Auckland

Coromandel Peninsula

Bay of Plenty

Eastland

Hawke's Bay

	Seafood, wine, history and walks...
New Zealands Premier Tourist Destination.

Pacific Coast Highway Introduction.   A Special Route ... A Special Experience.   Pacific Coast Highway Regions.

The pacific Coast Highway route is endowed with an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood making it a gourmet's paradise. Crayfish, mussels, oysters and a wide variety of fish are found on many menus, or the chance to catch your own is also very good. The Hawke's Bay region boasts over 24 of New Zealand's finest vineyards. These vineyards are open to visitors for free wine tasting year round. Auckland also has many long established vineyards. Boutique wineries and major producers are both in existence, many in picturesque country settings.

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One of the great heroes of Maori mythology is the explorer Kupe. A brilliant Polynesian navigator, legend has it that he set sail from Hawaiki in the 10th century for Aotearoa (New Zealand), the "great southern land, uninhabited and covered in mists". Kupe was the first voyager to discover Aotearoa, where he encountered many adventures. Eventually he returned home to Hawaiki to give sailing instructions which were followed by migrating canoes four centuries later. The first of these canoes are said to have arrived in the region followed by the Pacific Coast highway. For Maori, the Pacific Coast became the cradle of civilisation in Aotearoa. Today's travellers can still view many of the historic Maori pa sites which feature impressive earthworks and ornately carved meeting houses.

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Long Bay.
Long Bay protects the northernmost area of the East Coast Bays. An enjoyable walk leads along the beach. The clifftop walk passes three beaches, and farm parkland extending towards the Okura River mouth.
Rangitoto Island.
A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland takes visitors to this island reserve clad in bush and alive with the sound of native birdlife. Once a penal settlement, the convicts here built numerous paths through the volcanic rock to interesting points such as the lava caves and bird colonies. A well graded track leads to the island's summit which is dominated by a massive volcanic crater. On the journey up, lookout points have been built with information panels giving details of the island's flora and fauna.

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Kauaeranga Valley.
The bush clad Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel Peninsula Forest Park offers day walks to the remains of dams, tramways, and remnants of kauri logging history. An information centre in the park is open 7 days.
Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.
Just a 40 minute walk from Hahei Beach, Cathedral Cove features an impressive rock formation and white sandy beach enclosed by cliffs and native bush. The marine reserve, established in 1992 is abundant with marine life, and offers superb diving and snorkelling opportunities. Take a cruise to see the best sites.
Karangahake Gorge.

Just inland from Waihi lies the rugged Karangahake Gorge and the fast flowing Waitawheta River. The gorge is home to a rich 19th century goldmining history, remnants of old mining equipment can still be seen. A popular 2 - 3 hour track follows a disused railway line through a tunnel and back along the riverbank.

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Mauao - Mount Maunganui.
Guarding the entrance to Tauranga Harbour and shrouded in legend and history this volcanic cone (232m) holds one of the most popular and beautiful walking tracks in the area with panoramic views from the summit.
Rerekawau Falls.
This walk follows a bush filled ravine where a stream drops over bluffs in a series of nine cascades and waterfalls which combine to create a magical picnic spot.
Nga Tapuwae o Toi - The Sacred Footsteps of Toi.
Five scenic walks have been joined to form a 17km trail incorporating cliffs, native bush and pohutukawa stands.

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Whanarua Bay.
One of the prettiest bays on the Pacific Coast Highway. The bay features small secluded beaches and is surrounded by native bush and waterfalls. It is an ideal place for swimming, fishing and diving. Set upon the clifftop is a restaurant with good sea views - crayfish is the specialty.
Anaura Bay Walkway.
Anaura Bay was the second landing place of Captain Cook in New Zealand. A beautiful coastal forest walk leads from the northern end of the bay and offers wonderful views.
Cooks Cove Walkway.
Leading over rural countryside, this track meanders its way to a small cove where Captain Cook stayed six days while he repaired the Endeavour and took on water supplies. Visitors experience a sense of history along with great views.
Te Kuri Farm Walkway.
This walk leads over the farm which inspired the creation of the cartoon character "Dog" of Footrot Flats. The uphill walk to the trig station is worth it for the breathtaking views over Poverty Bay. The walk is closed during lambing season (springtime).

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Cape Kidnappers.
The world's largest and most accessible gannet colony is located at Cape Kidnappers. The surrounding landscape is dramatic, boasting windswept cliffs and vast expanses of rolling ocean stretching to the horizon.
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve.
This reserve allows you to step back in time as it is one of the largest and most ancient pa sites in the Hawke's Bay. Visitors can see many archaeological features and palisades which have been recreated.
Te Mata Peak.
Te Mata Peak is one of the Hawke's Bay's most prominent landmarks. At 339m it offers an excellent vantage point for views over the surrounding Heretaunga Plains and Hawke's Bay.

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