Activities in The East Coast
-
Filter Room
Surrounded by orchards, these folk offer a large range of beers and ciders, all brewed on-site, plus a $12 tasting tray and tummy-filling food.
reviewed
-
A
Ocean Spa
A spiffy waterfront pool complex that includes a beauty spa, gym and cafe.
reviewed
-
Morere Hot Springs
Just out of Wharerata State Forest, 55km from Gisborne, Morere Hot Springs burble up from a fault line in the beautiful Morere Springs Scenic Reserve. You might want to tackle the bushwalks (20 minutes to two hours) before taking the plunge. The main swimming pool is near the entrance, but a five-minute streamside walk through virgin rainforest leads to the bush setting of Nikau Baths. It’s actually ancient seawater that bubbles to the surface here at around 50°C, cooling by 10°C before being pumped into the small stainless-steel baths.
reviewed
-
Ngati Porou Visitors Centre
The welcoming Ngati Porou Visitors Centre has authentic local art for sale, but more importantly offers tailored cultural tours, including trips to Hikurangi. Standard options are a 4WD guided tour to Maui Whakairo (four hours), a sunrise tour (departs 4.30am), and guided tours to the summit (eight-hour/overnight). Prices run from $165 to $500 but vary greatly according to numbers. It also runs a pick-up/drop-off service to the mountain (each way $20 to $50), and can arrange marae stays, fishing, diving, horse trekking, surfing and kayaking.
reviewed
-
Silky Oak Chocolate Company
Watch the chocolatiers at work while deliberating over mouth-watering truffles and chocolate rugby balls. The museum (adult/child $8/5) offers a chocolate-drenched history and the odd ancient Mayan artefact. There’s a cafe next door.
reviewed
-
B
Sk8 Zone
Skaters should head to Sk8 Zone, where there’s an outdoor and indoor skating rink complete with ramps. If you fancy a spin along Marine Pde they also hire rollerblades (adult/child $10/8).
reviewed
-
Motu River AAA Jet Boating
Motu River AAA Jet Boating includes an ecological and historical commentary from a Maori perspective (departs near Motu Bridge daily 1 December to 30 April, weather permitting).
reviewed
-
C
Sunshine Brewing Company
Sunshine Brewing Company, Gisborne’s own natural brewery, offers four quality beers including the famous Gisborne Gold and its big brother Green. Free tours and tastings by arrangement.
reviewed
-
Mountain Valley
Sixty kilometres north of Napier on SH5 is Mountain Valley, which offers horse trekking, white-water rafting and kayaking ($25 to $150). There’s also accommodation on-site.
reviewed
-
Dive Tatapouri
Dive Tatapouri offers an array of watery activities including dive trips, snorkel hire, a reef ecology tour, shark-cage diving and even stingray feeding.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
D
Deco Affair Tours
Trip the light fantastic in a cherry-red 1934 Buick with Deco Affair Tours hosted by the endearingly eccentric Bertie, clad in full period regalia.
reviewed
-
KEW
Lovely wines across the board from this award-winning winery committed to sustainable winegrowing. Call ahead in winter or for guided tours and antipasto platters.
reviewed
-
E
Cidery
The Cidery is the apple-hued producer of Bulmers Original, Scrumpy, Harvest and pear ciders, with free tastings and factory viewings on offer.
reviewed
-
F
Telegraph Hill
A small producer of olives, oils and all sorts of Mediterranean-influenced gourmet treats. Four-person picnic baskets ($30) available for on-site indulgence.
reviewed
-
G
Napier Prison Tours
If you fancy going to jail, Napier Prison Tours offers fascinating self-guided audio tours (9am to 9pm) and hosted tours (9.30am and 3pm).
reviewed
-
H
Kiwi Adventure Co
See if you’re any closer to challenging Spiderman on the climbing wall at Kiwi Adventure Co. It also organises caving and kayaking trips.
reviewed
-
Matawhero
Home of a particularly buttery chardy. Enjoy your picnic in a lovely setting, accompanied by a tasting tray ($10, redeemable against purchase).
reviewed
-
I
Olympic Pool
Olympic Pool is a tepid 50m indoor/outdoor pool with a 98m wormlike waterslide ($3.50) and aquafitness classes ($6.50).
reviewed
-
Te Mata Cheese Company
Watch the cheesemakers through the window, have a platter and a glass of vino in the garden, then gather up some picnic supplies to go.
reviewed
-
Surfing With Frank
Surfing with Frank offers lessons ($50 to $75) as well as tours of the best local (and North Island) breaks.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Napier Aquatic Centre
To the south of town Napier Aquatic Centre has a 50m pool, waterslides, spas and a kids’ pool.
reviewed
-
Mission Estate
NZ’s oldest winery with beautiful grounds, and restaurant housed within a restored, historic seminary.
reviewed
-
Splash Planet
Hastings’ massive Splash Planet has plenty of pools, slides and aquatic excitement.
reviewed
-
Te Awa
Casually stylish winery with an excellent restaurant – a must-do lunch where the kids can come too.
reviewed
-
Craggy Range
Definitely one of the flashiest wineries – wonderful wines, excellent restaurant and accommodation.
reviewed
