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- Swimming in the crystal clear river
- Glow-worms cove at night
- 8 meter river cliff jump
- Jump rope (swing out 5 meters off the water & let go!)
- New Years Eve bon fire for campers
- Trout fishing down river from swimming hole.
Top of the Waioekas Nature Walk:
Cross the river (use the dingy if you like) go up past the old sheep dip & big pine tree & follow track up to the top ridge overlooking house. Walk a further 40 minutes till you see the Walk End" sign where you will over look the town of Opotiki & out to sea. Stick to the main ridge! Only for physical capable people.
Creek walk to small waterfall:
Cross the river (use the dingy if you like) walk up left creek for approx 30 minutes till you come to a small rock waterfall. This walk involves some serious climbing over & down slippery rocks & is only for physical capable people.
Visit historical ancient Pa sites surrounding New Zealands Best Spot:
You are staying on traditional lands of Ngati Ira o Waioweka. Ngati Ira Pa site is located across the river between the two creeks, is sign posted & a nice spot to visit. A second Pa was located on the ridge up the "Top of the Waioekas". Matahanea: Mata (face) - ha (breath) nea (referring to Tawhirimatea the god of winds & storms). Matahanea Pa site is located up to the left below the island.
The Waioeka Journey - Te Awa a Tamatea:
Seven areas have been established through the gorge to tell of the history, culture, geology, and ecology of the gorge. The journey starts just around the corner from New Zealands Best Spot at Matahanea, then Tauranga , Goldsmiths, Oponae, The Monument, Manganuku, & ends at Opato. It's a nice drive through the gorge & very educational. Well worth the trip.
Historical Tauranga Bridge & Tauranga Track Walk:
is on the right side of the road 12km from New Zealands Best Spot. This is a 2 - 3 hour walk up one of the first farmed areas in our district. It involves two creek crossings so you will get your feet wet. For those who prefer dry feet however at the start of the walk is the recently restored historic and picturesque Tauranga Bridge and is well worth a visit.
Rere Rock Slide:
Rates as one of the Must-to-Do exciting things in the region. Have fun, like you remember from your childhood, when you race down 60m of rock. It's a wild ride made smooth by a coating of constantly running water. Most age groups could give this a go, and it's likely that one ride won't be enough! On a boogie board with wet suit is best. Approx 1.5 hours from Natures Edge Campground.
Motu Falls
Visit Motu Falls in Whinray Scenic Reserve and take in a 2 hour bush walk in a wholly pre-European forest containing 50m giant podocarps. Approx 1 hour from Natures Edge Campground.
Marawaiwai Walk:
Nice easy short walk & great for young kids. Full of bird life. About a ¼ of the way down the Waioeka straights heading towards Opotiki is Warrington Rd to the right, go down there then 1st right is Harrison Rd go to end & see walk on right
Hukutaia Domain Forest Walk:
Home of the 2000 year old "Taketakerau" puriri burial tree. Nice easy walk with all trees labelled for easy identification. Go back through Opotiki heading towards Whakatane. Immediately after crossing the Waioeka river bridge turn left on Woodlands Rd. Follow that road to virtually the end & the track is on the left.
Additional Stuff to Do:
Visit the Opotiki I-Site located on the corner of St. Johns & Elliott Street, Opotiki.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
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