11 minute read

RUAPEHU, TARANAKI & HAWKE’S BAY

DRIVING DISTANCES:

AUCKLAND TO:

New Plymouth 365 kms, 5 hrs

Napier 433kms, 5 hrs 30 mins

Mt Ruapehu 340 kms, 5 hrs

Martinborough 648 kms, 8 hrs

WELLINGTON TO:

Mt Ruapehu 330kms, 4 hrs

Napier 320 kms, 4 hrs

MARTINBOROUGH TO

Napier 280 kms, 3 hrs 45 mins

Rotorua 455 kms, 5 hrs 30mins

Wellington 80kms, 55 mins

SPECIAL EVENTS:

04-13 Nov 2022 - Food & Wine

Classic Hawkes Bay

20 Nov 2022 - Taste Martinborough

15 – 19 Feb 2023

Napier Art Deco Festival

17-19 Mar 2023 - WOMAD NZ

MOUNTAIN, SURF AND WINE EXPERIENCE

Western North Island encompasses a variety of landscapes including the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Mt Taranaki, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, while further south are rolling farmlands, all bound by a pristine coastline.

For connoisseurs of the grape, Hawke’s Bay Wairarapa region gives you a 350km touring route through world-class wineries. Be sure to call into the Martinbough Wine Centre.

TOP NATURAL ATTRACTIONS:

» Located in World heritage listed Tongariro National Park, 2,797m high Mt Ruapehu is the North Island’s highest peak and a popular skiing and hiking destination.

» In Feb 1931 an earthquake registering 7.9 on the Richter scale levelled almost all the buildings of Napier. Napier’s famous Art Deco reputation is a result of the massive rebuilding at the city in the Art Deco style so popular in the 1930s.

» Remarkably similar in shape to Japan’s Mt Fuji, 2,518m Mt Taranaki in Egmont National Park is one of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine areas and has 300 kms of walking tracks throughout the park.

» Wine Tasting – The Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa is highly regarded for its fine reds.

» Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre has an important breeding and research program for native birdlife and home to the rare white kiwi.

» Nov -Mar visit Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve, one of only 2 mainland colonies in the world.

An affordable hotel right in National Park Village with stunning view of all 3 volcanoes. Easy access to Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro Crossing (and transport). Great value king, twin, family and quad rooms. Rustic

NAPIER Art Deco Masonic Hotel

Sitting on the waterfront with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Masonic Hotel is an Art Deco jewel offering unique, characterful Napier accommodation options. Right in the heart of 1930s Napier and opposite Hawke's Bay's MTG (Museum), The Art Deco Centre and i-SITE, the hotel's location is perfect for exploring the Art Deco city.

NAPIER Quest Napier

Housed in a beautiful historic building in the town centre, this serviced apartment-style hotel offers relaxed and comfortable accommodation. Only a short walk to the beach and coastal walkway. Amenities include fullyequipped kitchenettes, local restaurant chargeback, free WiFi, and car parking (paid direct). Accessible apartments available.

The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth is the perfect destination. Relax in one of the stunning gardens, unwind in the heated outdoor pool and spa, take one of the hotel's bicycles out to explore the city’s award-winning coastal walkway, stay cosy next to the fire in The Rocks Lounge Bar, or enjoy a delicious meal in Marbles Buffet Restaurant. This hotel provides the perfect base for exploring everything the region has to offer.

Per Room From Oct 22 –Dec 23 Jan –Mar 23 Apr 23 –Dec 24

Studio $172 $204 $172

Deluxe Studio $206 $256 $206

Extra Person $64 $64 $64

Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

Located in the heart of the CBD, just 15 mins drive from the airport, this iconic 4 star hotel is on the doorstep of key New Plymouth attractions. Offering a range of spacious guest rooms, suites and apartments, some with spa baths and some also feature cooking facilities. Relaxed dining is available in the hotel’s restaurant & bar. FREE unlimited Wi-Fi, complimentary car parking and access to the hotel gym during their stay.

Per Room From Oct 22 –Sep 23 Oct 23 –Sep 24

Studio from $179 $191

One Bedroom $205 $217

Two Bedroom $244 $255

Powderhorn Chateau combines modern facilities and the ambience of a traditional ski chalet, with the comfort of a hotel. We are located on the doorstep of the spectacular Tongariro National Park and close to Whakapapa Ski fields. All rooms feature a TV, air conditioner/heater, internet access and tea/ coffee making facilities. Guest amenities include a restaurant and bar, heated indoor pool, laundry, ski shop, and drying room.

Per Room From Nov 22 –Mar 23 Apr –Oct 23 Nov 23 –Mar 24 Hotel Room $262 $274 $287

Powderhorn Chalet $529 $529 $529 Apartment $846 $846 $846

NAPIER Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Styled to complement its remarkable location on the water’s edge, this awardwinning hotel offers a fresh and contemporary accommodation experience just a short stroll from the Art Deco town centre. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception and room service, complimentary car parking, and free WiFi. A dog-friendly room is available.

NAPIER The Crown Hotel

The Crown Hotel Napier is set in the picturesque seaside village of Ahuriri with boutique shops/cafes and the ocean at your doorstep. Offering 39 guestrooms and suites, choose from the elegant heritage suites in the original 1932 Crown Hotel or the modern studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms. The hotel also offers complimentary undercover carparking, lockup bicycle storage, fitness centre, wifi, s, heritage bar with outdoor courtyard and fireplace.

PALMERSTON NORTH Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North

Stay in style and comfort in the heart of the city. Located just off The Square, the hotel is within walking distance of the Regent on Broadway and the Central Energy Trust Arena, and a myriad of dining and shopping options. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and bar, gym, complimentary WiFi, and car parking.

MARTINBOROUGH Parehua Resort

Set amongst vineyards, with sweeping gardens and panoramic views, Peppers is the epitome of a charming country estate. Each villa and cottage has been individually designed for ultimate comfort, and are placed to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. The region’s best food and wine takes centre stage at the on-site restaurant, or take a hamper of gourmet treats for a picnic among the vines.

MASTERTON Copthorne Hotel Solway Park

Set in 24 acres of landscaped parklands, native bush, and fragrant gardens on the outskirts of Masterton, this refreshing luxury retreat is perfectly located to explore the beautiful countryside and local vineyards.

Facilities for your enjoyment include a heated indoor pool, tennis courts, free WiFi, three restaurants, room service, and on-site car parking.

MARTINBOROUGH The Martinborough Hotel

Sophisticated, elegant, boutique accommodation in the heart of this world-class wine village. Choose heritage rooms in the original 1882 building, or more contemporary suites in the newer part of the hotel; both offer utmost comfort throughout. The on-site restaurant and bar offers an exquisite dining experience with fresh, local produce, and tastings of some of the world’s finest wine. Free onsite parking.

Forgotten World

Venture into the Forgotten World and connect with New Zealand’s enriched past. Set off on guided tours ranging from 3 hours to 2 days by Rail Cart, Jet Boat, Hiking or Helicopter and explore the raw beauty of one of the most isolated corners of New Zealand. Venture along the 142km line, pass through 24 tunnels and cross 98 bridges and explore the pristine native bush, rugged hills and isolated farms while listening to the stories of the area’s pioneering days.

20 Tunnel Tour, is a full day experience where you can immerse yourself in the Forgotten World and its history. Venture through 20 Tunnels, take in the beauty of the stunning Tangarakau Gorge and visit the Republic of Whangamomona.

Rail River Run takes you through 10 tunnels and over 20 bridges as you travel 40KM by rail and 25KM by Jet Boat on the Whanganui River. This tour offers a mixture of nostalgia and adrenaline.

5 Tunnel Tour offers a 3 hour ride through 5 tunnels (including the longest tunnel - 1.5KM). This 32KM return trip provides a neat snapshot of the countryside. So come down to Taumarunui where a forgotten Aotearoa New Zealand awaits.

Per Person

Full day 20 Tunnel Tour

Full day Rail River Run

$399

$399

5 Tunnel Tour $162

Art Deco Experiences

Walking Tour - Take a walk back in time with a guided walking tour of Napier’s fascinating Art Deco Quarter. Your local guide will tell you stories of the earthquake that destroyed the city, the people that were affected, and the remarkable recovery and rebuild that was completed within two years. A truly memorable experience of the most complete Art Deco city in the world.

Vintage Car Tour - Discover Napier’s Art Deco heritage in style in a luxurious 1930s vintage car. Your journey will take in the city’s famous Art Deco Quarter, historic Port Ahuriri and a delightfully quaint Art Deco residential suburb.

Operated by Art Deco Trust

Adult Child (12-16yrs)

Walking Tour $30 $30

Vintage Car Tour (1-4 People) $256

Takaro Trails

Self Guided Cape Winery Tour – This popular tour is an easy 16km ride with a focus on visiting wineraries. From the fine wineries of Black Barn and Te Mata Estate in Havelock North you join the trail to cycle through orchard country, following the Tuki Tuki River, to the Pacific coast. On reaching the coastal settlement of Te Awanga your cycling efforts are rewarded with visits to more acclaimed wineries including Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate. Up to 6 wineries on the route. Includes Scott pathway bike and helmet hire, transfer to/from your Napier accommodation, riding instructions with map and water bottle and the "No Worries Package" which include guaranteed best bikes, total back-up support, cellphone holder, carrier & pannier bags and theft insurance. NB: It is standard practice for wineries to charge for tastings. Departs 10am. Allow 6 hours

Odyssey Wine Tours

A Twilight Odyssey - A progressive three-course meal across some of New Zealand’s top winery restaurants. Beginning with a scenic drive, participate in an interactive wine tasting at Vidal Estate while indulging in a gourmet platter. Enjoy a ‘Champagne sunset’ from Te Mata Peak (seasonal). Main course served with wine at Elephant hill or Craggy Range (restaurants subject to change). Finish with a visit to New Zealand’s oldest and grandest winery the Mission Estate for dessert and dessert wine. Includes: accommodation transfers, sightseeing with full commentary and progressive three-course meal with wines.

Full Day Odyssey Experience - A complete action-packed taste of what Hawke’s Bay has to offer. Learn about wine etiquette and tasting technique then enjoy a full behind the scenes tour of the famous Church Road winery and New Zealand’s only wine museum. Visit the country’s oldest and grandest winery, the Mission Estate for lunch with matching wine. After lunch, visit a selection of top boutique wineries and indulge in a tasting platter at one of them. A complete wine and gourmet experience! Includes: accommodation transfers, lunch with wine, afternoon tasting platter, sightseeing with fully guided commentary and wine tastings at 6 wineries.

Heaven on Earth for Chocoholics! Designed to meet the cravings of everyone while learning more about the evolution of this delicious indulgence. Museum, shop and café open 9am-4pm weekdays and from 10am weekends and public holidays.

Chocolate Through the Ages Museum (Self guided). Step back 3,000 years and learn how chocolate has evolved through the centuries to the tantalising, silky smooth chocolate we all know and love today. View our 2,500 year old Mayan Chocolate Pot. Allow 30 mins to 2 hrs.

Triple Chocolate Dipper - Chocolate tasting at our factory shop. Includes entry into our Chocolate “Thru the Ages” Museum, Chocolate drink (or tea/coffee), chocolate muffin/slice (accompanied by liquid chocolate and cream) at our Café plus a bonus take home gift (chocolate of course). This is chocolate overload. Allow 2 hrs.

Triple Chocolate Temptation – A guided version of the Triple Chocolate Dipper tour above. At the factory a staff member will explain the chocolate making process, and will accompany you through the museum. Your guide will leave you once you have been seated at the café. The take home gift is a larger box of chocolates than the Triple Chocolate Dipper. Must be prebooked. Allow 2 hours.

Adrift Guided Adventures

Adrift’s one day and multi-day treks, walks, canoe trips and Rail Trail Cycleway tours offer a professionally guided and enjoyable experience for people of all abilities and skill levels.

One Day Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing - The Tongariro National Park has dual World Heritage status with three active andesitic volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing spans the length of Mt Tongariro starting at Mangatepopo and concluding at Ketetahi with the highest point being at Red Crater. Highlights include Soda Springs, South Crater, Red Crater and Blue Lake. Includes: Return Transport from National Park and Whakapapa Village accommodation, lunch, guide/s and trekking/wet weather gear hire. Duration: 7-8hrs. Meeting time: 8-8:30am. Finish time: 4:30-5pm. Approx. 1 hour of scheduled stops and photo opportunities. This can vary depending on weather conditions. A medium level of fitness is required. The walking pace is not fast but is steady.

Sunset Guided Walk - This is a fantastic 2 hour walk along an easy grade track on Mt Ruapehu. Walk for 45 minutes to a point where we can sit, relax and watch the sun setting over Mt Taranaki whilst indulging in one of New Zealand’s finest wines. Your guide will talk about the areas geology, volcanology and New Zealand cultural history. Includes: guide/s, a glass of New Zealand sparkling wine and return transport for National Park Village and Whakapapa Village. Pick up times vary and are 1 hour before sunset and drop off is 1 hour after sunset. Approx. pick up times: 7.00pm in summer. 4:30pm in winter (01 May-30 Sep). If walking on a un pathed track is too much then the route can be changed to something easier. Pick up and drop off from accommodation in Taupō, Turangi and Ohakune can also be arranged (extra costs apply)

P Kaha National Wildlife Centre

Home of the famous White Kiwi - Witness conservation in action for yourself at one of New Zealand’s leading captive breeding sites for endangered native wildlife. Located 20 minutes north of Masterton and two hours from either Napier or Wellington, the 942-hectare forest restoration project is home to wild birds that have been reintroduced as well as a visitor centre, theatre and shops. Feed the longfin eels, learn about tuatara, see the working kiwi nursery and meet Kahurangi the kōkako. Afterwards visitors can relax in the café beside wild kākā overlooking the takahē. Open everyday from 9:00am

1 hour Guided Tour - Learn about the forest from a dedicated ranger as you explore Pūkaha’s walking tracks. Includes the Kiwi Nursery.

2 hour Behind the Scenes Tour - A unique option for those wanting a deeper look at Pūkaha’s conservation work. Includes the Guided Tour and a special hands-on experience as guests accompany a ranger about their daily duties with the wildlife.

Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail: Walking or riding along the historic cobblestone Coach Road through a bush corridor on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu is an exciting adventure, a journey back in time. Magnificent native Rimu trees, native falcons screaming through the air, pigeons flying between the tree tops, the curved steel lattice of the Hapuawhenua Viaduct and of course, the old railway tunnel. This is a grade 2 cycleway which is appropriate for all including family groups with young children. Includes: guide/s, return transport from National Park Village and Whakapapa Village accommodation, bike and helmet. Pick up 9am or 1pm / drop off 12:30pm or 5:30pm.

1 Day Whanganui River Guided Canoe - For those who want to experience one of New Zealand’s Great Walk by canoe. The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through the heart of it. It is rich with Māori and European history, the largest reminder of which is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Just as the early explorers did, you will see and experience the NZ wilderness. Paddling downstream you will travel through bush-clad hills, see waterfalls, spectacular sheer gorges, farmland as well as some rapids en-route. Includes: Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the river put in, lunch, all equipment required (canoe, dry barrels for your gear, PFD’s, paddles). Departures: Oct – May Pick up: 9am