Eastern Taranaki Experience

3 day tramping trips: Stratford - 4 day / 3 night tour

2005 & 2007 Taranaki Tourism & Hospitality Awards Winners 

 As per Hidden Trails (Walter Hirsh) and Off The Beaten Track (Colin Moore) books

Our most poular and best known get-away, located in the very heart of Eastern Taranaki back country.  It offers an adventure that most would find difficult to organise because of the transport required at both ends of the walks. 

It takes in native bush along the Matemateaonga Range then into Aotuhia Station, followed by a days walk along the historic Whangamomona Road.  You choose the 4th mornings walk before finishing with a picnic lunch.

A reasonable degree of fitness is advisable.  The walking is moderate grade.

Accommodation and meals

The first two nights are spent with friendly farmstays in the Makahu area.  The third night is back in a farmstay, Stratford Heritage Lodge or Whangamomona Hotel (see prices below).

All places have linen beds and towels provided in twin, double or single rooms.

Stratford 4 day tramping trip
Trampers on farmland on the Makahu area

Farmstay hosts offer catered two course evening meals (BYO alcohol) and menu at the hotel in dining room (drinks own cost).  If staying at Stratford Heritage Lodge you will be taken to a local restaurant (entree and mains covered, dessert and drinks own cost).  In all places food is provided to make your own breakfast and lunch for each day.

Trip Outline

First Day / Night

Leave Stratford approx 2pm and travel to Makahu (45 mins).   Arrive at the farmstay and settle in or simply relax or stroll on the farm or swim

Second Day / Night

Leave 8am after breakfast and travel into Aotuhia Station (40 mins) with day pack.  Be guided the first 8kms across station farmland and into bush.  After guide turns back for vehicle you walk a further 3kms to the Matemateaonga Track.  Turn right for a further 11km tramp to the Kohi Saddle, along the Matemateaonga Track, where your van and driver awaits. Total 22kms (no climbs) Return to a farmstay.

Third Day / Night

Leave 8:30 - 9am with day pack to walk the well known Whangamomona Road (now a papa track).  See historic bridges and walk through two tunnels.  Lovely scenic river views all day Total 18kms (no climbs).  Stay Whangamomona Hotel, Stratford Heritage Lodge or return to farmstay. This day is also suitable for Mountain Biking - bike hire extra $40pp - both walkers and bikers possible on same day. 

Fourth Day

Has options depending on your accommodation choice but all options are designed that you finish with a picnic lunch before returning to Stratford approx 1-2pm.

If you stay at Whangamomona Hotel - choose either a 2.5-3 hour bush walk or visit Mt Damper Falls (highest in North Island at 74m)

If you stay at farmstay - Farm walk(2.5 hours moderate)

If you stay at Stratford Heritage Lodge - 2.5 hour walk from Stratford Mountain House to Dawson Falls in the Egmont National Park - this walk is ideal for groups that have not been to Taranaki or never walked in this area or visit Lake Rotokare 1.25 hours for an easier option.

Cost and what is included

Current until April 2012

Price is for a minimum of 4 people - maximum 10 (numbers outside these by special arrangement)

Option 1:  $420.00pp for 3 farmstays OR

Option 2:  $420.00pp for 2 farmstays and Stratford Heritage Lodge or Digs Cottage OR

Option 3:  $520.00pp for 2 farmstays and Whangamomona Hotel

  • Three nights accommodation (as above)

  • Transport to the walks with full instructions or guided

  • Luggage transported to each nights accommodation

  • All meals/food included from dinner day one to lunch day four

  • Safe car parking in Stratford at 103 Miranda Street

  • BYO alcohol (except to hotel)

Eltham - 4 day/ 3 night tour

The views throughout the trip are amazing.  The ideal number for this trip is 4-7 people.

Choose between self contained cottage (linen beds) or private hut (BYO sleeping bag or duvet) for accommodation.


First Day / Night

Arrive in Stratford at your own leisure and stay at Stratford Heritage Lodge or Digs Cottage - evening meal local restaurant

 

SecondDay / Night

Leave 8am after breakfast with day packs and travel to the Puniwhakau area and tramp through to Omoana Saddle. 12kms moderate grade, this walk includes open farmland and ridge offering amazing views. Stop at Lake Rotorangi ramp area on the way to accommodation.


 

Eltham 4 day tramping trip
South Taranaki Forest & Bird Hut in QEII bush block

Third Day / Night

Leave 8:30am, we transport you to a farm station then walk into a hut maintained by South Taranaki Forest and Bird, which is nestled amongst native bush on a ridge we then complete a 2 hour bush walk. This bush is a QEII block and there are many native birds including friendly bush Robin.

This is also Mountain Bike friendly (except for bush) but another ridge can be biked. We can arrange bike hire and transport of them for $40pp extra


Fourth Day

Enjoy a visit to Lake Rotokare Reserve and an easy 1.25 hour walk around the lake.  The Rotokare Trust manage this bush reserve with a  pedator proof fence to protect native birds including Kiwi, Fern Birds and many other bush and water birds. Finish with a picnic at the peaceful lakes side using picnic tables and toilet available.  Onsite display and information building.

Cost and what is included

Current until April 2012

Price is for a minimum of 4 people - maximum 7 (numbers less than 4 by special arrangement)


Option 1: $430.00 Stratford Heritage Lodge one night and Farm Cottage 2 nights (all linen beds)

Option 2: $340.00 Stratford Heritage Lodge one night and hut 2 nights (linen night one, BYO sleeping bag or duvet for hut)

  • Three nights accommodation (as above)

  • Transport to the walks with full instructions or guided

  • Luggage transport to each nights accommodation

  • All meals/food from dinner day one to lunch day four

  • Safe car parking at 103 Miranda Street, Stratford

  • BYO alcohol

Modifications to tramping trips

Please note all or part of the above trips can be combined over 6 day / 5 night options or can be modified to 3 days / 2 nights each - prices on modification on request and depend on number in the group.

Contact us
2005 & 2007 Taranaki Tourism & Hospitality Award winners
 

Dave and Carol offer the complete package for a memorable Eastern Taranaki Experience!

Address:  103 Miranda Street, Stratford 4332, Taranaki

Telephone:  +64 6 765 7482

Contact us