Join us for an active (and totally indulgent) adventure on the Coromandel. Did we mention there's gin?!
Take on the bucket list Pinnacles climb in the Kauaeranga Valley
Enjoy the spectacular vistas along the Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Stay two nights at the Buffalo Lodge
Sample the Coromandel's freshest seafood offerings
Gin talk and taste at Coromandel Distillery (with the best gin in the world!)
This is a FANTASTIC girls long weekend away! Equally great for a group of couples who love to hike.
Escape with us
3 days, 2 nights at Buffalo Lodge, tucked away in the bush overlooking the Hauraki gulf. All meals, snacks, activities, tastings and transport while on the escape included. Wine and beverages are available for purchase at Buffalo Lodge.
* Available for groups of 4 - 8.
We can also accommodate groups of up to 10 in some circumstances.
$1,620pp
Explore
Experience the best of Coromandel with three stunning bucket list tramps on Coromandel. Climb to the summit of the iconic Pinnacles, steeped in our early logging history - and walk the stunning Coromandel Coastal walkway for breathtaking views. Our last day is a shorter walk with the option of a private farm coastal walk or a Kauri grove walk. This escape is suitable for those new to tramping BUT with a good level of fitness.
Taste
Coffee - Take home a bag of locally roasted Pinnacle Coffee after enjoying a freshly brewed cup. Karyn & Coxy roast their own beans to produce their very own 'Pinnacle Coffee'. The only coffee in New Zealand with ethically sourced beans from Vietnam.
Fresh seafood - Choose from fresh green-lipped mussels, seafood platters, the BEST seafood chowder you'll ever have or non-seafood options at the Weta Cafe on day 3. If seafood's not your thing, there's plenty of scrummy dishes to choose from!
Gin - Visit a Coromandel Distillery in Thames and hear from owners on how they harness flavours and aromas from the wild to infuse into their gin and other distillates. Think damson plum and wood-aged Manuka infused gin - yum!
Relax
Buffalo lodge is a warm and welcoming retreat tucked away on two acres of regenerating native bush. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, this spot really lets you take in the wonders of Coromandel. The lodge will be solely for our Nature & Nosh groups with four guest suites and shared spaces like the sundeck, library, lounge, and dining hall. Owner and host Abby is on hand to meet and greet and your Nature & Nosh guide stays onsite as well.
What people have said about this escape:
"Wow what a fantastic weekend! Can't thank you enough for everything you did to make our time away with Nature & Nosh so EPIC! Loved every minute of it-the walking, the food, the wine, the snacks, the accommodation, the fun, the company it was all just perfect thanks!” - Kerry, Putaruru
"A truly amazing weekend! Blessed with stunning weather as we took on two walks on the Coromandel Peninsula. Spacious and tranquil accomodation at Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat. An abundance of great local food and beverages. Thanks so much!" - Lynette, Tauranga
Your escape itinerary day by day
Day One
14km / 7 - 8 hours hiking (hard grade)
Meet bright and early at Onetai Estate, before we head up on a short drive up the coast and valley ready to take on some spectacular craggy terrain on the epic Pinnacles hike. Traversing through groves of nikau palms, huge rata trees, and across streams and swing bridges, we make our way up to the hut. The last section of the track leading to the jagged summit of the Pinnacles is steep with ladders and requires some scrambling, but for those up for the challenge the reward is magnificent panoramic views across the Coromandel. After lunch at the hut, we head back down the track and with the hardest hike under our belts, head up to Coromandel town (1.5hour drive) to Buffalo Lodge where we will be based for two nights. Dinner for the group is at the lodge tonight.
Day Two
15km - 6 hours hiking (moderate grade)
Boots on as we take on the coastal walkway today, at the most northern and remote tip of the peninsula. The track, an old bridle path formed by early pioneers boasts some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the peninsula. We wind our way through Kanuka forest and pristine sub-tropical bush discovering twinkling bays along the way. Passing beneath the shadow of Mt Moehau, the track follows an easy gradient with a short steep section into and out of Poley Bay, then return via the same track. After our walk there is the option of a swim at Fletcher Bay before we head back to the lodge to relax on the deck with a glass of well-deserved wine. Enjoy a two-course meal tonight.
Day Three
Option of 2 walks - 6km or 2km
Your group will have the option of one of two walks today - either a 6km private farm coastal walk with panoramic coastal and inland views, or a shorter, easier 2km around a Kauri Grove. Lunch is at the Weta Cafe today - choose from fresh green-lipped mussels, seafood platters, the BEST seafood chowder you'll ever have or non-seafood options. Now for the best way to round out a trip - GIN! Join master distiller Paul in his Thames distillery for a talk and taste and hear how he harnesses flavours and aromas from the wild to infuse into their gin and other distillates and how he hold the title for best gin in the WORLD! Think manuka, kauri, plum, juniper and butterfly pea infused gin creations. After sampling some of his creations, we head back to collect vehicles and say farewells.
Note: We will always endeavour to stick as closely to this itinerary as possible to deliver the best experience to you. If anything outside of our control should change as it does from time to time, we will substitute elements of this itinerary to reflect the same value and level of amazing!
Grading
Grade
Varies each day:
Day one - 7 - 8 hours tramping
Day two - 6 hours tramping
Day three - Option of 6km or an easy 2km
Carrying a small day backpack for your personal gear such as water, lunch and a rain jacket.
Track conditions
Track surfaces on this escape vary, but most are on well maintained paths, with a couple on more rugged terrain where you will be walking over farmland (grass), tree roots, mud/clay and rocks. You will get the most out of this escape if you have a good level of fitness. Rose will ensure that the pace is dictated by the group and allow plenty of time for short breaks for water, refreshments and photos. For us, it's about the journey, not the destination.
The ins and outs
Meet at Onetai Estate at Hikutaia at 7.30am on day 1. During this escape, you will be transported around in our super comfortable and spacious, Nature and Nosh Ford Transit custom van, and your vehicles will be left safely at Onetai for the duration.
Optional but recommended: Accommodation at Onetai Estate the night before and/or after this escape may be available on request.
Accommodation at Buffalo Lodge:
The stylish bedrooms blend beautifully into the natural bush surroundings. Each room has been designed with a calming colour palette, high-quality furnishings and everything you need to make your stay truly unforgettable. The leisurely atmosphere allows for indulging in the delights of all the small details; homemade and local fare, deliciously brewed tea and coffee served in handmade ceramics, sumptuously comfortable beds, organic bedding and robes, plush towels, and beautiful NZmade natural bath products.
Food
Meals included on this escape:
Day 1: Lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 3: Breakfast, cafe lunch, snacks
Cooked and continental breakfast options, gourmet picnic or nutritious packed lunches, two-course evening meals. You can purchase wine at Buffalo Lodge. You are also welcome to bring your own wine or beer to enjoy.
Special dietary requirements
If you have special dietary requirements, as long as we know about them in advance we should be able to cater for you. We hope to accommodate all special dietary requirements, however, if this is not possible we will inform you as soon as we can.
Safety
We are Qualmark Gold endorsed operators. Qualmark independently evaluates tourism operators in New Zealand annually to ensure quality across all business areas. A Gold Award is evidence of one of the most high quality, safe and sustainable experiences in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything we do.
Weather
We do walk in the rain! As long as our guides have deemed conditions safe for walking. We can usually change our day around a little to make the best of the weather, but you need to come prepared for the elements! See our recommended packing list.
Pricing for fully inclusive escape:
$1,620pp
Massages
We can offer optional massages at Buffalo Lodge - please enquire for availability and pricing.
Inclusions
Transport from Hikutaia return
Professional local guide with local knowledge and stories
Premium lodge ensuite rooms
ALL meals. Cooked and continental breakfast options, nutritious packed lunches, two course evening meals
Snacks and hot drinks while hiking
One cafe lunch
Gin distillery talk and tasting
A bag of Pinnacle coffee to take home with you
First aid kits, safety equipment and all your fresh New Zealand drinking water.
