Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Marokopa Campground
( 07-876 7444;
marokopacampground@xtra.co.nz
;
Rauparaha St; campsites from $24,
dm/van d $18/45)
ain't flash but it's in a nice spot, close to the coast. There's a small shop for
grocery basics.
The road heads south to
Kiritehere
, through idyllic farmland to
Moeatoa
then turns right
(south) into Mangatoa Rd. Now you're in serious backcountry, heading into the dense
Whareorino Forest
. For trampers, the 16-bunk DOC-run
Leitch's Hut
(
07-878 1050;
www.doc.govt.nz
;
per adult $5)
has a toilet, water and a wood stove.
At
Waikawau
take the 5km detour along the unsealed road to the coast near
Ngarupupu
Point
, where a 100m walk through a dank tunnel opens out on an exquisitely isolated
stretch of black-sand beach. Think twice about swimming here as there are often danger-
ous rips in the surf.
The road then continues through another twisty 28km, passing lush forest and the occa-
sional farm before joining SH3 east of Awakino (
Click here
)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Te Kuiti
POP 4380
Cute Te Kuiti sits in a valley between picturesque hills. Welcome to the shearing capital of
the world, especially if you visit for the annual Great New Zealand Muster.
Sights
Big Shearer
(Rora St)
This 7m, 7½-tonne Big Shearer statue is at the southern end of town.
LANDMARK
Te Kuititanga-O-Nga-Whakaaro
(Rora St)
Te Kuititanga-O-Nga-Whakaaro (The Gathering of Thoughts and Ideas) is a beau-
tiful pavilion of etched-glass,
tukutuku
(woven flax panels) and wooden carvings that cel-
ebrates the town's history.
MONUMENT
Festivals & Events
