What's on around Waitomo & The King Country
from Te Kuiti & Otorohanga to Kawhia & Mokau
WHOPPER WETA WALK
10 January, 2012
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Fitness: Medium
Come and meet one of NZ's largest prehistoric insects, the Mahoenui giant weta. Unchanged in over 100 million years, these fascinating creatures were rediscovered in 1962 and live in a reserve closed to the general public. This is a unique opportunity to photograph this special King Country icon in its home environment.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 9.00am or at the Piopio hall at 9.30am. 45 minute drive from Piopio to Mahoenui. Maximum of 20 people. Minimum age 8 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink, snacks, outdoor clothing, hat and sunscreen and leather gloves for protection against the gorse. Suitable shoes a must.
Price: Adult $8; Child $3
PUREORA TIMBER TRAIL WALK
11 January, 2012
Time: 8.30am - 4.00pm
Fitness: Medium
Enjoy this spectacular bushwalk through a pristine piece of native podocarp forest. The Pikiariki ecological area has been the subject of intensive pest control, which is evident in the variety of birds and lush bush that may be seen along the trail. The walk will follow the newly created cycle trail from Pureora village and weave up Pureora mountain to enjoy great views of the surroundings.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 8.30am or at the Pureora field base at 9.15am. Maximum of 20 people. Minimum age 8 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink and snacks. Suitable shoes a must.
Price: Adult $8; Child $3
CAVE KIDS - 2 TRIPS
12 January, 2012
Time: 10.15am - 1.30pm OR 1.15pm - 4.30pm
Fitness: Easy
3 hour dry caving adventure for the kids, going off the beaten track to find remains of ancient creatures and hidden treasure. Exploring the cave with candle and torch light in small groups while learning about the environment.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet outside Legendary Black Water Rafting Cafe at 10.15am or 1.15pm. Maximum 14 children per trip. Minimum age for children 5 years, maximum age 12 years. Children may get dirty shoes and knees so please bring a change of clothes. Price: Child $10
CAVE KIDS FAMILY SUPPORT OPTION - 2 TRIPS
12 January, 2012
Time: 10.30am - 1.30pm OR 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Fitness: Easy/Medium
Walk along the Opapaka Pa track site through native forest, then onto a steep track to the pa site (a battle took place there in the 1700s), where defence structures and kumara pits are still evident. A short drive to the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre for a self guided tour of the exhibits and maybe challenge the cave crawl!
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet outside Legendary Black Water Rafting Cafe at 10.30am or 1.30pm. Sturdy footwear essential. Bring drink, snacks, hat and sunscreen. Entry to Waitomo Cave Discovery Centre exhibits included in price.
Price: Adult $10; Child $3
NATHAN'S POINT
13 January, 2012
Time: 8.30am - 5.30pm
Fitness: Medium
This Kawhia south circuit takes in Lake Taharoa and bird life there. Further north, a walk along the ridge line leading to Nathan's Point offers spectacular views over the harbour and passes ancient pa sites. Hear about the pre-European history and early trading activity. We skirt the inner harbour on our return.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 8.30am. Transport will be provided. Minimum age 8 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink and snacks (morning tea provided). Sturdy footwear a must.
Price: Adult $30; Child $12
GOLF COURSE RAMBLE AND SCAVENGER HUNT
14 January, 2012
Time: 3.30pm - 6.00pm
Fitness: Easy - Medium
Treat yourself to a walk around the championship Waitomo Golf & Country Club. Learn some history of the area as you are guided hole-by-hole through the picturesque greens usually reserved for members only. Bring the kids and enjoy a scavenger hunt along the way. Enjoy a relaxing late afternoon tea in the clubhouse. This is a walk suitable for all ages (prams included).
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at the Waitomo Golf & Country Club, Golf Road (off SH3 south of Otorohanga) at 3.30pm. Maximum 30 people. Suitable for all ages (prams may be pushed around the golf course). Bring hat, sunscreen, drinks and snacks.
Price: Adult $10; Child $3
ONGARUE REVISITED
16 January
Time: 8.30am - 5.00pm
Fitness: Medium/Fit
Since we last visited the historic Ongarue tramway the Mangatukutuku viaduct has now been abridged, and the spiral restoration is well underway. Whether this is the first time or a repeat trip for you, challenge yourself to cross the new 90m suspension bridge, and inspect the spiral as it has not been seen since its closure.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 8.30am or at the Ongarue Hall at 9.30am. 71km to Ongarue - minivan transport provided. Maximum 20 people. Minimum age 10 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink, and snacks. Sturdy footwear, hat and sunscreen essential.
Price: Adult $24; Child $8
KOKAKO - THE DAWN CHORUS
17 January - 18 January, 2012
Time: (Overnight) 2.00pm - 12.00noon
Fitness: Medium/Fit
Be captivated by the dawn chorus featuring an ancient resident; the kokako. The song of the kokako is one you will never forget. A dark bluish-grey bird with a long tail and short wings, it has a pair of brightly coloured, fleshy "wattles" extending from either side of its gape to meet below the neck. Catch glimpses of this beautiful endangered bird and learn about protection of the kokako in the beautiful Waipapa ecological reserve.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 2.00pm. There is a drive of approximately 45 minutes to Pureora. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Maximum 20 people. Suitable for all ages but ALL CHILDREN MUST be accompanied by an adult. This is an overnight trip; accommodation is included at Pureora cabins, or the Ngaherenga campground for caravans and motor homes. Please request a full gear sheet when you book.
Price: Adult $30; Child $15
TE MAIKA
19 January, 2012
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm.
Fitness: Easy
A unique opportunity to travel up the harbour from Kawhia to Te Maika where we will enjoy a picnic lunch and the opportunity to explore some of the short walks and learn a little of the history of this settlement.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at the Kawhia wharf at 10.00am. Return to the wharf scheduled as 3.00pm. Maximum of 15 people. There is no minimum age. Bring drink, cup and snacks. Picnic lunch is provided. Sturdy footwear a must.
Price: Adult $32 Child 5-16 $16, Under 5 free
MANGAOTAKI HOBBIT HIDEAWAY
20 January, 2012
Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Fitness: Medium
While not the site selected for filming scenes for the Hobbit movie, this hidden valley of limestone formations on the next door property could be a spot where Hobbits chose to live. The short walk uphill follows the limestone cliffs and once on top views include the Mangaotaki Valley and beyond. In the early 1900's wool from Puketiti Station and surrounding farms was taken to Te Kuiti via the Mangaotaki Pack Track. This has now been reopened and we will follow it back to the road.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 9.30am, or at the Piopio village green at 10.00am. 15-20 minute drive from Piopio. Maximum of 25 people. Minimum age 8 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink and snacks. Sturdy footwear a must.
Price: Adult $8; Child $3
HELIHIKE / HELIBIKE IN THE PUREORA FOREST PARK
21 January, 2012
Time: 8.00am - 5.00pm
Fitness: Fit
A new mountain-biking challenge in Pureora this year, and an option to include heli-hikers, this day is tailor-made for adrenaline junkies. The helicopter will drop you at a specified hilltop location, and you will make your way back to the rendezvous point for a bbq and cold drink. Be sure to bring your lunch and snacks for along the way. The mountain-biking trip will be tough, and recommended for experienced mountain-bikers only. The hike will not be as tough, but a good level of fitness is recommended.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at Piropiro campground at 8.00am. Maximum 55 people mountain-biking and 30 people hiking. Travel time in helicopter approximately 8 minutes. A comprehensive gear sheet including maps will be posted after booking. This trip is suitable for fit, experienced mountain-bikers 18 years and older. Payment by credit cards will be accepted for this trip.
Price: Adult $120
MARAEROA CYCLEWAY
23 January, 2012
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Fitness: Medium/fit
Bring your bike out and enjoy the newest completed cycleway in the area. Stop for billy team and scones halfway round and enjoy an historic overview of the area. There is a walking option for this trip if preferred.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Street Taupiri at 9.00am or the Pureora field base at 9.50am. 45 minute drive from Te Kuiti. Maximum 20 cyclists and 20 walkers. Minimum age 13 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink and snacks. Sturdy footwear a must.
Price: Adult $10; Child $5
TE MAIKA
23 January, 2012
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm.
Fitness: Easy
A unique opportunity to travel up the harbour from Kawhia to Te Maika where we will enjoy a picnic lunch and the opportunity to explore some of the short walks and learn a little of the history of this settlement.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at the Kawhia wharf at 10.00am. Return to the wharf scheduled as 3.00pm. Maximum of 15 people. There is no minimum age. Bring drink, cup and snacks. Picnic lunch is provided. Sturdy footwear a must. Price:
Adult $32 Child 5-16 $16, Under 5 free
TAWARAU REVEALED
24 January, 2012
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Fitness: Medium/fit
Tawarau is one of the best remaining examples of virgin forest growing in a karst landscape. Enjoy a walk into secluded Double Falls track and enjoy your lunch at the bottom of the rocky gorge before returning to civilisation. Afternoon tea will be provided back at the vehicles.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti at 9.00am. 45 minute drive from Te Kuiti. Maximum of 20 people. Minimum age 8 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink and snacks. Sturdy footwear a must.
Price: Adult $8; Child $3
KOKOKOROA GIANT MAHOE
25 January, 2012
Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Fitness: Medium
Situated close to the Tawarau Forest on the Te Anga Road, the day includes two walks. The first will be around and through an area of mixed podocarp forest that has been under QEII covenant for more than 15 years. Following lunch the walk will take us across the road and uphill to two magnificent mahoe trees that have been acclaimed by some conservationists as the largest they have ever seen.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet outside the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 9.30am. 20-30 minute drive to Kokokoroa - there is no fuel available. Maximum of 25 people. Minimum age: 8 years (must be fit). Bring lunch, drink and snacks. Sturdy footwear a must.
Price: Adult $8; Child $3
RUAKURI KARST, SAUSAGES, AND GLOWWORMS
26 January, 2012
Time: 5.30pm - 9.00pm
Fitness: Easy
45 minute talk on caves and karst, cave weta and glowworms. Questions answered as to why Waitomo has limestone, where it does and how caves, speleothems and dolines form. Close-up view of glowworms feeding! Following the talk a short drive to the Ruakuri Reserve for a barbeque before a guided walk of the Ruakuri Walkway to put that learning into perspective.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet outside Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 5.30pm. Maximum of 20 people. Minimum age for children 8 years. Sturdy footwear essential - possibility of muddy feet. Bring water bottle and torch. Barbecue provided.
Price: Adult $15; Child $8
KARST CONSERVATION AND CATCHMENT
27 January, 2012
Time: 9.30am - 3.30am
Fitness: Fit
Do not miss this chance to visit private areas of land which may include the headwaters of Waitomo Stream. A countryside walk looking at caves, karst, fault lines and other interesting phenomena. Good bush walking and cliffs. A handout will be provided. Please ensure your vehicle has fuel before arriving at the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
Contact Te Kuiti i-SITE
Email: tkisite@waitomo.govt.nz
Phone: 07 878 8077
Fax: 07 878 5280
Meet outside Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 9.30am, Maximum of 14 people. Minimum age for children 12 years (must be fit and accompanied by an adult). 30 minute travelling time to the destination (car share). Sturdy footwear essential - there is a possibility of wet and muddy feet. Bring lunch, drink, snacks, cup, hat and sunscreen. Morning tea will be provided.
Price: Adult $10; Child $3
Kawhia Traditional Maori Kai Festival
04 February, 2012
The Lonely Planet Travel Guide lists the Kawhia Kai Festival as a "must see" event and one of the top ten Maori experiences for visitors to New Zealand.
Developed to coincide with Waitangi Day celebrations in the first weekend in February, the unique festival on the beautiful Kawhia foreshore showcases:
* Kawhia Traditional Maori Kai Festival A wide range of traditional "kai" (Maori food) including hangi served in kono (traditional serving basket) Toroi (marinated mussels and puha), Kanga Wai/Pirau (fermented corn), Puha and pork spring rolls, Pawhara (smoked fish and eel) plus the local Waikato delicacy Koki (shark liver pate)
* Demonstrations of traditional Maori crafts including flax weaving, cloak making, wood carving and tattooing
* Musical entertainment throughout the day
* Swimming off the wharf!
The Great NZ Muster
31 March, 2012.
Where: Rora Street, Te Kuiti
Join the annual Te Kuiti street festival, including the NZ Shears Running of the Sheep.