Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 09-407 5243;
www.arohaisland.co.nz
; 177 Rangitane Rd; 9.30am-5.30pm)
Reached via a permanent causeway through the mangroves, this 5-hectare island
provides a haven for the North Island brown kiwi and other native birds, as well as a
pleasant picnic spot for their nonfeathered admirers. It has a visitor centre, kayaks for
rent, and after-dark walks to spy kiwi in the wild (per person $35) can also be arranged.
You've got around a 50% chance of seeing a kiwi, and booking ahead is essential.
Kerikeri River Track
WALKING
Starting from Kerikeri Basin, this 4km-long track leads past
Wharepuke Falls
sheet of water encloses a moss-covered cavern. Alternatively, you can reach the Rainbow
Falls from Rainbow Falls Rd, in which case it's only a 10-minute walk.
WORTH A TRIP
PUKETI & OMAHUTA FORESTS
Inland from Kerikeri, the Puketi and Omahuta Forests form a continuous expanse
of native rainforest. Logging in Puketi was stopped in 1951 to protect not only the
remaining kauri but also the endangered kokako bird. Keep an eye out for this rare
charmer (grey with a blue wattle) on your wanders.
The forests are reached by several entrances and contain a network of walking
tracks varying in length from 15 minutes (the wheelchair-accessible Manginangina
Kauri Walk) to two days (the challenging Waipapa River Track); see the DOC web-
site for other walks.
6/3)
, two three-person cabins ($21) and a 18-bunk hut (exclusive use $62) at the
Puketi Recreation Area on the forests' eastern fringe. The hut has hot showers, a
kitchen and a flush toilet, while the cabins and campsite make do with cold
showers.
the forest, including night-time tours to seek out the nocturnal wildlife.
Sleeping
Relax a Lodge
HOMESTAY $
( 09-407 6989;
www.relaxalodge.co.nz
; 1574 Springbank Rd/SH10; s $55, d & tw $70-90, cot-
tages $110-135;
)
Less a farm, more an orange grove, this quiet rural house 4km
