Thursday 9th October
Today we depart Taranaki and head to Sanctuary Mountain – Maungatautari. We will have the Explore Pass, which gives us the following.
Listen to the sounds of the forest and marvel at the biodiversity with over 5 km of wide, metaled walking tracks. Our sanctuary is accessible to most and there are plenty of seats along the way. Some conveniently placed near nectar feeding stations where Hihi – (Stitchbird) and Korimako – (Bellbird) like to visit. Give it time and a friendly Pītoitoi – (North Island Robin) might come along and say hello.
As you explore with your visitor guide map, keep an eye out for all the interesting interpretation panels along the way. Make sure you call into the clearing where you may have the opportunity to see one of our cheeky Kākā and take a walk on the wild-side with a treetop view from our 16-metre-high observation tower.
After our visit we will head to Cambridge for a one-night stay.
If there is time you may like to visit the Ross Bros Museum. Own entry cost of $10.00 to see a great collection of Muscle Cars, Vintage Trucks and Heavy Machinery.
Meals included today are - Lunch (picnic style) and restaurant dinner
Friday 10th October
After breakfast we will visit Cambridge Botanical Gardens and Lake Te Koo Utu Reserve. The blossoms may be past their best but no doubt there will be amazing spring flora to WOW us.
11am High Tea / early lunch at Zealong Teas - Embark on a captivating Zealong Tea visit that combines sensory experiences, education, and cultural immersion. Visitors are treated to the history of tea in New Zealand, the unique story of Zealong Tea Estate, and the artistry behind tea production.
Departing at 12:30 in time for visit to Hamilton Gardens at 1pm. Once again spring colours will be abundant. After a leisurely garden visit, we will then head to Te Aroha for a 2-night stay.
Meals included today are – Breakfast, High Tea lunch and dinner
Saturday 11th October
Spring is about new life – today we will be treated to a 90-minute Guided Tour at Miranda Shorebird Centre. We have timed this visit for optimum viewing, working around high tide when birds will be in front of the bird hides in the largest number. October is a great time to visit as arctic migrants like the Kuaka/Bar-tailed Godwit are back from breeding in Alaska and its likely juveniles at about 4 months old will be present.
Meals included today are – Breakfast and Lunch (dinner own cost)
Sunday 12th October
As we make our way home, we will stop at the Otorohanga Kiwi House for yet another nature visit. If you have not been here before or a long time ago, we are sure you will be surprised at this iconic place, that has been part of Otorohanga since 1971. They have Kiwi, Kakariki, Tuatara, Kaka, Kea, Waterfowl and non-breeding Godwits and much more. A keeper’s talk will enhance our visit as we are given the opportunity to hand feed Kakariki.
Meals included today are – Breakfast and Café Lunch at Otorohanga
$1590.00 per person – all inclusive of
Transport, 3 nights motel accommodation with breakfast (double / twin share) 4 lunches, 2 dinners – entry to Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain, Hamilton Gardens tour, Zealong Teas, Miranda tour, Otorohanga Kiwi House,
$300.00 Single Supplement available
Bookings essential – email your interest and receive PDF info file
$200.00 deposit to secure your spot with balance due by 10th September 2025
Email –
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