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Active Escapes Itinerary
ACTIVE ESCAPES TAIRĀWHITI - SURF, RIDE AND EXPLORE
Mix and match the region's favourite ways to move and explore, from gentle trails to easy coastal action.
Whether you are here for a short burst of action or a slow wander up the coast, Tairāwhiti makes it simple to
shape your own kind of escape. The region holds a relaxed, soft-adventure coastiness where surfing sits
beside railbikes, short trails lead to big views, there’s something new around every corner out east.
Below is a simple spread of short and long-stay ideas so you can mix and match the region’s favourite ways
to move and explore, using this flexible ‘menu’ to shape a trip that suits your pace and active escape appetite.
Pick a few small bites or settle in for the full menu.
SHORT STAY - HALF DAY TO ONE DAY
Small Bites
● Town beaches and Wainui surf check: Easy access, rolling sets and a classic Gizzy beach morning.
(5–10 mins from city centre)
● Walk the Makorori Headland: A short climb with a sweeping coastal lookout. (10 mins north on
SH35)
● Railbike taster: A relaxed ride on the shorter routes closer to town. (20 mins from city centre)
● Coffee and boardwalk loop: Slow coastal energy without needing to go far. The local pilgrimage.
(access begins 2 mins from city centre)
Mains
● Dive Tatapouri: A gentle reef encounter and a local soft-adventure favourite. (15 mins north on SH35)
● Surf session at Wainui or Waikanae: A simple way to get salty and find your wax footing. (5–10 mins
from city centre)
● Cycle tour around the city: Light trails, coastal stops and easy riding. (city centre, easy half day)
Extras
● Rocket Lab viewing from Kaiti Hill: Truly unique. Launches are more frequent than you might think. (5
mins from city centre)
● Golf anywhere in the region: Charming auld links, parkland layouts and country treasures. (5–40
mins depending on the course)
Dessert
● Fish and chips on the beach
● Sundown beer at Sunshine Brewery (central)
LONGER STAY - TWO DAYS OR MORE
Small Bites
● Eastwoodhill warm-up wander: A peaceful change of pace surrounded by trees and birdsong. (35 mins inland)
● Tatapouri Bay Holiday Park: Settle in beside the sea and wake to sunrise over the water. (15 mins north on SH35)
Mains
● Cooks Cove Walkway: A half-day coastal walk with rewarding views. Where Cook once took shelter.
(45 mins north on SH35)
Highway 35 active loop (southern section): Short trails, swims, roadside stops and endless beaches.
(20–60 mins north on SH35)
● Full railbike journey: Make the most of the longer routes or head out on the Mahia tour. (half day to
full day, 20 mins drive to Muriwai - start point)
● Surf, dive and cycle rotation: Build your days around the water and the trails. (various spots, 5–40
mins)
Extras
● Stay in Waihau Bay or at Te Puka Tavern: Easy coastal living, good food and relaxed evenings. (3.5 hour drive to Waihau either way, SH2 or SH35; 1 hour 15 mins drive to Te Puka Tavern)
● Winery time: Matawhero, Bridge Estate or TW for a slow afternoon session - clink to that! (15–20 mins from city centre)
● Look for Rocket Lab activity: The local Cape Canaveral - head to Nuhaka for a closer vantage point. (1 hour south)
Dessert
● A night at Dome Cinema (city centre)
● An easy boardwalk wander (city centre)
● Stargazing on a clear night (just look up - or head inland for even clearer skies)
Build it your way
Short visit or a longer roam, our array of active escapes lets you stitch together a trip that stays light and outdoorsy. Everything sits close enough that you can shift plans as you go, and the coast rewards anyone who follows curiosity rather than a timetable. Dessert anyone?
