A short active and gourmet escape to the south of the Coromandel; a taste of the flavours and trails from the coast
Overview: 3 days, 33km
Welcome to our little corner of paradise. If you only have three days to spare, spend it walking and tasting with us. We've curated an escape with three beautiful and diverse guided day walks and some delicious local artisan tasting experiences. Perfect if you like small group tours and good company.
Visit one of the finest remaining Kauri groves in a diverse ecological area. Walk along pristine rolling coastlines and take in the endless views. Visit a cheesemaker and learn about the art of distilling gin at a local, award-winning distillery. Take in spectacular gorge scenery on a river walk that follows an old logging tramway track up a valley. Enjoy chef-cooked meals at the end of your day's exploration.
Stay two nights at our luxury retreat with panoramic coastal views - exclusively for our group.
Small groups, maximum of 8. Carrying a small daypack only.
Notes:
- A minimum of 4 people are required for guaranteed departure of this tour.
- Tours depart Sundays and return Tuesday.
- Rates pp are double or twin share.
Tasting highlights
Award-winning Gin tasting!
Visit certified organic cheesemakers
Chef-prepared meal with fresh locally-sourced ingredients
Locally roasted Pinnacle coffee to fuel our hikes
Departures
If your preferred travel dates don't match our tour dates, get in touch and we will see what we can do - hello@natureandnosh.co.nz
Hiking highlights
Endless stretches of pristine coastline on a treasured coastal track.
Visit one of the finest remaining Kauri groves in a diverse ecological area.
Walk an old tramway logging track along a river with gorge and valley views.
Pristine New Zealand native bush away from the crowds.
- Jack Kerouac
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day One: Sunday
5km (3 miles) / 2.5 hours hiking (easy grade)
We will collect you from Auckland before heading to the west side of the Coromandel Peninsula - not before a stop at a quaint country farm shop, cafe and art gallery for a coffee and some fresh scones. Our first walk is a gentle one, a stunning trail leads us to the best remaining Kauri grove on the peninsula in a lush and diverse ecological area. A picnic lunch in nature to soak up the serenity before the walk out. Local (you guessed - award-winning) cheesemakers at Matatoki are certified organic producers and you'll have a chance to hear about their family-owned business, and sample of course! From here, we head just north of the coastal settlement of Waihi Beach where we will be based two nights at our luxury lodge retreat. Relax with a drink in hand and some nibbles and chat to our local chef as they prepare a special meal with local ingredients - sourcing fresh the season!
Day Two: Monday
9km (5.5 miles) / 4-5 hours hiking (medium grade)
Enjoy breakfast this morning at a leisurely pace before we head to the coast for our walk from Homunga Bay to Waihi Beach. Feast your eyes upon the white sand beaches, turquoise coloured water and magnificent Pohutakawa trees as we wind our way around the bays, stopping for a picnic lunch on the beach. When our hearts have had enough of the coastal views we head back to our lodge to relax for a few hours in the hot tub, or get lost in a book. The late afternoon calls for something special so we making our way to the historic Waikino hotel for a gin tasting where local brewer-turned-distiller boasts international award-winning gin with an interesting gold twist before heading back for a two-course meal at our lodge.
Day Three: Tuesday
19km (12 miles) / 6 - 8 hours hiking (easy grade)
An early start this morning and a short drive to a hidden valley leading to the Waitawheta River. Following in the footsteps of pioneers on the old logging tramway as it meanders along the river through the spectacular cliffs and bluffs of the gorge leading to a hut where we enjoy lunch and some locally roasted Pinnacles coffee. With a suspension bridge, waterfall and old logging site along the way, this is a varied track steeped in history. There are a few great swimming spots along the way, or simply take your boots off and bathe your feet in the river. Returning via the same track, we head back up to Auckland with our adventure cup full!
Note: This itinerary should be seen as a guide only and is subject to change at any time due to elements outside our control. We will always endeavour to stick as closely to this itinerary as possible to deliver the best experience to you. The above doesn't detail all 'Nosh' experiences in full as we like to keep some things a surprise!
Inclusions
Return shuttle transfers from Auckland.
Comfortable and spacious transport with air conditioning.
Professional local guide with local knowledge and stories leading the way.
Luxury lodge with ensuite rooms
ALL meals. Cooked and continental breakfast options, nutritious and uniquely kiwi packed lunches, two and three-course evening meals, chef prepared (Sunday - lunch + dinner, Monday - breakfast, lunch, dinner, Tuesday - breakfast + lunch).
A selection of New Zealand wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages served with evening meals.
Delicious food experiences unique to Nature and Nosh Tours (our secret ingredient!).
Behind the scenes gin distillery talk and tasting
Private chef cooked meal on night one
Organic cheese maker talk and taste
First aid kits, safety equipment and all your fresh New Zealand drinking water.
What's not included
Airfares.
Personal hiking gear such as boots, clothing, poles and day packs. We do have some day packs and walking poles available to borrow.
Travel insurance. We recommend all of our tour guests take out travel insurance.
Single supplement fee NZ $300 for single travellers wanting their own room.
Grading
Grade
Easy to moderate
Day one - 2.5 hour walk
Day two - 4-5 hours walking
Day three - 6-8 hours walking
Carrying a small day backpack for your personal gear such as water, lunch and
a rain jacket.
Track conditions
Track surfaces on our Coastal Charm tour vary, but most are on well maintained paths, with a couple on more rugged terrain where you will be walking over tree roots, mud and rocks. You will get the most out of this tour if you have a good level of fitness, although no hiking experience is necessary. Our guides ensure that the pace is dictated by the group and allow plenty of time for short breaks for water, refreshments, photos and interesting stories on the way. For us, it's about the journey, not the destination.
Our Nature
We've carefully hand selected our tracks throughout the southern Coromandel and close surrounding areas for their beauty, diversity of terrain and landscapes, flora, special features and conservation values. The day walks on this tour are designed to have a mix of easy and medium graded walks, with flat and rolling terrain. Our tracks are hidden gems. You'll usually pass some locals but mostly you're free from the crowds to enjoy our natural spaces with our group.
Our Nosh
As well as our foodie tasting experiences, you will enjoy quality chef-cooked evening meals in the lodge - two and three courses featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and are served with a selection of New Zealand wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Lunches are freshly packed for you in the mornings and we have plenty of snacks for our adventures. Breakfasts are an option of cooked or continental to fuel you properly for your day of hiking.
Our Accomodation
Orokawa Bay Retreat is a secluded hilltop sanctuary set high above the coastline north of Waihi. The ever-changing vista of Tuhua (Mayor Island) along the coast to Mauao (Mount Maunganui) and beyond the Bay of Plenty coastline is framed by wall-wide bi-fold doors throughout the retreat space for an effortless flow from comfort to natural surrounds. Accessed through the outdoor atrium, each of the bedrooms offer super king or twin king-single beds with wall to ceiling tiled ensuite bathrooms, An outdoor hot tub and outdoor seating are perfect spots to soak in the panoramic views.
Reviews
"I had the most wonderful experience on the 3 day Coastal Charm Taster Tour with Nature and Nosh. The walks were amazing through beautiful pristine countryside. I love bushwalking and this trip did not disappoint.
The tracks that were included on the tour were a good mixture to keep it interesting and the natural scenery was diverse and beautiful. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it. I absolutely loved the gourmet homemade slices….yummy!!! Made with love and quality ingredients.
The owner/guide Kylie did the most amazing job of organising everything so the trip ran smoothly. All I had to do was enjoy it, which was easy as it was so lovely. I could not have put together a holiday for myself as lovely as the Coastal Charm Taster Tour. It is certainly worth paying to join a tour, especially if you have limited time like I did. The accommodation was beautiful. Thank you Nature and Nosh for all your efforts and research to put together such an amazing trip. I will treasure the memory of the lovely time forever.
- Tam, Queensland
Photos
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