA With its fabulous art deco facade, watching a flick here feels deliciously retro.

HAWKE’S BAY FARMERS’ MARKET Hastings is home to the longest running market in New Zealand. Buzzing every Sunday from 8.30am, pop down to A&P Showgrounds on Kenilworth Rd to sample the region’s freshest produce.

SPLASH PLANET New Zealand’s only water-theme park is just seven minutes from central Hastings.

64

of friendly animals, as well as pony rides, petting and feeding. Located by the sea, 15 minutes from the heart of Hastings.

HASTINGS DISTILLERS As New Zealand’s first producer of certified organic artisan spirits and liqueurs, The Tasting Room is housed in a 1930s building on the slick East 200 block of Heretaunga St.

TE MATA PEAK Catch the sunrise from the summit. This great swathe of rippled land stands 399km high, with an enchanting redwood forest at its nape. Twenty minutes from Hastings.

TOP TIP

HAVELOCK NORTH is nestled at the base of Te Mata Peak and jam-packed with village-style niceties. The weekly growers’ market is held every Saturday at Black Barn Vineyard over summer and a big bag of sugar-loaded goodness from Birdwoods Gallery and Sweet Shop is always a must. Keirunga Gardens boasts a brilliant miniature train that winds through its flora via tiny tunnels and bridges, and you’ll also find acclaimed vineyards such as Craggy Range and Te Mata Estate here.

CAPE KIDNAPPERS Take a short 35-minute drive from Hastings to Cape Kidnappers. This jagged white bluff slides into the Pacific Ocean cliff-by-cliff, leaving great toothy boulders exposed. Come September, the clifftops are seized by the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets, where they stay until April. You can also walk here from Clifton via a 10km coastal walkway, but the best option is to book a tour combining Cape Kidnappers with the Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve, a 2500-hectare predator-free sanctuary.

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Following a destructive 1931 earthquake, Napier rebuilt itself into the art decoinspired enclave that you see today.

There is no limit to this town’s kooky, cool style.

Smith & Sheth, Havelock North © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

1

Hawke’s Bay

Ascend Bluff Hill For a walk to get your blood pumping, Bluff Hill Lookout is a steep 35-minute walk from the city centre, but the puff is worth it for glorious vistas over the port.

Wine tasting… with eggs!

Marvel at the giant-sized fermenters at The Urban Winery.

Home to Tony Bish Wines, his cellar, located in the National Tobacco Company art deco building (known as the ‘Rothmans’ building) harbours huge eggshaped wine barrels made from concrete and French oak.

2

Admire art deco

Best experiences

in Napier

Almost as plentiful as the wine is Napier’s art deco scene – don’t miss the iconic T & G building with its copper clock and the Central Fire Station Bistro, a fabulous restaurant named after the magnificent art deco building in which it is housed. For something truly unique, book a guided tour around town in a striking 1930s classic car.

3

65

Hawke’s Bay

DON’T MISS

If you’ve ever yearned to live in a glitzy, glamorous Great Gatsby era, here’s your chance. Every year, over five fabulous days in February, Napier’s streets erupt with hundreds of art deco events, including outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashion shows and Flapper-inspired shindigs.

Go to prison

5

Provided with an audio device, you’ll be hanging on the narrator’s every word at Napier Prison. Built in 1862, this former penitentiary has stories to tingle your every vertebrae. Fortunately, fingerprinting and mugshot photographers keep the mood light for children.

Explore Te Awanga Te Awanga is on the city’s doorstep and attracts many visitors. Twenty minutes from central Napier, there are several wineries here, including Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate Winery.

4

6

Get artsy Pick up a local art guide map and stride from gallery to home studio. Visit the MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum Theatre which also has contemporary exhibitions of art and craft.

Soak up Marine Parade Stroll along Marine Parade, soaking up the blue infinity that is sky touching sea and saunter to the end of the Napier Viewing Platform which juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Also along the parade is The National Aquarium of New Zealand, mini-golf, a BMX and skateboard park, basketball courts and the serene Sunken Garden with its colour wheel of bold blooms. When it’s time to relax, the open-air Ocean Spa hot pools stay open late.

7

Tuki Tuki Valley, Hawke’s Bay Trail ABOVE: Napier Classic Cars BOTH IMAGES: © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

66

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Hawke’s Bay

Family fun in Napier!

PAR MINI GOLF Par2 is fun for everyone! Choose from two 18-hole courses with unique features or enjoy a round on both.

Open daily with extended summer hours! par2golf.co.nz

BAY SKATE Let the good times roll at Bay Skate, Napier’s world class skate park. Bring your own wheels or hire from the huge range of roller sport equipment for a ride in the park or a roll along Marine Parade. bayskate.nz

THE FARADAY CENTRE

KENNEDY PARK RESORT

Fuel your imagination as you explore this interactive hands-on museum. It’s a fascinating place of discovery for all the family! faradaycentre.org.nz THE FARADAY CENTRE

Enjoy fun right on your doorstep with a large array of accommodation options!

Heated pool complex, jumping pillow and playground. kennedypark.co.nz

NATIONAL AQUARIUM OF NEW ZEALAND

MTG HAWKE’S BAY

hawke’s bay museum of technology

Discover an exciting world above and below the water! Visit Penguin Cove, see sharks and stingrays swim over you in the oceanarium and spot native tuatara and kiwi. nationalaquarium.co.nz

Visit this free award-winning museum!

Explore the artefacts in the Taonga Māori Gallery and discover the story of the region’s recovery following the 1931 earthquake. mtghawkesbay.com 67

Hawke’s Bay Bareknuckle, Hastings BELOW: Clearview Wine BOTH IMAGES: © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

LOCAL BUZZ ‘Five minutes further and you reach wine country. A visit to the range of winery offerings will easily fill in your day. Try the Trinity Hill tasting room for starters for an amazing range of local wine styles.’

Warren Gibson – Winery owner, winemaker.

N

o trip to Napier would be complete without sampling the local wines. There’s a huge range of renowned local wineries to visit and alternative ways to get there. One of the best options is to cycle or take a guided tour. Download a handy wine trail map at www.hawkesbaywine.co.nz which details the region’s 72 wineries, some with top-class restaurants, and has tips on tasting etiquette.

HAVELOCK NORTH 5km E of Hastings BAY VIEW HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS • BBQ area, wireless internet. Bar/Bistro and Café open 7 days a week.

• Surfcasting beach 900m, airport 4km.

• Tariff: Non-powered Sites $15pp Powered Sites $18pp Motels $110-$120 per night Tourist Cabins FAMOUS $75 per night SUNDAY NIGH T Backpackers $35pp PIG ON SPIT • Weekly rates available.

• Peak rates may apply.

DISCOVER, TASTE, INDULGE!

FREE Entry & Honey Tasting • Open 7 days 9am-5pm Phone: 06 877 7300 Group tours available by appointment

$25

43 Petane Rd, Bay View, Napier Ph: +64 6 836 6007 www.bayviewholidaypark.co.nz

68

66 Arataki Road, Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay | Email: shop@aratakihoneyhb.co.nz

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Hawke’s Bay Gannets on Cape Kidnappers BELOW: Te Mata Peak BOTH: © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

CAPE KIDNAPPERS GANNET RESERVE IS A MAJOR DRAWCARD. OBSERVE THOUSANDS OF BIRDS AT THE RESERVE’S FOUR COLONIES, BEST VIEWED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND APRIL BEFORE THE GANNETS MIGRATE.

NAPIER CITY MAP 500m

ROA D

L AL ND

PRIESTL EY RD

PARAD E

LO RD W

W BRO

ON

NING

MARINE

N

RA

RD

National Wine Centre

BYR

RD Y VIEW

RD

ROA D

L CHEL HERS

O ILT

E

ERE

E

SH

M

AC

RD

D OA

CO

HUKAR

LIN

ST

Ocean Spa Napier War Memorial Centre Tom Parker Fountain

Statue of Pania of the Reef MTG Hawke’s Bay

ST

ET STRE D ROA

SALE ST

ET RE

W alkw ay

P ar ad e

Bay Skate

Junior Bike Track

M ari ne

ST

N SWA ST

MARINE

RA F FLES

PARADE

N Y SON S

HAST ING S

ST

EDWARDES ST

HAST INGS

FA RA

KET

ER

ROE MUN

SSTT

T EE

R ST

M HA AMT HLA T A

BOW

NT CE ES CR

Napier South CK RO AM H S

MAR

L EDRA CATH ON LN DALT

EY SL

Bus STDepot LL HA

N

NELSON PARK

SQ E

SQ W

LE O LS NE

AD RO

VAUTIER S T ET STRE

N

E IV ER IVD E DR AV N EA CL M

E TLLE ISIST TTHH

CLIVE

CLIVE

TA T T I ON S

WE L

ST

OW BR

K

ET STRE

ST

LD NA

R GO VI

O CD M

LL JU

EET STR

AR MILL

EN OW

ST

LE

D REED DY IFIRF NE ININ WW EN

2 DOU GLA S

RD

ON

CE

THOM PS

CH ATH

Y

ROSL

A RO

EY

LAMB

HOR NS

TH CON

ROAD

E

Napier

FORESHORE RES

HADFIELD Napier Prison ONE

ON S

G

RD

FARADA Y

STH

S GE OR GE

BAY EVERY EASTER SATURDAY, THIS ANNUAL BIKE RIDE IS NOT TO BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY. FROM THOSE DRESSED IN TUTUS, TO THE EASTER BUNNY HANDING OUT CHOCOLATE EGGS, IT’S ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN.

L NEL CAR

RD

COOTE

DST GLA CL Y DE

S

RD

Y CARL

THACKERA Y

THE BIG EASY: COMING TO THE ROADS OF HAWKE’S

R

ES PE AR

CE YT LE P RIE S T CENTENNIAL GARDENS

TIFFEN Cathedral COLENSO Veronica Sunbay Napier PARK ST Art Deco Shop Walks & Tours Art Deco GLEESON H O O KER Festival N Soundshell PARK O S N Y DA Y ST ST VE E TENN Par 2 Mini Golf SON RA TC MER T E C E Sunken AV SMALE EN MAY Garden CRAVST ST A LBIO N Trainworld T ENS E K E C I R D ST T ION S TE N STAT S

ND RD

HILL

R OL IV ER

ENFIELD RD

TE R

NAPIER

AN

CORRY AV

AK

50

D L IGHTH OU S E R

NT

ZRO Y R L N RD Y HARV E RD SE AL Y

K I PLIN

CHAUC E

UY

Napier Cemetery

F IT

Bluff Hill

Bluff Hill

DEN RD COB ES DEN CR COB RD

FR

ROA D

BLUFF HILL DOMAIN

STURMS GULLY Lookout

OM PSO N

VE

D ON R

BOTANICAL GDN G

D

KESPEAR E SHA

BA

PARADE

cyclists will definitely like the numerous playgrounds en route.

Most trails can be done in one day but there are endless ways to expand your voyage into a multiday adventure by utilising the region’s accommodation options.

T ES

Hospital Hill

OIN AP T SE

R AMNE

T LING B UR

G OR

BA

AD RO

CH AUCER RD NTH

GE

AD RO

YN

N TO

N RD AN SELWY C OLE M AD RO N IDDER OR MO KE UH AC LQ BR

N IO

BU RN S

AV E

MILT ON

OA Y AR ER NG TT A T BA

AT

T

he Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails are a 200km network of yearround bike rides that you can pick and choose from. Most are flat, off-road and don’t go above Grades 1 and 2 so even the littlest of legs can give it a whirl. Pint-sized

KENNY

T

Ahuriri

TER BAT

BYPASS

BULL S

T

50

BREAKWATER

AM

STREET

ORNE WA GH

I R IR AHU

Port of Napier

ROAD

GE HARDIN

OUTRAM

Cycle Trails

0

National Aquarium of New Zealand To Hastings & Havelock North

69

Taranaki

SUBLIME SCENERY

Tremendous

Taranaki

70

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Taranaki

NUZZLING INTO NEW ZEALAND’S WEST COAST, TARANAKI’S REMOTENESS LENDS ITSELF TO MOMENTS OF BEAUTIFUL SECLUSION. For a long time, arriving here was commonly regarded as the result of a wrong turn.

Then, in 2017, Lonely Planet spectacularly lifted the lid and exposed ‘The Naki’ as the destination it really is: one of New Zealand’s very finest.

Mt Taranaki quite clearly popped out of Mother Nature’s ‘flawless mountain’ mould, such is its aesthetic perfection; always sitting spectacularly, and somewhat reassuringly, on the horizon. While climbing its

peak is the forte of hardened hikers, the Pouakai Circuit follows a 2-3 day route around the mountain’s base. Those starved of time should try the one-day Pouakai Crossing traversing low slopes and moss swamps, or the 13km New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.

For views of Mt Taranaki from afar, climbing the 215 steps up Hāwera’s water tower will provide some of the best.

Highway 45, dubbed Surf Highway 45, traces the wild

coastline between New Plymouth and Hāwera, with legendary surf breaks the entire way. World-class swells at both the Kumera Patch and Stent Rd are lapped by blacksand beaches, whipped by the Tasman Sea and littered with driftwood.

From jaw-dropping scenery to a surprising art scene, New Plymouth is home to the WOMAD international arts festival, while sculptures such as the Wind Wand

define the region. Designed by internationally-acclaimed New Zealand artist Len Lye, the visionary also has his pieces on show at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.

From untamed landscapes to liberated creativity, whatever your reason for visiting Taranaki, this is one ‘wrong turn’ you’ll want to make time and time again.

Back Beach, Taranaki © Rob Tucker

71

Taranaki

North Taranaki is an enticing mix of beaches, golf courses, art and crafts, gardens, walks, and sites of historical significance from Māori and European settlement.

URENUI after Tuurenui, son of the chief Manaia •

TOWNS IN & AROUND

North Taranaki

32km NE of New Plymouth

• Quiet coastal town • Close to beach • 1min to café, shops, pub, takeaways • 2 studio units, sleeps 3.

1 family unit, sleeps 4 • Sky TV, parking • Tariff: $120-$150, extra person $10

T

6 Nikorima St, Urenui • Phone: +64 6 752 3771 • Email: ubmotel@gmail.com

www.urenuibaymotel.co.nz

Friendly family camp with clean and modern amenities.

Located off State Highway 3, 2km north of Urenui township, 30km from New Plymouth.

Your Hosts: Ian, Teresa, Liam & Aidan Hayston

Urenui Beach Rd, Urenui, Taranaki 4349 Ph: +64 6 752 3838 Email: urenuibeachcamp@xtra.co.nz www.urenuibeachcamp.co.nz

72

he coastal retreat of Awakino is the perfect place to relax with beautiful west coast beaches on tap. The mouth of the Awakino River provides some excellent breaks for surfers and the river itself is prized by anglers. Go hunting, tramping, eat some whitebait and head to the local pub to share tales from your day.

Marae where iwi events still take place. Walk along the black sands of Wai-iti Beach which is framed by dramatic white cliffs and turquoise water. These cliffs are also part of the Whitecliffs Walkway, along with the Three Sisters rock formations and the historic Te Horo stock tunnel. Please note, this walkway is closed during lambing season from 1 July to 30 September.

Whitebaiting and fishing are popular in Mōkau and many visitors arrive to either kayak or cruise the Mōkau River. The bush along the riverbank retains much of its original splendour.

Waitara is the site of an original Māori settlement. Look out for the Manukorihi Pā and the magnificent carved meeting house completed in 1936. One of the best points of interest includes the Te Roimata O Te Atiawa stone commemorating the iwi chief at the time of the first Taranaki War in 1860.

In a quiet corner of Taranaki is the coastal settlement Urenui, complete with a scenic marine reserve and a strong Māori connection, including the Urenui

ABOVE: Northern Taranaki coastline © Venture Taranaki TOP: Tongapōrutu, Taranaki © Rach Stewart/Venture Taranaki

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Taranaki

NEW PLYMOUTH KNOWS HOW TO SHOW YOU A GOOD TIME

New Plymouth invites guests to explore free-entry museums, acclaimed surf beaches, art galleries, an exceptional coastline and countless coffee shops.

Here’s six top spots to put on your to-do list:

1

Gorgeous gardens Pukeiti is well regarded for its rhododendrons, Tupare overlooks the Waiwhakaiho River and boasts winding paths leading to secret spaces, while Hollard Gardens is densely planted with year-round colour. For an inner-city oasis, Te Kainga Marire has been developed around a homestead, spills into a river reserve and the guided tours come with afternoon tea.

The Wind Wand This kinetic sculpture was designed by Len Lye, and is one of the main focal points of the 12.7km New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. Other notable features include Fitzroy surf beach, the stunning structure of Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and the unmistakable Mt Taranaki backdrop.

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/ Len Lye Centre Now you’ve seen this wind wand, explore more at this free awardwinning art gallery. As New Zealand’s top venue for contemporary artwork, Len Lye features alongside countless other artists and the exterior is just as impressive as its internal exhibits.

2

3

See what’s on at npeventvenues.nz

• Very quiet location • 11 x 1-brm, 2 x 2-brm, 1 x 1-brm family unit. 1 x 1-brm apartment • All ground-floor with parking at door • 200m to Coastal Walkway/Fitzroy Beach

ABOVE: Te Kainga Marire, New Plymouth © Te Kainga Marire/Venture Taranaki INSET: Facade of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth © Patrick Reynolds

CARRINGTON MOTEL

• 16 spacious self-contained double/twin studio & family units.

• Walk to CBD, Pukekura Park, Bowl of Brooklands, Stadium.

• Breakfast/room service. Serviced daily. Ample parking.

• Wireless broadband • Major credit cards accepted, except for American Express.

• Tariff: Single $92, Double $105, Family $170 (4).

61 Carrington St, New Plymouth • P: +64 6 757 9431 • Res: 0800 77 94 31 www.carringtonmotel.co.nz • E: stay@carringtonmotel.co.nz

• 3-4min to CBD & 1min to shops, cafés in Fitzroy • Sky Guest Select, 50+ channels • Free bikes to use • Tariff: $160-$250 (2 persons), extra $20 – peak & corporate rates

25 Beach St, Fitzroy, New Plymouth • P: +64 6 757 2925 • Res: 0800 757 2925 E: info@beachstreetmotel.co.nz • www.beachstreetmotel.co.nz

73

4

Taranaki

The West End Precinct Centred around the GovettBrewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre and taking over the dazzling venue that was once White Hart Hotel, this area is now home to more than a dozen slick eateries, modern businesses and fashion outlets.

5

Pretty parks As well as being the venue for the annual TSB Festival of Lights every summer, Pukekura Park is a Garden of National Significance. With 49 hectares of native bush, including a glorious lake, it lies adjacent to Brooklands Park which features a natural amphitheatre music bowl and small, free zoo.

Puke Ariki This is the world’s first purposebuilt, fully integrated museum, library and visitor information centre. It stands on what was once a pÄ site, is architecturally astounding and has won multiple awards for its design and innovation. From natural science to MÄ ori taonga (treasures), it’s guaranteed to enthral every visitor.

6

LEFT: Pukekura Park Š Getty Images FAR LEFT: Federal Store, New Plymouth Š Lisa Tamati/MBM

5x winners of the Regional Hospitality Excellence Award

0800 804 204



www.beltroad.co.nz

74

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Taranaki

JUST AROUND THE CORNER IS A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER.

Surf Highway 45

Lake Mangamahoe

DISCOVER TARANAKI Experience your perfect getaway in Taranaki – it’s just around the corner. Be pleasantly surprised by truly unique activities, adventure and events, decadent dining and world-class modern art. Check out what Taranaki has to offer and why it needs to be on your must-visit list.

visit.taranaki.info

It’s just around the corner!

AN INITIATIVE OF VENTURE TARANAKI

75

Taranaki

Walk this way Eight walks for every ilk

LOCAL BUZZ ‘For a walk closer to New Plymouth then head to Back Beach.

There is a track that runs from the Back Beach car park along the coast towards Paritutu. The views of the Sugar Loaf Islands are spectacular.’

Rosie Sargisson – Co-owner Billow, an artisan sourdough bakery

76

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Taranaki 1. Mt Taranaki: It’s not every

roads between Stratford and

day you get to climb an active

Putangi. This short, 30-minute

volcano. Tackling the summit of

walk leads through redwood trees

Mt Taranaki is a gruelling four

resonating with bird song. If you

to six-hour ascent and then a

explore after dark, the shadows

three to five-hour descent. It’s for

come alive with glowworms.

seasoned hikers only. Be warned:

5. Mt Damper Falls: Plunging

the weather can change from

74 metres into a basin of smooth

harmonious to harrowing in a millisecond.

slated rocks, access is via an easy

2. Egmont National Park:

cutting through one kilometre of

Mt Taranaki aside, there are more

farmland.

20-minute walk off the main road,

than 200km of walking tracks in the park, ranging from 15 minutes to multi-day assaults. Which brings us nicely to…

spoiled with easy walking paths, as

of the more populous Tongariro

well as complimentary barbecues,

Crossing. Tramp the slopes

free tea and coffee in the Hollard

of Mt Taranaki and cross the Ahukawakawa wetlands to mirrored alpine lakes. This trek can be spread over two glorious days if you

vertising Proof

tracks that weave in and around

7. Hollard Gardens: Visitors are

heavenly one-day walk rivals that

INSET: Mt Damper Falls © Venture Taranaki

lakes: Meander along the various these two picturesque lakes.

3. The Pouakai Crossing: This

LEFT: Mt Taranaki reflected in Pouakai Tarns, Pouakai Crossing © Jeremy Beckers

6. Rotokare and Rotorangi

stay overnight in a DOC hut.

Centre and free overnight parking for campervans in their car park!

8. Te Popo Gardens: Worth a visit for its 13 hectares of woodland and

4. The Hidden Valley Walk: Reached by hugging the windy

river gorges, as well as placid ponds and three bridges. A reasonable $5 entrance fee is required.

56 Mountain Road, RD3- SH3A New Plymouth,Taranaki 4373 Check out our website: www.aatravel.co.nz Phone: +64 6 752 0696 Email: sentryhill@infogen.net.nz Accommodation Web: www.sentryhill.co.nz

T: +64 9 966 8720 ext 0 F: +64 9 966 8721 E: tourism.images@aa.co.nz

Ad Type: Half Page | Section: Directory | Facility: Motel | Listed Under: New Plymouth

Find us on Facebook

All units are on the ground-floor level

56 Mountain Rd RD3, State Highway 3A, SKY Guest Select 50+ Channels + Free WiFi New Plymouth Ph/Fax: 0-6-752 0696 Closest Motel to New Plymouth Airport Email: sentryhill@infogen.net.nz

ROOF July 2009

22 ground-floor units • Restaurant & bar Closest motel to Waitara, Inglewood and New Plymouth Airport Airport transfers by arrangement Parking and storage for large vehicles (trucks, boats, trailers)

OF PROMPTLY

le for any errors oof or any mistakes ed by due date

ound, Backpacker, Hostel

Waitara

Bell Block

Sentry Hill 3A Motel

Urenui

North

Inglewood

www.sentryhill.co.nz Ad Type: Free Photo Bold | Section: Directory | Facility: Motel | Listed Under: New Plymouth

3 South

Boutique, Luxury, Resort tment, Motel, Motor Home, Self-contained ouse, Inn, Lodge, mestay, Luxury, Boutique,

New Plymouth Oakura

MO NTAIN RD U

248 - Fax: 0-6-752 0696

New Plymouth CBD 7-minute drive Restaurant and bar on site Mountain and ocean views Conferences for 15 to 30 people Guest laundry – washed, dried, folded Storage for guest vehicles going to airport Sightseeing activities arranged at reception Camera security surveillance Shuttle car/van service available to guests Group booking discounts

77

Taranaki

I

NGLEWOOD sits just below the forested fringe of Egmont National Park and is a good place to stock up before heading out on the many walking tracks.

Children – and adults – will be enthralled by Fun Ho! National Toy Museum which produces classic, hand-made, aluminium sand cast toys. Watch toymaker Richard Jordan at

In the vicinity:

work at the foundry furnace.

In Inglewood, you will also find a cottage garden, scenic reserves, Californian redwood trees, golf club, high ropes adventure centre and wildlife park where you can enjoy lots of animal cuddles.

Venture to picturesque Lake Mangamāhoe for walking and mountain biking with great views.

Inglewood

Opening hours: 10am-4pm weekdays, 10am-2pm weekends & public holidays. Over 3000 toys on display – iconic Kiwiana.

Plus slot cars, sand pit, theatrette & dioramas. Operating toy-making foundry on site. Toy models, collectables & spare parts for sale. Also on site: Inglewood Information Centre & Inglewood Heritage Centre.

FUN HO! NATIONAL TOY MUSEUM 25 Rata St, Inglewood Ph: +64 6 756 7030 Email: funhotoys@funho.com www.funhotoys.co.nz

Unusual adventures

IN CENTRAL TARANAKI

Mangamāhoe © Rach Stewart

THE STRATFORD GLOCKENSPIEL Head here to

WHANGAMOMONA TOWNSHIP This amusing wee

check out the figures of Romeo and Juliet that pop out to perform a scene from Shakespeare’s tragic drama at the glockenspiel clock tower at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm daily.

town has been its own republic since 1988, complete with an elected President, which over the years has included a poodle, a goat and a turtle. Visitors can get their passport stamped in the local pub, Whangamomona Hotel, which also serves seriously good home-made chips.

THE FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY With a creaky, single lane mountain tunnel and concertinaed landscape, this 150km drivable highway is highly intriguing. Weaving between Stratford and Taumarunui, the intrepid journey is so remote, petrol stations cease to exist.

GOBLIN FOREST As a result of kāmahi tree growing all over the trunks of pre-existing trees, this forest now looks hairy. Reach out and touch if you dare – or wait to be tickled by a creeping branch!

YOU AIN’T DONE IN STRATFORD YET!

If you like to visit places that are cool and quirky, circle Central Taranaki on the map.

78

Stratford town is named after Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK: birthplace of William Shakespeare. As well as its Romeo and Juliet glockenspiel, many street names are taken from the playwright’s characters.

Other attractions include the Pioneer Village (an exceptional heritage museum complete with a steam train) as well as the Percy Thomson Gallery which is chock-a-block with local artwork.

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Taranaki

South Taranaki THE TALES AND TAONGA (TREASURED THINGS) OF SOUTH TARANAKI REACH AS HIGH AS THE MOUNTAIN AND AS LOW AS THE SEA BED. FROM GIANT SURF WAVES TO THE FASCINATING MICROFILMS IN AOTEA UTANGANUI MUSEUM, EXPERIENCE GREATNESS BOTH LITTLE AND LARGE.

South Taranaki Coast © Rob Tucker

HĀWERA breath of fire • 71km SE of New Plymouth

Explore South Taranaki Egmont Street, Pātea (06) 273 8354 | museum@stdc.govt.nz

66 Waihi Road, Hāwera (06) 278 0021| 0021| aqua�c@stdc.govt.nz

Home to countless classic beaches and surf breaks

55 High St, Hāwera (06) 278 8599 | visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz

Sangster Road, Rawhi�roa (pictured)

www.southtaranaki.com 79

Taranaki ŌPUNAKE This a a delightful family-friendly destination, with safe swimming at Ōpunake Bay and decent waves to satisfy surfers.

The town’s population swells every summer with visitors who flock to the annual beach carnival.

View of Mt Taranaki near Eltham farmlands © Venture Taranaki

Explore the 7km-long Ōpunake Walkway, and see the historic Armed Constabulary Cemetery and Te Namu Pā and Ōpunake Lake.

Neighbouring Middleton Bay has a boat ramp and access to good deep-sea fishing. Take a drive south to visit the Pihama Lavender Farm and Gallery, and catch the growers’ market on the third Sunday of each month.

While in South Taranaki DON’T MISS...

Charming townships litter South Taranaki’s sea-skimming landscape. They may be small but they conceal some of the nation’s biggest success stories.

Hāwera

Approaching from the south, you will be welcomed by the statue of a giant cow because Hāwera is home to the largest dairy plant in the southern hemisphere.

Hāwera is Māori for ‘burnt place’, which is appropriate given the town suffered

MANAIA The next time you chow down on a foot-long Italian herb Subway, just think – it was probably made in Manaia. This tiny town is Bread Capital of New Zealand, namely because of Yarrows Family Bakers. Once a small walk-in bakery, it has flourished into the giant factory you see today, and there are bargains on bread and baked goods to be had. Grab a bap or two and then find the town’s model of a giant loaf of bread – for a selfie of course.

PĀTEA Stop for a photo of the life-sized Māori waka sculpture.

Unveiled in 1933, it celebrates the settlement of Turi and his tribe who travelled to Pātea from Hawaiiki. Use the Pātea River Historic Walkway to get to the beach where you will find barbecues and picnic benches.

Entry into Aotea Utanganui Museum is free, and it doesn’t cost a cent to admire the historic buildings.

The old courthouse has even been transformed into a craft shop.

ELTHAM Once a thriving dairy community, Eltham exported New Zealand’s first block of butter to England in 1884. It’s a much quieter and subdued place these days but there is still a cheese factory and locally made gourmet flavours to salivate over. Various vibrant murals depict the town’s bustling past, there are a number of pretty Victorian buildings, and Lake Rotorangi is nearby, providing a great spot for a picnic – with cheese, obviously.

61 Waihi Rd, Hawera P: +64 6 278 7275 (278 PARK)

Reservation: 0800 707 333 three devastating blazes in 1884, 1888 and 1912. To make fire-fighting easier, a large water tower was built in 1914. The Hāwera Water Tower is now one of Taranaki’s best-known heritage landmarks and you can climb the 215 steps for panoramic views.

Within minutes of town • 18 superior ground-floor units, some with cooking facilities & spa baths.

• Free high-speed WiFi & 50+ Sky Digital.

• Conference facilities for up to 30 delegates.

• On-site catering.

• Tariff: (incl GST) $140-$170, extra adult $25.50, child $15.50.

GSJ:TZ www.theparkmotel.co.nz • E: theparkmotel@xtra.co.nz KERRY LANE MOTEL

• • • •

215 South Rd, Hawera Res: 0800 28 80 48 t: +64 6 278 7144

80

13 ground-floor units.

Free parking and WiFi. Sky Sport 50+ Channels.

Close to town, McDonalds, KFC, Pak ‘n Save, Tawhiti Museum.

• Tariff: $130 (1-2p), extra person $20.

• Book direct for best rates.

E: avonmotel@xtra.co.nz

www.avonmotel.co.nz

• Off SH 3. Unique rural setting. Mountain views.

• 4 small, 23 studio/family units, 2 campervan pads.

• Some king-size beds/spa baths.

• Restaurants, Tawhiti Museum 2km.

• Ample parking – buses.

• Tariff: $110-$170 (1-2 guests), extra $20 each.

2 Kerry Lane, Off SH 3, Hawera • P: +64 6 278 1918 • Res: 0800 537 795 www.kerrylanemotel.co.nz • E: book@kerrylanemotel.co.nz

KIWI COURT MOTEL

• 12 quiet spacious units.

• Cooking facilities, ground floor, serviced daily, breakfast, free laundry facilities.

• FREE WiFi. • 32” TV & DVD players + SKY GUEST SELECT. • Tariff: from $120.

170 Waihi Rd, Hawera • P: +64 6 278 8167 www.kiwicourtmotel.co.nz • E: kiwicourt@xtra.co.nz PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Things to see & do

G

Taranaki

reat Scott is that a cannon ball flying overhead? Why yes, it is. You’ve stumbled across an historic pā battle. Fake of course, but with the help of Weta Workshops, the Traders and Whalers experience at Tāwhiti Museum is incredibly life-like. This innovative Hāwera museum uses life-size displays and small model figures to depict New Zealand’s early history and is rated one of the most creative (and best) museums in the country.

Next on the list is the Elvis Presley Museum: a fascinating place housing rare records and memorabilia. Open by appointment only.

Tawhiti Museum’s Traders & Whalers ride © South Taranaki District Council

Aotea Utanganui Museum of South Taranaki is located in Patea and details the history of the area. Both Mt Taranaki and the sea are a stone’s throw away with good walks and surfing, and after a full day of activity, watch the sun setting over South Taranaki Bight.

With nine tourism awards to its credit, Tawhiti is now considered one of New Zealand’s most innovative historical presentations. Its lifesize figures, smaller scale dioramas and vast collection of artifacts is simply like no other.

401 Ohangai Road, Hawera. Phone (06)278 6837 or email: info@tawhitimuseum.co.nz Museum website: www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz Traders & Whalers website: www.tradersandwhalers.co.nz

81

Whanganui Whanganui is surrounded by black-sand beaches and rests on the banks of New Zealand’s longest navigable river: the legendary Whanganui River.

The city’s famed Durie Hill Elevator is burrowed 213 metres into hillside and from here you can take an antique elevator 65.8 metres to the summit.

At the top,176 steps lead to the War Memorial Tower for views as far as Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu.

Whanganui Relax in Whanganui

National Park

The city is just as pretty as its river setting, thanks to the heritage buildings and famed artistic community.

Delve into the town’s past with a 60-minute self-guided tour from the i-SITE, Putiki Church boasts intricate wood carvings and wall carvings detailing the city’s rich history. Catch a short ride on Mable, a restored tram, or make your own paperweight at New Zealand Glassworks. Whanganui locals are a very creative bunch, and when they’re not crafting objet d’art from strewn driftwood, clay and glass, they’re browsing the River Trader’s Market or seeking inspiration at The Sarjeant Gallery. Whanganui City will definitely make art lovers giddy.

TOP TIP: Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River, the restored Paddle Steamer Waimarie now provides leisurely river cruises.

THE WHANGANUI RIVER IN WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK WAS A

ROUTE FOR MĀORI AND EUROPEAN SETTLERS. IT’S NOW A PLACE

MOUNTAINS TO SEA CYCLE TRAIL AND GLORIOUSLY RUGGED TRA

LOCAL BUZZ ‘Check out Whanganui’s natural landscapes from the beaches of Castlecliff and Kai iwi, to the Bason Botanical Gardens, Bushy Park and the secret treasure trove of Paloma Gardens.’

Ellen Young – Project manager for Whanganui’s Town Centre Regeneration

Experience New Zealand’s only coal fired paddle steamer

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK It’s a ‘great walk’, but there’s no walking involved on the Whanganui River Journey in Whanganui National Park.

T A cruise aboard the Paddle Steamer Waimarie is undoubtedly one of the most authentic ways to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history.

1a Taupo Quay, Whanganui ph: 06 347 1863 | em: info@waimarie.co.nz

w w w.wa i m a ri e. co.n z 82

his is all the need-to-know information you’ll need for your river adventure.

Five days on the Whanganui River will provide that very indulgence sought by all, yet rarely found: pure, unadulterated adventure.

Canoes are hired from companies in surrounding Ruapehu townships, transported to your chosen departure point and then, after a quick safety briefing, that’s it: you’re sent on your way down the river.

Most canoes accommodate two rowers which is ideal because for most, negotiating rapids is a two-person job. Put the lightweight passenger upfront to spot for hidden snags, which at their very worst can wrap canoes into such a tight grip, it takes ages for them to detach – and spells the immediate

end of your trip. In the back, you want the muscle; the brawn that will steer you successfully away from a cliff face.

For the most part, there are very few turbulent rapids to navigate. The river, enveloped in soaring cliffside, is tucked serenely into a gorge; the water so reflective, it’s hard to believe your paddle doesn’t shatter the surface. Multi-tiered waterfalls pour from heaven, while others trickle in coves you cannot see.

The journey is linked by breathtaking DOC campsites. Many are elevated with views stretching miles downriver and come dusk, sunsets to die for. Tieke Kāinga is a DOC hutcum-marae worth weaving into your agenda, because if the hosts are on site, you’ll get to partake in a pōwhiri.

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Whanganui

The handsome Bridge to Nowhere marks the area’s last stamp of civilisation before all hopes of settlement were abandoned.

AN IMPORTANT TRANSPORT

TOP TIP

E FOR INTREPID KAYAKING, THE

AMPS.

ABOVE INSET: Canoeing on Whanganui River © Visit Ruapehu ABOVE LEFT: Lake Virginia, Whanganui © Getty Images RIGHT: Canoes on Whanganui River © Whanganuinz.com FAR RIGHT: Bridge to Nowhere © Visit Ruapehu

THE WHANGANUI RIVER WAS AN IMPORTANT TRANSPORT ROUTE FOR MĀORI AND EUROPEAN SETTLERS. IT’S NOW HOME TO THE WHANGANUI RIVER JOURNEY, THE MOUNTAINS TO SEA CYCLE TRAIL AND GLORIOUSLY RUGGED TRAMPS.

Whanganui River • Jet Boat Tours • Canoe Hire

Whanganui River • Jet Boat Tours • Canoe Hire

Bridge to Nowhere Jerusalem Whanganui River National Park

Scenic Jet Boat Tours Bush Walks Canoe Hire Park Whanganui National Park 342 5599 Mark Whanganui & ClaireNational Wickham Ph 0800 945 335 or 06 Ph: 0800 945 335 - www.whanganuiscenicjet.com Ph: 0800 945 335 - www.whanganuiscenicjet.com

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • The Whanganui River Journey is three to five days long and guided tours are also available.

• Canoes accommodate two rowers and four barrels (two large and two small) for your belongings.

• DOC huts are not facilitated – pack a camping stove!

• Booking DOC campsites is required between October and April.

• Campsites are often located at the top of steep embankments and you’re required to carry everything you need up there.

www.whanganuiscenicjet.com 25 minutes drive from Whanganui

25 minutes drive from Whanganui

83

Wellington

COOLEST PLACES TO EXPLORE

HOROWHENUA Kāpiti Coast

& Wellington A PLAYFUL ENERGY AND ARTISTIC FLAIR RUNS THROUGH WELLINGTON’S VEINS. CREATIVE TYPES FEEL RIGHT AT HOME AND THE CITY’S INFECTIOUS STYLE HOOKS ALL THOSE WHO VISIT.

84

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Wellington

Cosmopolitan Wellington refuses to follow the status quo of most capital cities.

It’s surprisingly compact, affording an intimacy more akin to a township. Highrises are rejected in favour of preserving beautiful timber houses, and hustle and bustle is vehemently shunned, replaced by relaxed waterfront strolls and cheery seaside smiles.

There is one area where Wellington matches the

metropolitan main players – the art scene. There isn’t one nook or cranny of this neighbourhood where imaginations don’t run wild. Crammed with theatres, galleries and museums, slick new spaces rub shoulders against sealicked Victorian buildings.

And while Wellington is justifiably known as the Windy City, nowhere else would inhabitants make the windswept look so de rigueur.

Standout Wellington highlights visits to include the world-famous Te Papa museum, meanders along a hook-shaped harbour and riding the cable car skywards for views across the city. You’ll find ample coffee spots, craft beers and diverse dining, as well as an historic observatory, a peaceful botanic garden and 360-degree panoramas from Mt Victoria.

Just under an hour from the city, the Kāpiti Coast offers easy city escapism. Famed for its namesake Kāpiti Island, the craggy coastal paths are an invigorating must-do, while inland, Tararua Forest Park offers a rugged hiking landscape, perfect for getting lost in your thoughts. Take in the cultural delights of Horowhenua which embraces Manawatū Gorge, or continue south and cross the Cook Strait to Te Wai Pounamu.

Views over Wellington Harbour © Positively Wellington Tourism

85

Wellington THE KĀPITI COAST TAKES ITS NAME FROM THE ISLAND OFF ITS SHORE WHICH IS A TRANQUIL BIRD HAVEN. THE COASTAL TOWNS AND THOSE IN HOROWHENUA ALL HAVE THEIR OWN DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER AND BEG TO BE EXPLORED FOR THEIR RICH HERITAGE AND RURAL CHARM.

HOROWHENUA & Kāpiti Coast STUNNING COAST

Kāpiti Coast © Johnny Hendrikus INSET: Wellington Night Market © PIVOT Photography

Levin is the main town in

Paekākāriki is close to the

Horowhenua and has wild beaches and bush plus farming and clothing industries. Visit Waitārere Beach for its surf and dunes and learn about the Hydrabad, lost off the coast in 1878.

Take a walk in Papaitonga's sand dune lake reserve or see the morepork at Owlcatraz.

Akatārawa Forest Park, a blend of native and exotic flora and popular with quad and trail bikers. The Paekākāriki Steam Museum and the Tramway Museum are interesting.

Paraparaumu’s golf course has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times and is considered the game’s spiritual home. See vintage vehicles at the Southward Car Museum. Catch a guided boat tour to Kāpiti Island and encounter rare takahē and kōkako.

Just 20 minutes north of Wellington,

Porirua has a reputation for energy, creativity and outdoor action. The city is a collection of villages, each with its own personality and attractions.

Papakōwhai is home to the Royal New Zealand Police College Museum and the tranquil Aotea Lagoon. Nearby is the exciting Adrenalin Forest: aerial

obstacle courses of rope swings, flying foxes and other high-wire challenges.

trips to Mana Island, a conservation sanctuary, make a great day out.

Don’t miss the Pātaka Art + Museum, which showcases the best in contemporary Māori, Pacific Island, New Zealand and international arts and culture.

In the rural town of Ōtaki you'll find the Ōtaki Forks, one of the Kāpiti District’s best-kept secrets, a casual campground adjoining a truly magical stretch of river with deep swimming holes and rocks for jumping off.

Porirua is surrounded by twin harbours, hills, ocean and a rugged coastline with walks and cycle tracks. You can also kayak or sail up the Pāuatahanui Inlet. Mana and Plimmerton have excellent beaches. Scuba diving, fishing, and

Waikanae is home to Nga Manu Nature Reserve, an idyllic bird sanctuary where you can see New Zealand's rare brown kiwi, spot native geckos, get up close to the ancient tuatara and feed endangered long-fin eels.

ŌTAKI 74km N of Wellington on SH 1 OTAKI MOTEL

• 4 studio units (sleep 2-3), 1 x 2-brm unit (sleeps 4-6).

• Air-conditioning, free WiFi, Sky Guest Select 50+ channels.

• Ferry 50min. Near cafés, outlet stores, train, racecourse, park.

• Tariff: $110 (single), $125 (2 persons), 2-brm unit $140 (2 persons), extra person $20. Peak rates may apply, RSA & senior discounts.

260 SH 1, Otaki • P: +64 6 364 8469 • Res: 0800 66 22 43 www.otakimotel.co.nz • E: info@otakimotel.co.nz

PARAPARAUMU scraps of food found in earth oven • 50km N of Wellington

KAPITI LINDALE MOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE IDEAL FERRY STOPOVER 3-7 Ventnor Dr, Paraparaumu P: +64 4 298 7933 E: book@kapitimotel.com

www.kapitimotel.com RES: 0800 168 1628

86

FREE

• 10 quiet, self-contained WIFI air-con units.

• Conference facilities.

Central with easy access to Kapiti Coast attractions including beaches and travel links to Wellington.

• Park-like grounds offer outside seating.

• Extensive on-site off-road parking forcars, buses, trucks, trailers & boats.

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY ZEALANDIA This enormous, protected valley is home to endangered birds, reptiles and insects. The guided tours and night tours are excellent and a free shuttle bus facilitates the sanctuary from the city’s i-SITE. WELLINGTON MUSEUM SHIP 'N’ CHIP TOUR Enjoy a guided museum tour followed by a fish 'n' chip lunch on-board the ferry to Matiu/Somes Island; a wild and rugged motu home to walks, wildlife and a lighthouse.

WELLINGTON ZOO Learn about dozens of species alongside animal talks, feeding

times and The Nest Te Kōhanga: the zoo’s animal hospital and native wildlife centre.

LORD OF THE RINGS Tolkien fans will love a tour of the city’s film locations. There are several companies offering a range of escorted walks and tours to locations where scenes from the movie trilogies were shot.

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Wellington

Wellington City

One fine weekend

LOCAL BUZZ 'Tucked away on Ghuznee St, you’ll find the most beautiful speakeasyesque wine bar, with a focus on natural, organic and minimal intervention wines. Headed up by Hannah Wells, Puffin is one of my fave places to steal away for an interesting wine and a snack. (60 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro).'

Jackie Lee Morrison – Girl Boss at Lashings, Wellington’s premier boutique brownie bar, 1/31 Dixon St, Te Aro (entrance on Eva St)

View of Wellington from Mt Victoria © Positively Wellington

FRIDAY: Wellington waterfront is one of the loveliest land-to-seascapes your eyes can be drawn to.

Embark on the Wellington Writers Walk, combining an esplanade stroll with sculptures and quotations from New Zealand's best wordsmiths. When peckish, head to the Te Aro district; specifically, Hannah's Laneway (between Leeds and Eva streets). This central food haven hosts Fix and Fogg, the cutest window-in-the-wall store with peanut butter samples, as well as Wellington Chocolate Factory, a bakery famed for its salted caramel cookies, a brewbar, and plenty of chic eateries.

SATURDAY: Start with coffee at Tuatua Café, this cheerful coffee shop is built into the ramparts, complete will tables and chairs straddling the main promenade. From this sun-soaked boardwalk, it’s just five minutes further to Te Papa, New Zealand’s

national museum. Later, take a free guided tour of the beehive, our unusual parliament building, and finish up on Cuba St. This quirky strip of bohemian stores and uber-cool boutiques is mixed with an endless choice of dining options and features live music and street food on Friday and Saturday nights.

SUNDAY: Watch the sun rise over the city from Mt Victoria Lookout at Hātaitai above Oriental Bay. It’s easily driveable, or there’s a walkway through the town’s belt. Don’t wrap up the weekend up without experiencing the iconic red cable car. Marvel at LEDlighted tunnels and once at the top, enjoy city-spanning views. At the summit, soak up the serenity of the Botanic Garden, learn more about Wellington’s tramways at the Cable Car Museum and visit the Space Place at Carter Observatory.

WELLINGTON’S MOST MOVING ATTRACTION Experience a slice of Wellington history on New Zealand’s only running funicular railway.

Easy access to Cable Car Museum, Space Place, Botanic Gardens and Zealandia.

WELLINGTON CABLE CAR COUNTDOWN SUPERMARKET

LAMBTON QUAY GREY STREET

FLIGHT CENTRE

LAMBTON QUAY DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON WELLINGTON

280 Lambton Quay, Wellington www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz info@wellingtoncablecar.co.nz (+64) 472 2199

87

Wellington

4

OF THE WELLINGTON CITY'S FINEST MUST-DO'S

WETA WORKSHOP The Weta Workshop has been a favourite Wellington institution for years, with its classic Weta Cave Workshop Tour and fascinating Miniature Effects Tour. Visitors can also book a hands-on introduction to building armour and clay sculptures, among other popular workshops.

WELLINGTON MUSEUM Found in an 1892 heritage building, understand the city's history over four floors, including 'The Attic' which features the city's quirkiest tales such as UFO sightings.

TE PAPA TONGAREWA is our award-winning national museum and utterly enthralling; expect to spend half a day in here. Just wait until you see Gallipoli: The Scale of our War by Weta Workshop. The giant-sized soldiers are accurate right down to their hand hairs and beads of sweat. It's astonishing.

THE GREAT HARBOUR WAY Traversing east to west while nipping at the coastline, the Great Harbour Way/Te Aranui o Pōneke is a walking and cycling route around Te Whanganui-a-tara: Wellington’s dazzling harbour.

ADELAIDE MOTEL

• Studio & 1-brm units. 10min to airport, Westpac Stadium, and ferries.

• On city bus route. Walk to hospitals. Free car parking.

Opposite supermarket. Sky 50+.

• Tariff: $135-$195, extra $20. Unit rate/min booking period may apply.

209 Adelaide Rd, Newtown, Wellington • P: +64 4 389 8138 www.adelaidemotel.co.nz • E: adelaide.motel@xtra.co.nz

Walks & Tours

Boat sheds, Wellington Harbour © Julian Apse

There are many easily accessible, lovely walks around Wellington.

The 12km City to Sea Walkway starts near Parliament and ends at Island Bay, passing many of the city’s best landmarks.

There’s the Art Deco Heritage Trail from the National War Memorial along Lambton Quay to the train station. Look out for the heritage signs. Follow the Matairangi Nature Trail on Mt Victoria with the kids. There’s also wildlife tours to Kāpiti Island to see the seals.

Further afield, there are terrific walks for every fitness level in Remutaka Forest Park (30 minutes away by car) as well as plentiful places for a picnic.

Kaitoke Regional Park is 40 minutes from the CBD and was used as the location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. In its boundary, there are numerous swimming holes along the river and shingle embankments for picnics and sunbathing.

WELLINGTON’S WELLINGTON’S

UPPER HUTT WATCH VIDEO

KIWIHOLIDAY HOLIDAY PARK KIWI PARK

Gateway to the south...

Features all-weather and grass power sites Suitable for large buses and campervans. Approximately 25 minutes from Wellington and ferry terminals. Connecting bus and train service to Wellington City from holiday park. Seasonal rates.

Easy access to Remutaka Cycle Trail, Forest Park Wellington’s and Orongorongo Track. Secure bike storage and Kiwi Holiday bike cleaning facilities.

Park TARIFF: • Tent sites $18 adult, $10 child (unmetered showers) • Power sites $28 (single), $45 (double), extra $18, child $10 • Standard Cabins $50 (double), extra $15, child $10 45 Akatarawa Rd, • Family Cabins $75 (double), extra $15, child $10 Upper Hutt • ECO Cabins $80 (double), extra $15, child $10 P +64 4 526 7400 • Kitchen Cabins $90 (double), extra $15, child $10 M 027 243 2133 E harcourtholidaypark@xtra.co.nz • Tourist flats $120 (double), extra $15, child $10 Proprietors: Giles Family • Motels $145 (double), extra $15, child $10

Phone for reservations: +64 4 526 7400 www.harcourtholidaypark.co.nz 88

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Wellington

RO AD HU TT

ST

THORNDO N Q UAY UR BA N

QU AY

OO

UA

Y

W AT ER L

ST

OT UR OA

QU AY OO

WA TE RL

QU AY

WA TE 33 RL OO

O TELF RD

TC E

ER

FOR

ST

KS

8 ST 7

N

AN

DS T

RO AD

STA F

RIB

SO

JO

T

MA

LAW

HAW KER

ET

CHARLES PLIMMER PARK

STI N

STR EET

I EW

POR

T

L

BA YV

KE

EA RL S

5

STR EET

HIL

BET H

BRO UGH A

HO ME

AN

LIP M

20

ELI ZA

YS

T EE

Oriental Bay

T ER RA CE

ST

UR GH

RO XB

4

DU

E

STR E

LEV

31

R ST

M

ST

TCE TCE

GE

T

6

IR BLA

BRID

EE

ET

CH AFF

ER S

STR

Theatre

GE

STR EE T

19

STR E

ED

T

GE

52

LLE

ST

OL IN

N NO AN SH

GS T

AU

NE TT

BA R N AL LE

Y

TOR CO

YS T

ST

TE NN YS ON

LO RN E

EE T

IA N

ED ER ICK HA ININ GS MAR T TIN

ST

ST

ET

STR E

KI 63

TAR ANA

VIV

TOR

ET

STR E

TAR ANA KI

STR

F

ALL MAJ OW ORI FIE LD 16 BANK S Embassy

KEN

STR EET 35

NT

MA R

OR

SIE

CAM

25

MO EG

DS

LEE

ST ION

Taki Rua Theatre

CA R

NE

RIN

9

K NI GG ES

DUN LO P

MO TO RW AY

FR STOWE HIL AND L I

ST

FEA THE RS TO N

Y QUA

USE HO TOM

CUS

s 56 hare CUB space d A ST

MA LL

CU BA

139

ST

189

BU TE

CUB A

245

HU TT

T

T

ST RE ET

BARN ARD

ST

L OW E WAT R T

ACE RR TE

SV E

STREET MULGRAVE

MOLESWORT H

GUTHRIE

EET STR

135

MA G

ON

FEA THE RST

ST

ST IA

VIC TOR

LIS

21

WIL

92

EET STR

VIC TO RI A 2

17

EET

3

STREET

PORTL A

1

TERRACE THE

QUAY

88

TER RAC E CE

BO U LCO TT ST ET

STR E WIL LIS

181

ES CR 192

ET

STR

STR E NS

V

22

IC ING 209 TOR 0 IA TO N WA LTE RS T

WIL LIS

ME RT GIL

T HE

PE

ST 271

KE

345

LAMBTON

CLIF T ON

TER RA CE 213

THE RC

IVA L

Te errr ace

Th T he

RAC E 291

TER

THE

BUL LER

TH E 369

D ROA

O HI RO

RO AD

N

AV E

TI NA KO RI

RO AD

OR I

TIN AK

T ER RACE

TCE VERA TALA

T unnel

IE ENZ MCK

IT EAT A WA

TE RR AC 350 E 40

N DEV O

ST

BATS Hannah Playhouse Theatre

ST

KE LV I N

10

DE PAR A N

BUR KEL

K

FAIRL

IE

90

TC E

WBRAY MO

E

AD

PL

MO NT

SAL MO NT

CLE R

SALAMA NCA

32

TC E

I 46

TC E AL

CE NT R DE

PAR A E L BURN

16

ST

GUILDFORD

RO AD

2 23

OW Y ST EN

TI NA 352 KO RI RO AD

RO D

UP LA N DR

RAW HIT

30

DR D

UPL AN 40 28

SPRINGFIELD

55

ST

PLA CE

A RL FA MC

R 281

BA

IS

EB

1

JES

STR EET

21

DE PARA

L PAL

6

ND

1

RI OR IE EN NTAL TA LP D

ET RE ST

St James Theatre

80

12

EET STR

HAY

RK

EN AY

110

ST

YO

UR T

STR EET

172

RES

PA R A D E

AL ORIENT

ER ST ELL MO

CO

Pool

ST

F IE LD

Cinemas

Clyde Quay Marina Freyberg

E

W AK E

ST

H

U NI

9

LE

Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa

G UR XB O

EP

SA R

ON

RO AD

WN

AD ES TO

W

GR AN T

BU RN EL L

1 11

NG

G O RI

RO AD GR AN T

UA

IT AR

TI NA KO RI

LE UP W PE BA ISV I R LL RT ON E

PU

AVE OA

AR

AT B A N RD K

D

ROA

GLE N

RO AD

RIM U RD RD D

E R

NT R AL T CE

PD

CA B

O

RN

L ST

U

n

WEL CORN

TE RR AC E

o ct Pi

QUAY B ay

on t o Pi ct

F erry Str ait C ook

HERD

MS

to

AOTEA

Wharf

ET

N

D ay s nd &

Clyde Quay Wharf

16

HO LLA

1

es Isla

Chaffers Marina

EE T

ST

The Film Centre

FR

Kings

ET

rf w Wha

L

ry er

QUAY

NK 121

D

T I R

School of Architecture & Design WI GA

STR E

RU

Glasgo

EET

COBBLESTONE PARK

SM ITH

Y QUA

ET

IN T MA

STR E

ND

STR

STR E

ETT

harf

GA RR

land W

E GLOVER PARK

/S om M atiu

Lambton Harbour

Circa Theatre ST R

Opera House MA NN ER PIGEON S PARK

Te Aro

G HU ZNE

E

O

VE NKS

AB EL

Footbridges

Town Hall Michael LD Fowler Centre

ON

n, Se at ou

Wellington Central

RIS

THE CIVIC CENTRE

DIX

to Ferr y

Wharf

ST

Interis

B

TERMINAL

Taranaki St

ET

FRANK KITTS PARK

City Gallery

R

CONTAINER

Homegrown

ST

ST

RCE

THORNDON

harf

STR E

R S T

O

M RHA CR E DU S

AroAro Valley Valley MAARAM AC RES

ST

ME

loo W

SM ITH PAL

AR O

IA N

Water

ARO ST PARK

KA R

T

STREET

HA R

250m

Queens Wharf

QUAY

ARO

2

To Zealandia100

VIV

AB EL

LE S T ON

0

East by West Ferry Terminal

JERVOIS

ESSE X

ST

ON

Airport Seatoun

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal

Wellington Museum TSB Bank Arena Wellington Convention Centre

STR EET

WIL

ME

T EE

BU LL E R

ST

R ST

DCROSS AN

E

DIX

Pipitea

NZ Academy of Fine Arts

S ER NN L MA MAL

A AD

NA LD

ST

ST

POST OFFICE

EY

D ON

LB KE

G HU ZNE

ON

DO

N

Customhouse Quay

IE

90

DIX

MA C

ST

ET

ST

EF

E

WelTec CHU RCH

N

HUN TER

Antrium House

RES

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

MA

AK W

CE

RD

NA

ce ST pa d s ERS ND BO hare NN s MA ST TT CO UL

O

ROAD

PA

ST

TAY LO R

N

GR

BO

G

V

STR E

1

CA

R

T CE

TY NI IN

ING

OH NS TO

Clifton Station

BO U LCO TT

N SALA MA

ND

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

REET ST

A UPL

1

GL

GOW AS

GL EN

Kelburn KELBURN PARK

E NC

D

MOTORWAY

N ORTH T CE

IO R

ON

NGA

MIDLAND PARK J

Lambton Quay Station

EVE RTO N

UT

WA R

BR AN DO

Talavera Station

Car Cable TCE

gton

Wellin

Kelburn Station

T EVER

Cable Car Museum

O ST

3

N ST IA EBA NS

ST

18

RA RO AU

Y NN

TCE

8

SA

WEIR HOUSE VICTORIA UNIVERSITY Salamanca Station

LAMBTON SQUARE

A LL BA

EY SL

LT BO 3

BU

ON

DO

National Archives

Wellington Railway Station & Intercity Bus Terminal ST RE ET

Government Buildings Historic Reserve

N

E OR

ST

BOTANIC GARDEN

Space Place Carter Observatory

TO MB LA

ITM

WE

Begonia House

S DA

URBAN

SS

ROSE GARDENS

T REE ST

LE

RO K IN

LADY

ST NORWOOD

AY QU

WH

C

EA

BOWEN

ST

B

RD

Q

RN THO

Capital Gateway Shopping Centre

2

16

KATE SHEPPA

The Terrace Kelburn

BOLTON ST MEMORIAL PARK

SY D N

ANDERSON PARK

ST

T ES

ST

OR

W

Old St Pauls

ST

VIS

DA

M

STREET

National Library

A IT K E N

The Beehive & Parliament Buildings

WELLINGTON

ANGA

RE S

1

Tinakori Rd Thorndon

C OT S T

Y AR

PA T

M

AS

E LL

M

ISV I

OK

BRO

MO

LE W

STREET

T EE

T EN IAM

TO

ST

HILL

STR

P A RL

UP

Wellington Cathedral of St Paul

WESTPAC STADIUM

S

Thorndon

PIPITEA

TT

Cook Strait

CRE

LL

BU

RN

TU

STREET

IE

ON

RR

HOB

EET

P

MAY

STR

NE

SON

ELL L SW HA

ND

HA

N

E IN

HAWKESTO

STELLIN MEMORIAL PARK

ER TH

I

ON BS HO

RT BE ER ZH FIT KA

G

E

KATHERINE MANSFIELD MEM PARK

Y RP H MU

N

LL

Katherine Mansfield Birthplace GTO LIN EL W

88

Hawkestone St Karori

RA

VI

LADY MCKENZIE GARDEN FOR THE BLIND

EO RG LE E TT E3 ST LI RG O E G

AO

LE

TC E

1

TOWN BELT

TT

RND

ST

G

Te Araroa Trail

LA N O RT H I S

K

Murphy St Thorndon

CO M AN

The Interislander Ferry Terminal

1

THO

PA R

Northland

RE MO EN GL

ST RE ET

OBA N

USE

OO R HO

R

NE W

TOWN BELT

CEC I L

19 0

QUEENS PARK

D OA

R

NOR

DOC Information Centre Ferry Terminal i-SITE Visitor Centre Police Station PostShop

F er nd sl a eri

ROA

D

Te Ahumairangi Hill

TIR KE

SE FT

PITT

ST

RO CE CIL

WE LD RO

95

GR O

GOLDIE BRAE

Must-Do’s Aotea Quay Waterfront

I nt

RO AD

KE

AD

MAP REFERENCE

AA Centre

E RE

AOTEA

GI

BA 25

WESTERN SLOPES RES

VE OA

BAR N A R D

OR C

Wilton

27

ROAD

GI

N E RD WAR GE ED

8

N

S

S

EU ST O

LENN EL

151

M

140

R OA D

MA

WA

N IRA

CEC IL ROAD

ON

RW I CK S TRE ET

5

WAD E EASST T

RD HA

10

M

2

ST

82

26

ET

RD

CH

25

I

STR E

N OW

W

A AIR

WA D E

ST

R NO

W IL T

TCE

ROS OE C

IR

AD

D

Wadestown

W A DE

RO AD

I

RA G N

RWICH ST NO

ST

MA

MAIRANGI RD

WELLINGTON CENTRAL MAP

89

Wellington

HUTT VALLEY

Unmissable suburbs UPPER HUTT History geeks go gaga for Golders Cottage. It is one of the oldest homes in Upper Hutt and provides a great insight into the lives of early pioneers. If wildlife is more your thing, Upper Hutt is your gateway to the great outdoors. The Staglands Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful animal and bird park, you can kayak and raft down Hutt River, or you could simply spend the day at Harcourt Park, which has frisbee golf.

LOWER HUTT Home to Dowse Art Museum and one of the largest public art collections in

VENTURE OUT OF THE CBD AND INTO WELLINGTON’S OUTER REACHES

New Zealand and, best of all, it's free. You also don’t want to miss master carvers and weavers showcasing their skills at the Hetet Artspace, an emporium of Māori artwork.

PETONE A lovely 20-minute walk from Lower Hutt. Petone's trendy Jackson St features a collection of hip cafés, art galleries and boutique stores, or for something decidedly unique, taste all-natural spring water from the Te Puna Wai Ora (The Spring of Life) fountain which sits on the corner of Buick and Jackson streets.

HUTT VALLEY IS 14KM FROM CENTRAL WELLINGTON AND BOASTS 3000 HECTARES OF PARKS, RESERVES, BUSH-CLAD HILLS, BEACHES AND WALKWAYS, AS WELL AS THE CHEERY SUBURBS OF LOWER HUTT AND UPPER HUTT WHICH ARE JUST MINUTES APART. Eastbourne, Lower Hutt © Positively Wellington

Connect with Nature Meet at Staglands 2362 Akatarawa Road Upper Hutt, Wellington Ph 04 526 7529 www.staglands.co.nz

Present this brochure to get a FREE animal food bag on your visit!

90

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Wairarapa

Escape to

Wairarapa

LOCAL BUZZ 'My journey through the Wairarapa region begins down south with the Putangirua Pinnacles near Cape Palliser – almost certainly the most incredible rock formation you will ever come across. It has that OMG impact when you first set your eyes on it and is one of my favourite places to escape to.'

Nick Rogers and his wife Rosie own The Experience Collective – operating hospitality businesses in the Wairarapa and West Coast

Cape Palliser Lighthouse © Rebecca Kempton

THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY WELLINGTONIANS RETREAT TO THE WAIRARAPA REGION FOR THE WEEKEND; IT’S ONLY AN HOUR’S DRIVE AWAY, AND FLUSH WITH VINEYARDS AND BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION.

1

Martinborough With over 20 wineries, Martinborough is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and most vineyards are within walking or cycling distance.

Even if you’re not a wine fan, the town’s various boutique shops and coffee spots will satisfy.

Masterton Queen Elizabeth Park features miniature train rides, a lake with pedal boats, mini-golf, swing bridges, resident deer and an extensive playground, so it's always a big hit with kids. The town also hosts the annual Golden Shears world shearing competition.

3

2

Carterton A mecca of art and interesting thrift stores, base yourself here to explore Stonehenge Aotearoa. Guided tours and star safaris are popular at this open-air astronomical observatory.

4

Greytown Come to observe the restored Victorian buildings and stay for the antiques, art shops, boutiques and cafés.

5

Remutaka Cycle Trail Starting on the edge of Wellington Harbour but with several access points, multi-day rides are just as feasible as the entire two to threeday shebang.

6

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre The chance of seeing a 'manukura', an extremely rare white kiwi bird should be high up on your agenda here. This sanctuary's breeding programme cares for manukura and various other native species.

7 WAIRARAPA EVENTS Toast Martinborough Tuck into this legendary wine, food and music festival held every November.

Wings of Wairarapa The biannual aviation event that enraptures guests with aerial displays, vintage aircraft and fete.

Martinborough Round the Vines Are you game for a fun 10km or 21km walk or run through normally inaccessible vineyards? This one's held in October if you are!

Cape Palliser Spy fur seals and the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. 251 steep steps lead to its door, but (s)he who accepts this challenge is rewarded with sensational views.

8

Castlepoint: Home to one of New Zealand’s favourite beaches. Both Castlepoint and Riversdale Beach are good for surfing and swimming, while Castlepoint also features a striking white lighthouse.

LEFT: Martinborough winery © Jeff McEwan INSET ABOVE: The White Swan Greytown © Destination Wairarapa

91

TAKE A DRIVE TO THE TARARUA

NORTH ISLAND

PŪKAHA NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENTRE

WOODVILLE

km 51 r1 pie a N to

DANNEVIRKE

PAHIATUA HERBERTVILLE

TUI BREWERY

AKITIO

THE WOOL SHED MUSEUM

EKETAHUNA

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK

CASTLEPOINT

MASTERTON

CASTLEPOINT STONEHENGE AOTEAROA

CARTERTON GREYTOWN to

m 35k ton ling l e W

RIVERSDALE GREYTOWN RETAIL THERAPY

FEATHERSTON

MARTINBOROUGH

LAKE FERRY MARTINBOROUGH SQUARE

Discover all this on The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail!

92

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

REGION AND THE WAIRARAPA Plan your trip with us Martinborough Vineyard © Getty Images

www.wairarapanz.com

THE WOOL SHED MUSEUM • A great slice of New Zealand’s Farming History – well worth a visit!!

• Be captivated by the history and characters of NZ’s Sheep & Shearing industry.

• Experience the sights, smells and noises of being inside a real woolshed.

• Enquire about our shearing demonstrations.

• Souvenirs & NZ wool products for sale.

12 Dixon St , Masterton 5840 • P: +64 6 378 8008 E: admin@thewoolshednz.com • www.thewoolshednz.com

51 Ahiaruhe Road, CARTERTON Wairarapa • P: +64 6 377 1600

STONEHENGE AOTEAROA

Although similar in size and appearance to the Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge Aotearoa is not a replica. It is a complete and working structure designed for its precise location in New Zealand. It is a window into the past where the visitor can rediscover the knowledge of their ancestors.

www.stonehenge-aotearoa.co.nz

TUI BREWERY ONE AWESOME LOCATION

WITH ALL YOUR PITSTOP NEEDS. Night Guided Tours

Family Tours

Wildlife Photography Workshop

Ranger for a Day

Kākā Café

Nature Inspired Gift Shop

DAILY BREWERY TOURS EXCLUSIVE BEERS & TASTINGS KITCHEN FREE HISTTUI MUSEUM SHOP FUNCTIONS & CONFERENCE SPACES.

Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha Māori Cultural Tour

Plenty to do on State Highway 2 Wairarapa / Tararua 2 hours North of Wellington Open daily, 9:00am – 6.00pm

pukaha.org.nz

For more info contact the girls at Tui Brewery

+64 (0)6 376 0815 TEAM@TUIHQ.CO.NZ

WWW.TUIHQ.CO.NZ

TUI BREWERY STATE HIGHWAY 2 MANGATAINOKA

93

Tararua & Manawatū

Tararua & Manawatū

Manawatū Scenic Route © www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz

DANNEVIRKE A little slice of Scandinavia in rural New Zealand, Dannevirke was founded in 1872 by 21 Danish and Norwegian families. Home to a mixed bag of attractions, visitors can investigate the International Police Museum, Dave’s Den and its collection of 8500 miniature vehicles, as well as the Dannevirke Fantasy Cave. Here you’ll find nostalgic toys and rooms to make you giddy about fairy tales, nursery rhymes and Christmas – whatever your age!

PAHIATUA Having admired Pahiatua’s pretty gardens and meandered the tree-lined streets; eaten at historic buildings transformed into inviting restaurants, and visited the restored railcars at the Pahiatua Railcar Museum, stop and catch your breath. Then head for a guided Tui Brewery tour, a sheep-shearing demo at Bazza’s Baa's and a history lesson at the Pahiatua & Districts Museum.

I

In Manawatū visitors can go from fine dining to river valley rafting at the flick of a switch.

With shopping, golf, rugged beaches and sweeping mountains all in the neighbourhood, access to a wealth of diverse activities is easy. Tararua borders the Ruahine and Tararua ranges and

between these two mountain ranges is Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge, a not-to-be missed attraction with iconic day walks. It is the only place in New Zealand where a river begins its journey on one side of the main divide and joins the sea on the other.

PAHIATUA 140km NE of Wellington on SH 3

TUI BREWERY ONE AWESOME LOCATION

WITH ALL YOUR PITSTOP NEEDS. DAILY BREWERY TOURS EXCLUSIVE BEERS & TASTINGS KITCHEN FREE HISTTUI MUSEUM SHOP FUNCTIONS & CONFERENCE SPACES.

DANNEVIRKE 55km NE of Palmerston North on SH 2 DANNEVIRKE CAMPING GROUND

• Surrounded by native bush and exotic trees!

• Deer enclosure, duck pond and a bird aviary.

• 2-minute stroll through the bush takes you to a heated indoor swimming pool & town centre!

• Tariff: (2 persons) cabin $44, ensuite cabin $75, powered site $26, non-power $20.

29 George St, Dannevirke • P: +64 6 374 7625 • M: +64 27 444 2300 www.dannevirkeholidaypark.co.nz • E: kimspooner@xtra.co.nz • Host: Kim Spooner

DANNEVIRKE – NZ

VIKING LODGE motel 180 High Street • Dannevirke

13 ground-floor self-contained units • Walk to shops, restaurant, croquet, bowling clubs, Town Hall • Parking • Super king-size beds available • Continental breakfast • Free WiFi Tariff: $115-$165, extra $20.

E: info@vikinglodgemotel.co.nz www.vikinglodgemotel.co.nz

SKY 50+ channels

P: +64 6 374 6669

RESERVATION FREEPHONE: 0800 279 271

94

WATCH VIDEO

For more info contact the girls at Tui Brewery

+64 (0)6 376 0815 TEAM@TUIHQ.CO.NZ

WWW.TUIHQ.CO.NZ

TUI BREWERY STATE HIGHWAY 2 MANGATAINOKA

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

Tararua & Manawatū

Make the most of

Palmerston North

The Square, Palmerston North © www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz

FOR PANORAMIC VIEWS OVER PALMERSTON

VISIT FEILDING

NORTH, HEAD ACROSS THE RIVER TO ANZAC

A 20-minute drive south from Palmy, this little nugget of niceness has won New Zealand’s most beautiful town a whopping 16 times. You don’t want to miss a guided tour of the Feilding Saleyards either, one of the largest in Australasia and a weekly commotion of buying, selling, shouting and farm smells!

PARK, ALSO KNOWN AS TE MOTU-O-POUTOA

K

nown as ‘Palmy’ to many, this university city has a bookish air and no-end of good cafés, museums and multiple ways to maximise your downtime.

THE SQUARE With its striking clock tower and manicured lawns, The Square is a peaceful, community-centric sanctuary.

Within its borders there’s a pond, giant chess set, Māori carvings, scores of ducks and statues. Come Thursday, The Square hosts the lively Food Truck Street Feast.

MUSEUMS The city's vibrant art scene is one of its best assets. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History swells with interactive exhibits for all ages and right next door is the New Zealand Rugby Museum. You’ll find some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts here.

BIKE RIDES Hire an electric bike from the i-SITE in The Square and skirt the banks of the Manawatū River on a 10km riverside jaunt.

Alternatively, step it up a gear on the Grade 3 Turitea Loop Track.

BEER Grab a cold one at Brewers Apprentice, or head to Brew Union on Broadway Ave for 21 taps all pouring the gold stuff. Just 30 minutes south of Palmerston North in Pahiatua is the iconic Tui Brewery, featuring its recognisable brick tower, brew house, tours, café and free museum.

GREEN SPACES Victoria Esplanade is a 19ha oasis of relaxation minutes from the CBD. Great for bush walks, picnics and rides on its miniature scenic railway. If your nose has an affection for the scent of roses, Dugald MacKenzie Rose Gardens have been voted in the world’s top five – and smell divine.

WILDLIFE Get acquainted with the native species staying at Wildbase Recovery Centre. Open since 2019, animals recover here after receiving treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital. Entry is free.

PALMERSTON NORTH 140km NE of Wellington on SH 3 154 Park Road Palmerston North

phone - +64 6 356 7077 fax - +64 6 356 7030 WATCH VIDEO

3 Safe bike storage 3 Close to Manawatu River Bridle Track 3 Adjacent sports grounds & Esplanade Park 3 Quiet location off main street 3 High-speed wireless and cable broadband 3 New 32” HD LCD TVs, SKY & DVD players 3 Breakfasts and dinners by arrangement 3 Walking distance (800m) to most civic amenities & CBD 3 Tariff: $125 - $319 (1-2 persons) Phone Peak rates may apply

Direct for Best Prices

stay@bigfivemotel.co.nz • www.bigfivemotel.co.nz

FEILDING

20km NW of Palmerston North on SH 54

FEILDING MOTEL

• Quiet location. 9 spacious ground-floor units, parking at door.

• WiFi, cooked/continental breakfast. Manfeild complex, town centre and Kowhai Park all walking distance.

• Tariff: $105-$130 (2 persons); extra person $20; corporate and peak rates may apply.

• AA discounts.

7 Kimbolton Rd, Feilding • P: +64 6 323 6837 • F: +64 6 323 5892 Res: 0800 500 474 • www.feildingmotel.co.nz • E: feildingmotel@actrix.co.nz

95

Rangitīkei Rangitīkei Flats BELOW: Gumboot sculpture,Taihape BOTH IMAGES: © Getty Images

The last laugh:

RANGITĪKEI TAIHAPE

place of a hunchback • 28km S of Waiouru on SH 1

Gumboot festivals and punny townships, the good folk of Rangitīkei don’t 'tikei' themselves too seriously.

T

FREE WIFI

• Luxury accommodation with 2 access units • Smokefree • King-size beds • Full kitchen facilities • Heating/air-conditioning • Soundstop windows • Breakfast available • Cot/highchair • Guest laundry • Free off-street parking • Free Unlimited WiFi Tariff: (2 persons) studio from $140, 1-brm $160, 2-brm $180, extra adult $20, child $10

Reservations: 0508 ASPEN COURT (277 362) SH 1 Mataroa Rd North, Taihape • Ph: +64 6 388 1999 Email: taihape@aspencourt.co.nz • www.aspencourttaihape.co.nz 96

he clear waters and sheer white papa (mudstone) cliffs of the Rangitīkei River create the ideal setting for heart-pumping, white-water rafting. There are grade-5 rapids where the river plunges over a maze of boulders in a spectacular canyon.

Horse treks and river activities, as well as the draw of that huge, metal gumboot sculpture in Taihape, tempt visitors to linger here on their way to the ski fields and Tongariro National Park. If you are visiting in March, enjoy the annual Taihape Gumboot Festival and prepare to be dumbfounded by the number of activities based around the humble rubber boot. Stand back for the main event – the gumboot throwing championship. There’s a year-round

throwing lane so be sure to have a go and take a selfie by the sign that reads: 'I threw a gumboot in Taihape.'

Saunter through the town’s showpiece gardens, take a bush walk, visit the museum or take a heritage tour. If you want thrills, try horse trekking, abseiling, kayaking, jet boating or go hunting.

Unforgett-a-bull Bulls is certainly 'a town like no udder'. As well as a great choice of gift, antique and art shops, pubs and cafés, there are also humorous bull signs throughout the town – look out for the Const-a-bull (police station), the Cure-a bull (medical centre), the Forgive-a bull (church), the Relievea-bull (toilets) and the Read-a-bull (library).

PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP

G E O -T H E R M A L P O O L S , D AY S P A & D I N I N G G E O -T H E R M A L P O O L S , D AY S P A & D I N I N G

Escape to The Lost Spring W H ITIANGA’S G EO –TH E R MAL OAS I S

Escape to Pools The Geo-Thermal Lost Spring

W H ITIANGA’S G EO –TH E R MAL OAS I S

Day Spa

Geo-Thermal Pools

Cocktails, Poolside Dining & Restaurant

Day Spa 121A Cook Drive, Whitianga 3510, +64 (07) 866 0456 Cocktails, Poolside The Coromandel Peninsula, www.thelostspring.co.nz Dining & Restaurant New Zealand

Supervised children 14 years & over welcome

Book Now +64 (07) 866 0456 www.thelostspring.co.nz

121A Cook Drive, Whitianga 3510, The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Supervised children 14 years & over welcome

Waikato Ruapehu

Rotorua Taupō

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Bay of Plenty

www.getoutmorenz.com