OMOKOROA - 27-30 March 2026 - Long Weekend
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The heavy rain and winds hadn’t eased as the deep sub-tropical low continued to make its way across the country, particularly from Northland to Bay of Plenty. A number of highways and local roads were closed across the upper North Island and this included Karangahake Gorge. Regardless of the weather it was decided that the planned trip was going to go ahead with some changes, so 28 keen travellers boarded the bus with their raincoats.
Day 1 - Friday 27 March
Woodturners Cafe at Mangatarata
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Our first stop was at this lovely, quirky cafe at Mangatarata on SH2. We had plenty to inspect and plenty to eat on the premises. Drinks, large scones and blueberry muffins were delicious and much appreciated by all. Sufficiently refreshed, we boarded the bus again - this time in sunshine. |
Paeroa Antiques Shopping
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Our second stop was sunny Paeroa - the antique town of New Zealand. We were let loose on the main street for an hour to explore the many shops. Some came back with purchases, some just admired the selection of old, weird and wonderful items on offer. Before leaving Paeroa, we stopped at the famous Lemon and Paeroa bottle for a photo opportunity.
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Lunch at Matamata
Our third stop was to have lunch at Matamata. As the Karangahake Gorge was closed, we were not able to have lunch at Waikino Hotel as previously planned. All travellers were given a refund of $20 to spend at Matamata eateries as they wished. And the weather was getting sunnier and hotter at this stage. The cool air conditioning on the bus was welcomed by all.
Top 10 Holiday Park and grocery shopping
When travelling over the Kaimais to Tauranga, the weather changed again. We were catching up to the weather front ahead of us. Out came the raincoats. Room allocations were revealed on the bus, so that on arrival to Omokoroa Top10 Holiday Park we knew where to take our luggage. After settling in, we headed across the road to FreshChoice Omokoroa for supplies.
Happy Hour and Dinner
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At 5.30pm we all congregated with our drinks and snacks at the communal area of the holiday park for Happy Hour. Afterwards the dinner choice was individual. Some went to get takeaways to eat in their units and some dined at the restaurants across the road.
Hot Pools and Bed Some managed to fit in a soak in the mineral pools at the holiday park before heading to bed for a refreshing and well deserved sleep. |
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Day 2 - Saturday, 28 March 2026
The day dawned clear and sunny after yesterday’s rain, which was a great relief to everyone, especially the Leaders!
We set off on the bus at 9am, with lunch in our packs, and started with a local visit just 10 minutes drive away.
We set off on the bus at 9am, with lunch in our packs, and started with a local visit just 10 minutes drive away.
Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve
Just inside the reserve from our parking place in Gellibrand Place we came across a statue of the original settler of this area, Rev Tice Gellibrand, who came to NZ from Tasmania and brought many of these trees as seedlings.
Appropriately, his likeness is carved into the trunk of a Eucalyptus botryoides (southern mahogany) tree that was felled in 2011 due to rot.
The bearded Reverend stands proudly on a huge tree stump, Bible in hand, gazing proudly across the land he planted so well and where he established a homestead for his family, and his descendants the Crapp family.
Just inside the reserve from our parking place in Gellibrand Place we came across a statue of the original settler of this area, Rev Tice Gellibrand, who came to NZ from Tasmania and brought many of these trees as seedlings.
Appropriately, his likeness is carved into the trunk of a Eucalyptus botryoides (southern mahogany) tree that was felled in 2011 due to rot.
The bearded Reverend stands proudly on a huge tree stump, Bible in hand, gazing proudly across the land he planted so well and where he established a homestead for his family, and his descendants the Crapp family.
Nearby is a round cairn of stones to commemorate the brave men of this area who fought in the Anzac battle, created as a community project in recent years.
Another point of interest is the Wai-Huri Pa on the headland, an important archaeological site with a deep trench. This would have been an excellent defensive area as it has expansive views of the surrounding harbour.
Another point of interest is the Wai-Huri Pa on the headland, an important archaeological site with a deep trench. This would have been an excellent defensive area as it has expansive views of the surrounding harbour.
The views on that calm Saturday morning were wonderful, with a sweep of the placid harbour and moored boats with Matakana Island nearby and Mt Maunganui in the distance, and a closer glimpse of the Esplanade and Boating Club below, where we will be going for dinner tomorrow night.
Back on the bus, we headed off the Peninsula and up the Kaimai Ranges to McLaren Falls Park, passing the Ruahihi Power Station on the way, tucked in between the highway and the Wairoa River. On the opposite side of the highway two large penstock pipes descend a cliff face, bringing water to the power station. They are supplied with water from the Lake McLaren area, which is brought across the countryside through a long canal system.
The very day after the power station was officially opened by PM Rob Muldoon in September 1981, part of the wall of this canal collapsed due to unsuitable material used in it’s construction. The resulting deluge of one and a half million cubic metres of water, mud and rubble gushed across the countryside and down across the State Highway into the Wairoa River and eventually washed into the Tauranga Harbour. The original cost of building the power station had been $27m and the consequent repair of the canal system gobbled up another $17m over the next two years.
The very day after the power station was officially opened by PM Rob Muldoon in September 1981, part of the wall of this canal collapsed due to unsuitable material used in it’s construction. The resulting deluge of one and a half million cubic metres of water, mud and rubble gushed across the countryside and down across the State Highway into the Wairoa River and eventually washed into the Tauranga Harbour. The original cost of building the power station had been $27m and the consequent repair of the canal system gobbled up another $17m over the next two years.
McLaren Falls Park
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This 190ha park, known as Tauranga’s hidden jewel, is the best botanical collection of trees in the North Island. The lake was created as part of the system of power stations to generate electricity for the Tauranga area. It was originally surrounded by rolling countryside, until a local group of farmers and tree enthusiasts decided to plant it out and create a beautiful park area for the people of Tauranga. We started our visit by looking through the comprehensive information kiosk, which has the story of the development of the power stations and the park all over it’s walls. We then enjoyed a beautiful lakeside walk, noting all the swamp cypress trees growing round the edge of the water, with their distinctive woody “knobbly knee” roots protruding from the ground to gain extra oxygen for the trees. There were large numbers of ducks, geese and other water birds enjoying the calm conditions after the recent storm. |
Leaving the lake we followed a Waterfall Loop walk which took us past an area where glow worms are found in little overhangs on the cliffs beside the path. There was a lot of water cascading down the waterfall as a result of recent rain.
We returned to the carpark on the lakeside walk and enjoyed our lunch on the deck of the information kiosk.
As we left the Park area we made a quick photo stop at the McLaren Falls, which were looking quite spectacular after all the recent rain. The water was thundering over the rocks and fine spray was in the air as we all stood on the bridge taking our photos and enjoying a view of the falls not often seen.
We then drove a short distance to visit a kiwifruit orchard in this area.
Bay Park Orchard
This kiwifruit orchard has been owned and operated by the Dyer family ever since the early 1980’s. Originally, they ran a dairy farm on this land, but when the canal system for the Ruahihi power station was built, it ran through their land and they had no access to half their farm. This resulted in them selling part of their dairy farm and making the decision to become kiwifruit orchardists. The family are now one of the largest producers of kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty area.
We had the great pleasure of spending time with Mavis and Graham Dyer and hearing some of their amazing story, which encompasses growing kiwifruit, avocados, a ginkgo crop and establishing a collection of Kauri trees from many countries around the Pacific region. In the 1980’s they visited Vanuatu on a VSA project and formed a close and ongoing relationship with a family group there and members of that family still visit Bay Park Orchard every year to help with the picking, packing and pruning of the kiwifruit vines.
Graham has been a “tree man” from an early age, something he inherited from his father. He was one of the men who helped to plant out the McLaren Falls area, and personally grew many of the seedlings for that project.
His interest in kauri has seen him and Mavis visit many places around the world, gathering seed and establishing a large collection of kauri, which he has shared with McLaren Falls Park and TCC’s Sydenham Gardens.
Mavis and Graham have three sons and several grandchildren who are all involved in kiwifruit production as well, so the family influence in this industry will continue for many years to come.
His interest in kauri has seen him and Mavis visit many places around the world, gathering seed and establishing a large collection of kauri, which he has shared with McLaren Falls Park and TCC’s Sydenham Gardens.
Mavis and Graham have three sons and several grandchildren who are all involved in kiwifruit production as well, so the family influence in this industry will continue for many years to come.
Te Puna Quarry Park and Sculpture Garden
On the way back to Omokoroa we made a stop at this quarry, which is set into a hillside and provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside and out to the Tauranga Harbour. When the quarry was no longer viable, a group of volunteers formed a society in the early 1990’s to develop this area into gardens. There are many walking tracks winding through different areas of vegetation and a huge collection of sculptures and artworks by local and regional artists that are dotted through the area have enhanced it's interest and beauty.
We finally arrived back at our Top 10 holiday park about 5pm, after a full and enjoyable day.
A group of our members then got stuck in to preparing and cooking a BBQ meal for everyone, which was enjoyed in the communal eating area alongside the camp kitchen. A happy, social occasion and fitting end to this special day.
A group of our members then got stuck in to preparing and cooking a BBQ meal for everyone, which was enjoyed in the communal eating area alongside the camp kitchen. A happy, social occasion and fitting end to this special day.
Day 3 - Sunday, 29 March 2026
We started the day by boarding the bus and heading up to the top of the Omokoroa Peninsula.
Lynley Park - provided fabulous views, streets of many new homes, and also a history board where we learned that in 1916 John Wall purchased the approx. 200-acre farm originally owned by Sir Keith Holyoake’s parents. John’s son, Bert Wall and his wife, then went on to build an impressive two-storey homestead – replacing the Holyoake house. They subsequently established one of New Zealand’s finest pedigree Jersey stud, a landmark property on the peninsula since the 1940’s.
Lynley Park - provided fabulous views, streets of many new homes, and also a history board where we learned that in 1916 John Wall purchased the approx. 200-acre farm originally owned by Sir Keith Holyoake’s parents. John’s son, Bert Wall and his wife, then went on to build an impressive two-storey homestead – replacing the Holyoake house. They subsequently established one of New Zealand’s finest pedigree Jersey stud, a landmark property on the peninsula since the 1940’s.
Omokoroa Peninsula Bird Trail & Cooney Reserve Bird Observatory
Back on the bus, a very short drive had us at the start of the Omokoroa Peninsula Bird Trail. We started walking back down the peninsula passing some beautiful homes, a stunning kinetic sculpture (The Godwits) and, although the tide was still some way out we did spot white faced herons and caspian terns.
Back on the bus, a very short drive had us at the start of the Omokoroa Peninsula Bird Trail. We started walking back down the peninsula passing some beautiful homes, a stunning kinetic sculpture (The Godwits) and, although the tide was still some way out we did spot white faced herons and caspian terns.
A 20 metre boardwalk and metal pathway led us to our destination, the Bird Observatory in Cooney Reserve (a coastal wetland, highly regarded as home to more than 50 species of birds). Previously a solid and green waste dump that was dis-established in 2000 and clean soil, along with top soil, was brought in to make the land useable. It has been brought into recreational use with green spaces and tracks being created by local groups.
Omokoroa Menzshed built the bird observatory in Cooney Reserve and it was officially opened at the “Welcome Home Godwit/Kuaka Festival” on 10 November 2024.
Omokoroa Menzshed built the bird observatory in Cooney Reserve and it was officially opened at the “Welcome Home Godwit/Kuaka Festival” on 10 November 2024.
Aongatete
Our next stop – Aongatete. An A and a B walk had originally been planned but, given all the recent heavy rain, and concerns about the state of the track, it was decided that everyone would walk the “Nature Trail”. Many members commented on how lovely it was to be back doing a natural bush walk – no boardwalks, etc. As well they were enjoying it, as part of the group ended up walking somewhat longer than expected after the misreading of a sign!
Aongatete is a lowland forest with a unique mix of flora and fauna. The Forest Project had its origins back in 2001 when dedicated members of Forest & Bird approached the local Rotary and Ngai Tamawhariua for help to set up a pest control and advocacy project on DOC land at Aongatete. To date – 500 Ha of native forest with 65km of pest control lines and 240 volunteers.
Our members, who came out of the forest first, had the opportunity to speak with some of the volunteers and to hear about the work that they are doing – they were very impressed.
Aongatete is a lowland forest with a unique mix of flora and fauna. The Forest Project had its origins back in 2001 when dedicated members of Forest & Bird approached the local Rotary and Ngai Tamawhariua for help to set up a pest control and advocacy project on DOC land at Aongatete. To date – 500 Ha of native forest with 65km of pest control lines and 240 volunteers.
Our members, who came out of the forest first, had the opportunity to speak with some of the volunteers and to hear about the work that they are doing – they were very impressed.
Lunch Stop - Forta Leza
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Time for a well-earned lunch - back towards Katikati for a pizza lunch at an unusual restaurant, Forta Leza. It is run out of a 120 year old dilapidated former dairy factory, that includes an old sewing machine collection, a 19th century dress collection and a vast doll collection superbly dressed in amazing fabrics. Pizzas were enjoyed and the buildings and its contents admired. |
Haiku Pathway
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A short distance down the road we arrived at the start of the Haiku Pathway. Catherine Mair, an internationally recognised Haiku poet living in Katikati, had the idea of a pathway, and the town created it as a unique and lasting Millennium project. Haiku poems were obtained from leading poets around the world and the words were engraved into volcanic andesite boulders which were sourced locally. They are placed in a setting along the pathway that suits its Haiku poem as much as possible |
Katikati - "Mural Town of NZ"
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Back on the main road, the bus took us through the town of Katikati. It became apparent why it is known as the - “Mural Town of NZ”. There are over 70 murals and pieces of art around the town depicting the history and culture of the area. |
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Skippers Restaurant at the Omokoroa Boat Club
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After a very busy day, it was back to the Top 10 to freshen up before happy hour. Next stop - Skippers Restaurant at the Omokoroa Boat Club where we enjoyed a “fish and chip” dinner whilst overlooking the harbour. We rounded the day off with an ice cream from the dairy across the road and a wander down to the waterfront and the jetty. |
Day 4 - Monday, 30 March 2026
We were packed and ready to depart by 9.30. The bus was loaded and we were off for our final day.
Puketoti Scenic Reserve
Our first stop was the Puketoti Scenic Reserve.
The reserve consists of 85 acres of bush, donated to the Whakamarama community by Mr Henry Sharplin of the Whakamarama Land and Timber Co in 1926. The land was milled before that and there are a few places where the tramways for transporting the logs can still be seen.
Near the entrance there is a reconstruction of a short piece of tramway complete with carriages and a log on the original tramway location.
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We walked the long loop – about an hour in length. The track was well formed with a few steps in various locations. The bush was beautiful with many mature trees, including a three trunked tawa tree known as the 3 sisters. The Te Puna stream runs through the reserve with several stream crossings – all with a bridge so no wet feet!
Friends of Puketoti maintain the natural ecology within the Reserve. As were approaching the exit, we met an older gentleman (and his dog) who has been involved from the beginning and he was happy to answer all our questions.
We all thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful piece of bush.
Friends of Puketoti maintain the natural ecology within the Reserve. As were approaching the exit, we met an older gentleman (and his dog) who has been involved from the beginning and he was happy to answer all our questions.
We all thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful piece of bush.
Firth Tower, Matamata
Our next stop was just out of Matamata at Firth Tower. This is a museum occupying a remnant of the former Matamata Estate (1865-1904) of 56,000 acres. The museum consists of the homestead and tower, heritage precinct – church, post office, school and jail - and the farm, factory and community precinct. There are authentic displays in each building illustrating the life and history of the local area.
Our next stop was just out of Matamata at Firth Tower. This is a museum occupying a remnant of the former Matamata Estate (1865-1904) of 56,000 acres. The museum consists of the homestead and tower, heritage precinct – church, post office, school and jail - and the farm, factory and community precinct. There are authentic displays in each building illustrating the life and history of the local area.
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The tower is 16 metres high and is one of the earliest concrete buildings in the district. The tower was refurbished as the centrepiece of the Matamata Museum in 1978. The lookout was rebuilt in 1990.
Before touring the buildings, we had lunch in the grounds. After lunch and looking at the displays and exhibits, we were on the bus again and heading home. We arrived in Auckland around 4pm having had a wonderful weekend and made new friends. |
A "huge" thanks to the leaders who put this great four-day weekend together, and wrote the reports, for us:
Sandra, Linda, Eeva and Sue B. Photos: Katherine, Eeva, Linda, Kevin.
Sandra, Linda, Eeva and Sue B. Photos: Katherine, Eeva, Linda, Kevin.