3 Day East Coast

Day 1: Rotorua - Gisborne Leaving Rotorua in the morning we travel to the Eastern Bay of Plenty passing by picturesque coastline to the small town of 'Opotiki'. Here we turn towards the east and drive through the 'Waioeka Gorge' stopping en-route for a swim in the cooling waters of the 'Waioeka River'. Climbing up and out of the Gorge it’s a downhill run to Gisborne the first city in the world to see the rising sun. At Gisborne the 'Chardonnay capital' of New Zealand we visit one of the many wineries that the area has and sample the wine that 'Gisborne' is known for, 'Chardonnay', you will also enjoy a picnic lunch. After this we then visit a contemporary 'Maori Art Gallery' which is part of a local 'Polytechnic'. Here you will get to see students learning various art forms and get to view a range of Maori art in the gallery. From Gisborne we travel along the coast to your accommodation at 'Tatapouri'. Here we are hosted by local residents and once settled into your accommodation you will have a filling dinner at their seaside base.

Day 2: Tatapouri - Whale Rider Tour - Maraehako Bay retreat After breakfast your hosts will provide you with a unique experience as you walk out on the reef and watch them feed 'wild stingrays' and 'eagle rays' and discover the abundance of marine life in this special place. Stingrays are beautiful and graceful swimmers, gliding like flying carpets of the ocean floor! These flattened-out fish are related to sharks and have a distinctive, sleek tail with sharp spines on it. Their sandy-brown color is great camouflage while they dig into the mud for crabs, shrimp, clams, fish, and worms to eat. Once back at the base we have a quick snack and then hit the road and travel to 'Whangara'. Here we join a local guide on the highly renowned 'Whalerider Tour' of Whangara, the area where the film Whalerider was shot. You will get to see where much of the filming actually took place and listen to the story that inspired the film.  From Whangara we travel further up the East Coast passing by the sacred mountain of the 'Ngati Porou tribe', 'Hikurangi' and crossing their sacred river, 'Waiapu'.

Our journey takes us around the top of the East Cape passing by the small settlement of 'Te Araroa'. If time permits we will visit a producer of 'Manuka creams', 'oils', 'soaps' and the highly valued 'Manuka honey'. The 'Manuka Tree' (Leptospermum Scoparium) has long been valued for its healing properties by Maori. Infusions and poultices were made from the leaves and inner bark and the seed capsules and sap were chewed . Early European migrants produced a tea from Manuka leaves for refreshment and health. The Manuka tree also produces a nectar that the bees turn into a rich amber honey. Manuka honey is also well known for its curative properties and the East Cape has been shown to be the home of high activity Manuka honey. We travel away from the East Cape heading inland until once again we reach the 'Eastern Bay of Plenty coastline'. Here you will see stunning coastal scenery and deserted beaches before we arrive at the secluded 'Maraehako Bay'. Tonight you will have a sumptuous fireside seafood dinner of fish and crayfish, hopefully you’ve still got some 'Gisborne Chardonnay' to go with your dinner!!

Day 3: Maraehako Bay - Rotorua  This morning you are spoilt for choice with a range of activities to choose from including 'kayaking', 'beach walking', 'sightseeing' and 'fishing'. You may like to join the coast sightseeing tour where you will travel by boat to see some of the sights then enjoy some ocean fishing. On return to shore you can help pull up the crayfish pots. This is one place we guarantee you won’t want to leave!! Reluctantly though we leave tranquil Maraehako Bay and drive along the coastline crossing the 'Motu River' before arriving back in 'Opotiki'. We drive towards 'Whakatane' passing around the edge of the 'Ohiwa Harbour'. Ohiwa is one of New Zealand’s most unspoilt harbours. The coastal margins are home to many rare and migratory birds. The estuary shores have healthy saltmarsh and plant communities. There is high conservation value across islands, foreshore, saltmarsh and wetlands. For centuries, Ohiwa has been of huge importance to Maori. It is a traditional mahinga mataitai (food gathering place), a taonga (treasure) to be looked after with pride. On the way we stop at the 'Ohiwa Harbour FishnChip shop' and enjoy a good old kiwi feed of FishnChips. The shop is right next to the sea and you can also get to enjoy fresh 'Ohiwa Harbour oysters'. We arrive back in Rotorua early evening.

Price: $750.00 NZD / Person   Rates: 3 Day East Coast Rate               Per Adult                 Per Child Rack Rate       $750.00                   $150.00

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