3-Day Nature Immersion

Day one

Morning

Start the weekend by walking the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi trail. Lined with unforgettable ocean views, historic Māori pā sites, and lush native flora, the Toi track is a must-do for every nature-lover. The track can be broken down into sections, so whatever your fitness level, you can make it work for you. Choose to walk just a small portion of the track, or set aside 5-7 hours to take on the whole 16km loop. Just note that parts of the track are inaccessible at high tide, so be sure to check the tide times before you head off.

Midday

Reward yourself for a walk well done with lunch at Moxi Café. This trendy eatery is made out of shipping containers, with overhead louvres opening the interior space up to the blue skies in summer. Sip on a rich Allpress coffee (some of the best in town!) and check out their lunch menu for a tasty post-walk meal.

Evening

After sun-down, have a go at spotting one of our elusive Kiwi friends on the Kiwi Night Walk. Guided walks can be booked weekly from April to June (the best time to hear the Kiwi's calls) or you can try your luck with a self-led walk along the Ōhope Scenic Reserve track. Just remember to bring your torch!

Finish up your walk at the bottom of the Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and head just over the road to the uber-popular Cadera for an authentic Mexican dinner. Or if you’d rather venture further down towards the harbour, try Fisherman's Wharf for a delicious meal and glass of wine overlooking the water.

Day two

Morning

Head to Mou Mou Kai Café for a late brunch. The café is known for its hearty, home-style kai, inspired by Te Urewera and the coast. Mou Mou Kai is based inside Te Kura Whare, New Zealand’s first ever living building. So make sure you check out its beautiful dedication to green principles while you’re here.

Midday - Evening

Spend the rest of day two in Whakatāne taking part in an overnight guided walk, led by Te Urewera Treks. Te Urewera’s range of tours will bring you closer than ever to nature, venturing out into the area’s remote beech forests. Explore waterfalls, take in the bird life, and bask in the views of this breathtaking part of the country. All under the watchful and knowledgeable eye of an experienced and friendly local guide.

Day three

Morning - Midday

If nature is your thing, you won’t want to leave Whakatāne without heading across the water to Moutohorā Eco Sanctuary. Also known as Whale Island, Moutohorā is one of the most restricted pest-free wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Start with a 15 minute boat journey across the water, then spend four hours exploring on a guided tour. Say hello to rare and endangered wildlife, and visit a fur seal colony. Dig a geothermal spring pool at Onepū Bay, and take a swim in the secluded hot water beach. Relish the opportunity to see New Zealand’s wildlife in its most natural, untouched state.

Evening

After a day exploring Whale Island’s beauty, head back over to the mainland for dinner at local restaurant, Cigol. If Korean fried chicken, slow cooked pork belly and Japanese yakitori sounds like a bit of you then this place can't be beaten. A favourite haunt for Eastern Bay of Plenty foodies, Cigol is a welcoming gourmet adventure in the Whakatāne CBD.  

Where to stay?

Complement your long weekend in nature with a glamping experience at Wainui Seaside Glamping. Just a 10 minute drive from Ōhope, this private and luxurious retreat features a roomy canvas tent with glass sliding doors opening onto spectacular views of Ōhiwa Harbour – not to mention its very own outdoor bath. 

You could also base yourself in one of Kahikatea Farm's three small timber huts. Just outside Whakatāne, surrounded by native birds and bush, Kahikatea is a luxe glamping experience to remember - where natural beauty and man-made comfort meet.

Or branch out with the Manaaki Package at Whakatau Rainforest Retreat, by Te Urewera Treks. Stay in a luxe bush-camp-style site surrounded by forest for the ultimate in privacy. Gaze up on a clear night, and let the stars take your breath away.