Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Festivals & Events
Kawhia Traditional Maori Kai Festival
(
www.kawhiakaifestival.co.nz
;
adult/child $10/2)
During the annual Kai Festival in early February,
over 10,000 people descend to enjoy traditional Maori
kai
(food) and catch up with
whanau
(relations). Once you've filled up on seafood,
rewana
bread and rotten corn,
settle in to watch the bands and rousing
kapa haka
(traditional Maori group singing and
dancing) performances.
FOOD
Sleeping & Eating
Kawhia Beachside S-Cape
( 07-871 0727;
www.kawhiabeachsidescape.co.nz
;
225 Pouewe St; campsites from $30, cabins dm/s/d from $30/40/
58, cottages $165-185)
This water's edge camping ground looks shabby from the road but has
comfortable cottages, and cabins and camping with shared bathrooms. Two-hour kayak
hire is $12 per person.
HOLIDAY PARK
$
Kawhia Motel
( 07-871 0865;
www.kawhiamotel.co.nz
;
cnr Jervois & Tainui Sts; d $129-169; )
These six perkily
painted, well-kept, old-school motel units are right next to the shops. Kayak/bike hire
costs $20/15 per hour.
MOTEL, RENTAL HOUSE
$$
Annie's Cafe & Restaurant
(146 Jervois St; meals $10-22; 7am-3pm Easter-Oct, 7am-late Nov-Easter)
An old-fashioned licensed
eatery in the main street, serving espresso, sandwiches and local specialities such as
flounder and whitebait with kumara chips.
CAFE, RESTAURANT
$
Getting There & Away
Kawhia doesn't have a bus service. Take SH31 from Otorohanga (58km) or explore the
scenic but rough road to Raglan (50km, 22km unsealed).
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