March Monday Taranaki Anniversary Day

Te Rerekawau (Kaiate Falls)

The Waikareao Estuary walk is a mix of sealed footpath, boardwalks and gravel, it is a great experience being approx. (2 hours, 10.00kms) Pushchair friendly (but it is a board walk so will be bumpy), Wheelchair no. Many bikers and runners use this track so be aware that they will approach from behind and in front of you. All dogs should be on a leash and under control. Coach Drive Park is the one and only toilet on this walking track. The Waikareao Estuary is best started at Otumoetai keep to the left Kaiate Falls known as (Te Rerekawau Falls) is roughly a 30 and follow the estuary all the minutes' drive away from Tauranga with several water falls to way. It is a round trip through view. Walk through native bush and enjoy the spectacular views the tidal mangrove and of Mount Maunganui and the Port of Tauranga. Reasonably easy marshland along with the walk but can be slippery in places. native bush and birds and then a walk by the motor Water tumbles down cascading over the rocks in one, two and three tier water falls which make for good photography way to Chapel Street. opportunities. This hidden gem has a water hole where you can relax, picnic and swim enjoying a 15m Waterfall among the puriri and kohekohe trees You can finish off your walk at the cafes with refreshments Waikareao estuary before going back to your car. This can also be walked from the opposite direction being an individual choice. The walking track is a round trip returning you back to the car park. (Time: 1 hr return steep in places, some steps, moderate walk 5/10) Warning: the car park has been known for theft from cars, so don't leave valuables in your car. Unfortunately there are a few opportunists who will relieve you of your valuables while you are away enjoying your walk.

Katikati is about an half hour drive north of Tauranga, it is well known as the Mural Town with a variety of paintings displayed on the buildings that tell some of the history of the early Irish settlement. There is a beautiful display of hanging baskets along the main street which brightens up the town. The continual growing of this wee town has plenty to offer visiting people with their cafes, shops, walkways and parks and public artwork. Take a stroll through Haiku pathway a great place for a picnic with family and friends. In close proximity to Katikati there are hot pools, bird gardens, Naturist Park, the Quarry park and many walks to enjoy the native bush and views over the harbor. Short drives north of Katikati are Bowentown, Waihi Beach, Waihi and Paeroa.

Enjoy a ride on a heritage train with Goldfields Railway. Journey between Waihi and Waikino at the eastern end of the spectacular Karangahake Gorge (E: info@waihirail.co.nz) . Walk or cycle the tracks and enjoy the rock formation, flowing river and native bush and birds.

- Whakatāne township is in the eastern Bay of Plenty Region. - 90 km east of Tauranga and 89 km north-east of Rotorua - Whakatāne is a short drive to Ōhope, with a beautiful beach - Charter boats take you to White Island, Fishing trips. - Cafes, bars, main street shopping, walks, evening sunsets - Learn the culture and history of the area

Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkways (Whakatane to Ohope)

This is a beautiful scenic walk coastal views native bush, sea views, beach, rock formation. You are unable to cross Otarawairere Beach at high tide. Allow 3hrs for a stop for lunch and sightseeing.