Hawke’s Bay Adventure

Being locally based, Bespoke Travel have prepared a suggested Hawke’s Bay Adventure package. This suggested itinerary is full of some of the Hawke’s Bay adventure goodness that will get your adrenaline pumping.  

Hawke’s Bay Adventure

Hawke’s Bay truly offers something for everyone. Adventure activities is no exception. It may not be known as the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’ but we are sure this suggested Hawke’s Bay Adventure itinerary will start your heart racing.

MOHAKA RAFTING: Helicopter in – rafting out. A two night, three day, Kaweka Forest Park excursion. On this upper Mohaka expedition you will discover beautiful native forest, clear water, and natural thermal hot springs surrounded by New Zealand’s unique geography. Unwind in a natural thermal bath. Raft, float, swim, fish, go for a tramp or sit back and relax down the river on this 3 day trip! We ensure you have appropriate equipment. We then shuttle to the Helicopter pad for a flight over New Zealand wilderness for the start of your Hawke’s Bay adventure on the Mohaka River. Your guides will take care of setting up camp and cooking so you are free to focus on fishing, photography or tramping – whatever takes your fancy. The first nights camp is at thermal pools. This 3 day trip is best rafted in the early season from October to December and April as water levels can get low in the upper Mohaka during the rest of the season, during which you would need to consider the 4 day trip at a supplement of $300 per person. Image & Video Source: Mohaka Rafting

GANNET BEACH ADVENTURES: Timing is everythign and this tour must depart at low tide as you take a tractor and trailer ride along the rugged coastline of Cape Kidnappers. tours on a spectacular stretch of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers.  This unique, fun eco-experience tour involves travel with local experienced guides on a comfortable four-hour adventure to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world! Along the way there are many photo opportunities as you gain an insight into how nature’s forces have shaped this amazing area of Hawke’s Bay. On this tour you will visit two gannet colonies and at the first you are so close it is almost as if you could touch the gannets from your trailer. Learn about the origin of the name ‘Cape Kidnappers’. You will have plenty of time to take in the scenery, enjoy a swim or walk up to the Plateau colony of gannets from where you will be rewarded with a stunning view over Hawke’s Bay as well as being able to sight the Saddle and Whalebone Reef gannet colonies. Image & Video Source: Gannet Beach Adventures

THE DOME APARTMENTS: Brilliantly located in the heart of the Art Deco Capital of the World, Napier. Your accommodation in the Dame Studio at The Dome apartments is a welcome comfort after your rafting adventure. Offering comfort, style and all the amenities of a fine hotel with spacious rooms. The space accommodates a super king-size bed, a home theatre system including stereo with CD player, built-in wall speakers and flat screen TV, free wireless broadband Internet connection, tea and coffee facilities with additional access to a shared kitchen and laundry facility. The real advantage to this property and one that you will likely be thankful for over the summer after your rafting, is access to outdoor roof top terrace and heated spa & plunge pool! Come and enjoy the hub of Napier from this beautiful Dame Studio. Image Source: The Dome

Bespoke Travel can assist with personalising your Hawke’s Bay Adventure further or combine with other regions of New Zealand to enhance your #bespoketravelexperience

Contact us now to plan your bespoke Hawke’s Bay Adventure experience.

Suggested Hawke’s Bay Adventure Itinerary (September to April):

Day 1: Mohaka Rafting Expedition

Commence your Mohaka Rafting Three Day Classic expedition, the start of your Hawke’s Bay adventure itinerary. We can arrange transfers for you to the Mohaka Rafting base unless you are self-driving (Bespoke Travel can assist with car hire if needed). Meet at the Mhaka Rafting base to go over the expedition with you and ensure you have appropriate equipment. You are then shuttled to the Helicopter pad. The helicopter will fly you over New Zealand wilderness to your put-in on the Mohaka River (Mangatanguru Confluence). You have lunch while the guides pump and pack the rafts. It is about 2 or 3 hours on the water to the thermal hot pools, and your first campsite. Guides will set up camp and prepare the evening meal. You can swim, fish, tramp, or just relax in the thermal pools. (L/D)

Day 2: Mohaka Rafting Expedition

Starts with a hearty breakfast then you are free to relax while the guides dismantle the camp and prepare the rafts. Once packed, you raft down through the Kaweka Forest Park to your next campsite. The scenery changes from mountainous Kaweka forest into exotic forest with occasional farmland. You can go exploring and enjoy some private time while the guides set up camp and cook. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Mohaka Rafting Expedition – Napier

The guides will prepare another delicious breakfast, and then you will continue to the takeout at the State Highway 5 Bridge. Lunch will be provided while guides pack the equipment for the 10 minute ride back to base. You will be transferred from the Mohaka Rafting base into central Napier.

Check-in at The Dome, for your accommodation for the next three nights in the Dame Studio. (B/L)

Day 4: Napier – Gannet Beach Adventures – Napier

Arise early for an eco adventure with tractors and trailers out to the gannet colonies at Cape Kidnappers on your Gannet Beach Adventure. Your departure time (and possibly date) will be subject to low tide times and your trip will include return transfers from Napier. From your local experienced guides, learn about the natural and geological wonders of the area.

Your four hour tour will have you so close to the gannets you could almost touch them!

Day 5: Napier – SUP – Bike Hire – Napier

Collect your bicycles this morning and take a ride along marine parade over to Ahuriri. Ahuriri is a trendy little hotspot offering cafes, boutiques, antique stores and good old fish & chip shops! It is here that you will have a Stand Up Paddle Boarding (or SUP) experience. SUP is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take time out from a busy schedule. Take in the unique perspective of fishing trawlers, yachts and boats from up close as y explore from Ahuriri Marina on your SUP tour.

After your SUP tour, take your bikes and explore further. Depending on how active you want to be, you may choose to ride up to Bluff Hill Lookout which will reward you with incredible views over Hawke’s Bay. Otherwise, there are many Hawke’s Bay trails to be enjoyed.

Afternoon tea at Mangapapa. This experience was created for those that want to indulge and spoil themselves. With a range of freshly baked pastries, sweet treats and finger sandwiches, the High Tea is really, a very grand affair.

Day 6: End of your memorable Hawke’s Bay Adventure

Relax this morning enjoying and perhaps enjoy one last swim in the rooftop terrace pool at The Dome. Take a stroll along marine parade or admire the art deco architecture in Napier before you continue for your onward journey.

(B) Breakfast / (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Rates are per person in NZD and are subject to change and availability until confirmed. Rate is a ‘from’ price for the six day / five night package during dates 01Oct17-30Apr18 and may vary depending on any adjustments you request and departure seasonality for your chosen date of services. Supplement of $300 per person is applicable during some months if we are required to alter the rafting expedition to four days due to water levels on the Mohaka River. Based on two adults sharing accommodation. Single supplement is in addition to applicable twin share rate. Visa fees if required are additional and are the personal responsibility of the traveller; Bespoke Travel can assist on request. Personal expenses, tips, gratuities, travel insurance and items not mentioned above are excluded. Full terms and conditions available on request.

Contact us now to plan your bespoke Hawke’s Bay Adventure experience.