Want to Stay In?
Imagine a hot cup of tea by the cosy fire in the evening. Fancy a board game? Or a good book from our small library. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, take the binoculars to spot kererū, tūī, or ruru up close, then stoke the fire to prepare for a soak in the hot tub. Later, roast marshmallows, craft your perfect wood-fired pizza, and, as night falls, slip into the steaming tub beneath a sky full of stars.
Or Venture Out?
Te Waitere Wharf
Head down to the Te Waitere Boat club at high tide for a swim. You can either swim right in front of the boat club where the sand is, or leap off the wharf if you prefer! If it’s too cold for a dip, the grass bank by the club is a great spot for a picnic. The wharf is also great for fishing.
Find it here: https://www.google.com/maps/pl...
Piripiri Cave Walk
This walk offers the chance to soak in the majesty of a cave in one of the few free caves in the area. A short walk takes you up through native bush and past some limestone outcrops, and then descends a short stair case to the cave entrance. A platform allows you to stand and marvel at the size of tthe cave and the fragile ecosystems within. Good shoes are recommended. You’ll need a torch to enter and exit the cave. The cave photographs well so take a camera. - 300m return return via same track Marokopa Falls Walk The 35 m high falls are often described as the most beautiful in the country. They really are breathtaking. The Marokopa River cascades over the undercut greywacke basement rock. Take the short track through tawa and nīkau forest down to the viewing platform. - 600m return via the same track.
Find out more: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-...
Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk (Glowworms)
The track heads under a natural limestone bridge, 17m high, this and the Mangapohue Stream below are the remains of an ancient cave. The ceiling is studded with stalactite-like formations. It continues for over farmland where you can see 25 million yr old fossilised oysters in the limestone outcrops. Follow the markers until you cross a stile back into the reserve to the car park. If you go as the sun is fading, you’ll see the amazing flora, and as the light goes down, you’ll begin to see one glowworm after another until you are presented with a breathtaking scene, just like a starry night sky. - 700m loop track.
Find out more: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-...
Marokopa Beach
The tiny west coast village of Marokopa is set on the backdrop of the vast, black sand beach. Marokopa's charm is in its isolation, a serene spot with views for miles.
Find it here: https://www.google.com/maps/pl...
Tawarau Forest Tracks
At the end of Speedies Rd and Appletree Rd you’ll find a tramping paradise full of incredible native wildlife, an ancient karst landscape and virgin forest. There are many hikes including waterfalls and river crossings. Contact us for more info about the tracks, or have a look here:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-...
Kāwhia Town
Take a drive over to Kāwhia and explore this coastal village. It’s a peaceful beachside town steeped in
Maori history, and is the final resting place for the voyaging Tainui Waka (canoe). It’s also a great
fishing spot, with fishing tours available year-round.
Kāwhia
Kāwhia Hot Water Beach
One of New Zealand’s, best kept secrets is Kāwhia Hot Water Beach. Head down two hours before
low tide for a four hour window of hot water. Head over the sand dunes and stroll down onto the
beach. Find your spot and start digging for an instant natural hot water spa, with stunning views to
match. If low tide is late afternoon, Kawhia's hot water beach offers the rare experience of soaking in
a sandy spa pool while you watch the sun go down. Take a shovel, togs and towel and your camera
and check www.tides.co.nz beforehand for low tide.
Kiritehere (Fossil) Beach
Just south of Marokopa, you’ll find Kiritehere Beach. A great spot for a surf, and home to thousands of marine fossils. You’ll see sandstones containing fossilised clams, mussels and scallops that are over 200 million years old.
Find it here: https://www.google.com/maps/pl...
Waikawau Tunnel Beach
If you’re heading south on your way home, don’t miss this incredible spot. Access is via a narrow tunnel through the sandstone cliffs, which was made in 1911 by three men with picks and shovels. It was constructed so cattle could be driven to and from Nukuhakare Station. These days the tunnel is used for access to the stunning beach.
Find it here: https://www.google.com/maps/pl...
A Suggested Afternoon Itinerary
- Head to ToeToe cafe for a delicious cuppa and custard square (call to check they are open first!).
- Then continue to on to Marokopa Falls and gaze at the wonderful waterfall as the sun goes down (check online for the time of the sunset to time it perfectly).
- Follow the road along to Piripiri caves (take a torch!).
- Finish at Mangapohue Natural bridge and take the scenic walking loop past a stunning river surrounded by native NZ flora, stay until it’s dark to see the glowworms.