TAUPO TO TE KAHA
We travel via Rotorua and the Lakes District to Whakatane, where those interested in staying for a few nights can take a boat cruise out to Whakaari (White Island), New Zealand’s most active volcano. From there it is a short trip up the coast to Opotiki and then on to Te Kaha where we spend our first night at Te Kaha Homestead Lodge.
The Homestead is situated in the most amazing spot right on the beach that has to be seen to be believed. Once welcomed into Te Whanau a Apanui (the local tribe) you can then slip into the life style that keeps us coming back. Relax in the hot tub overlooking the ocean and watch the sun disappear with a glass of wine, and then join us for a few drinks and a session of ‘International Idol’ with Chey and his whanau (family).
TE KAHA TO RANGI TUKIA
Departing Te Kaha we follow the coastline south to Rangitukia, stopping along the way to take in the beautiful coastal scenery. We arrive at Rangitukia around 2.30pm so there is plenty of time to go on one of New Zealand’s best horse treks or learn the art of bone carving. RANGITUKIA TO TATAPOURI
For those interested in being among the first in the world to see in the new day, there is a short track you can take to the top of a nearby hill to watch the sun rise over the horizon. After this you can either take a 1 hour follow up ride and try out another of the fantastic horses at the farm or use this opportunity to rest up for the day ahead. Once we leave Rangitukia, we head down the coast to Tologa Bay and New Zealand’s longest wharf. Then onto Whangara, one of the most culturally and historically significant places on the East Coast and where the movie ‘Whale Rider’ was filmed. It is here that you will be given a full tour of the Marae by one of the local people and explained the history of this very special place. Once we leave Whangara, we then travel down to Tatapouri where there is a huge range of activities you can choose from including rock sliding, surf lessons/ board hire, stingray feeding, and in the summer months shark cage diving. Our hosts Chris and Dean are the newest members of the East As whanau and their home in Tatapouri is one place you will never forget. TATAPOURI TO TAUPO
On leaving Tatapouri, you will be in a complete state of relaxation so to enhance this feeling we take you to our hot springs in Kawerau for a well-deserved soak. Used by the local Maori for hundreds of years for their healing properties these springs are sure to mend whatever ails you. Then its back to Rotorua or Taupo where we say haere ra (goodbye) and you continue your travels with a little piece of the coast in you forever.
| 
