Established in 1952, Gannet Beach Adventures has a long history of providing tours on a spectacular stretch of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers. Our unique, fun eco-experience tour involves travel with local experienced guides by vintage tractors and trailers on a comfortable four-hour adventure to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world!
Departing on the days’ low tide, visitors travel by tractor and trailer along the majestically rugged coastline. Photographic opportunities abound as stops are made throughout the journey giving visitors an insight into how nature’s forces have shaped this amazing area.
Travelling through the Black Reef colony (one of two colonies we visit) visitors can almost touch the gannets in their natural environment, without even stepping off the trailer. It was at this site in 1769 local Maori kidnapped a crew member off Captain Cook’s ship The Endeavour, the incident from which Cape Kidnappers gets its name.
Continuing onto the Cape itself, an approximate 90 minute break enables visitors ample time to picnic, swim, or enjoy a scenic walk to the Plateau colony. Stunning views across Hawke’s Bay from the top of the Cape grace many a visitor’s photo album. The Saddle & Whalebone Reef colonies can also be viewed from here (but are inaccessible to the public).
The gannets are present at the Cape from August to April of each year for the sole purpose of breeding. At the age of around 15-16 weeks, the chicks will take their first ever flight – a solo instinctive migration of around 2,800km to Australian waters. The mortality rate is high with around 70-80% perishing before they have a chance to return. Those that do survive will return to their birth colony at around 2-3 years old, complete with their beautiful adult colouring. They will then spend the rest of their lives in this area – on land to breed, and New Zealand sea-waters for the winter months.
Depending on the time of the season, visitors can witness new-born chicks, through to 4-month old gannets preparing for their first ever flight, which will take them all the way to Australian waters.
Tour Descriptions:
5 Tunnel Tour Discover the beginning of the Forgotten World Railway by RailCart. Travel through 5 tunnels including the longest tunnel (1.5km) plus three beautiful hand built brick tunnels. Journey through stunning hill country farms and native bush.
Tour includes:
Guided Rail Cart tour, Afternoon Tea, Shuttles to & from Forgotten World Motel to Okahukura. Starts & ends in Taumarunui.
20 Tunnel
The 20 Tunnel Tour is our most popular and adaptable tour. Travel through the ever-changing landscape with a different vista unfolding every time you emerge from a tunnel. The RailCarts run in alternating directions each day, giving you the choice of two different directions & starting locations to choose from. The tour itself is exactly the same just in reverse directions.
Tour includes: Guided RailCart tour—8 hours, Morning Tea, Lunch and an Afternoon Snack, Same Day Shuttle—2 hours. Departs Taumarunui every tour or Whangamomona on selected tours.
The Hatrick
JetBoat return journey down the Whanganui River challenging the rock strewn white water rapids and enjoying the breath taking scenery of farmland and bush clad hills and gorges.
Tour includes:
Guided JetBoat tour, Starts and ends in Taumarunui.
The Lavender Run
JetBoat down the Whanganui River challenging the rock strewn white water rapids and enjoying the breath taking scenery of farmland and bush clad hills and gorges. Wander through the lavenders at Lauren’s Lavender Farm & Cafe and enjoying the view of the river and surrounding native bush.
Tour includes:
Guided JetBoat tour, Visit to Lauren’s Lavender Farm & Café.
Bridge to Nowhere
Venture through white water rapids, take in the spectacular scenery of both rural farmland and the hidden depths of the Whanganui National Park. Learn about the unique history of Maori on the river, the steamboats and the early settlements along the way.
Tour includes:
Guided JetBoat tour, 5km return walk to the Bridge to Nowhere. Morning Tea, Lunch and an Afternoon Snack. Starts and ends in Taumarunui.
Bridge to Nowhere Helijet
Fly by helicopter over the Whanganui National Park to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. Once landed enjoy a short walk to the Bridge to Nowhere then walk on out to the Mangaparua Landing to return by JetBoat up the majestic Whanganui River.
Learn about the unique history of the river, take in the spectacular scenery of both rural farmland and the hidden depths of the Whanganui National Park and venture through white water rapids.
Tour includes: Helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park to the Bridge to Nowhere, 5km walk to the Bridge to Nowhere & Mangapurua Landing and Guided JetBoat tour, Morning Tea, Lunch and an Afternoon Snack, All Shuttles. Starts and ends in Taumarunui.
Rail River Run
Enjoy the best of both worlds, exploring the northern section of the Forgotten World by both rail and river. During the course of your day you will experience the first 10 tunnels on the line, a thrilling JetBoat ride on the majestic Whanganui River and an appetising ploughman’s lunch at the old Tokirima Station. There are two departure times to choose from: 7:30am (RailCart first & JetBoat second), or 10:30am (JetBoat first & RailCart second).
Tour includes:
Guided RailCart + JetBoat tour, Morning or Afternoon Tea + Lunch. All Shuttles. Starts & ends in Taumarunui.
The Expedition
Experience the best of the Forgotten World in two full days of adventure. Day One combines our popular 20 Tunnel tour with a night’s accommodation at the iconic Whangamomona Hotel. Start Day Two with a scenic Helicopter flight from Whangamomona over both the Bridge to Somewhere and the Bridge to Nowhere before landing at Bennett’s Clearing above the Bridge to Nowhere. Enjoy a 1½ hour scenic walk through the Whanganui National Park visiting the Bridge to Nowhere & down to the Mangaparua Landing. Journey by JetBoat along the majestic Whanganui River, back up to Taumarunui.
The second day involves both Helicopter & Jet boat, which are weather dependant. In the event of poor weather conditions a partial refund will be provided. The alternative arrangements are that clients will be collected from Whangamomoana and transferred to Taumarunui via the Forgotten World Highway visiting Joshua Morgan’s grave, the resting place of respected early surveyor, Joshua Morgan, who died in 1892 aged 35. There is a short walkway through the bush to his grave which is considered a memorial to the efforts of these early pioneer surveyors. Following this we head to Lauren’s Lavender Farm to take a break and peruse local made produce and enjoy the remarkable view over the famous Whanganui River. We then return to Taumarunui.
Tour includes:
Guided RailCart tour, All meals, one night’s accommodation in Whangamomona. Helicopter flight—10 minutes, 5km walk to the Bridge to Nowhere & Mangaparua Landing, Guided JetBoat journey. Starts & ends in Taumarunui.
Forgotten World offers very clean, warm and comfortable accommodation, FREE Wifi throughout and generous off-street parking, provided free of charge. All units feature electric blankets, Flat screen TV, excellent showers and a daily room service.
Whether you are adventuring on the rails, planning to explore the wider Ruapehu area or simply passing through, come on in and enjoy our warm hospitality.
Our team will take great care of you and do all they can to make your stay enjoyable. With a supermarket over the road, and just a short stroll to the shopping centre, restaurants and cafes, it is the best place to begin or finish your Forgotten World Adventure, or to break your long drive between Wellington and Auckland.
We are within easy reach of the ski fields of Mt Ruapehu and a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including cycling the Timber Trail, hunting, fishing, tramping or canoeing the Wanganui River.
Experience the real Auckland, in a boutique, small group setting with Habitat Tours.
Leave the city behind and join us for the ultimate highly interactive nature experience on one of our Auckland Day Tours. Discover New Zealand wildlife, the flora of the forests, breath taking landscapes, stunning coasts, sand dunes and beaches – all so close to Auckland. Our Auckland Day Tours give you an opportunity to visit one of Auckland’s most spectacular coastal habitats and to learn about what makes Auckland so unique. Escape the crowds and visit a pristine Auckland beach, with native coastal bush and an abundance of NZ wildlife. Our intimate group size (max 7) ensures you have a personal and interactive experience.
Choose from:
– 1/2 day Waitakere Tour
– Full day Waitakere Tour
– Full day Tawharanui Tour
– Day/Night Tawharanui Tour
The Marlborough Tour Company offers outstanding boat and vehicle tours of the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough Wine region. The company owns and operates a large range of vehicles and vessels, including luxury cars, vans, coaches, boats and launches. This fleet mixed with an extensive local knowledge and a commitment to quality service means they are well placed to create memorable lasting experiences.
On the Queen Charlotte Sound and departing from Picton they have the Seafood Odyssea Cruise, a great way to see the sounds from a beautiful launch, taste salmon and oysters as well as a glass of Marlborough Wine, this cruise will also drop off to Bay of Many Coves Resort – a fantastic way to arrive in style.
Another well known tour is the Greenshell Mussel Cruise, departing from Havelock on the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds, this cruise experiences the sounds as well as visiting a Greenshell Mussell farm and wine tasting, this tour will also drop off at Raetihi Lodge.
On land there is the Taste Marlborough Tour which is a full day tour of Marlborough’s wineries, or you could combine the best of water and land and to the Marlborough Icons Tour which is a Greenshell Mussell Cruise and wineries tour combined.
New to the Marlborough Tour Company’s product range is the stunning Tarquin, this luxury launch can be chartered for exclusive day use and overnight, a luxury vessel with a myriad of private touring options.
Located in Marlborough, just minutes from the centre of Blenheim and also near to the airport, is Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Currently the centre features the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection of WW1 aircraft and artifacts. This story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. The theatrical treatment is both innovative and visually stunning. Captivating scenes depict the aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an incident that actually happened in the war. Rare memorabilia is on display, worthy of any national collection and ranges from beautifully crafted ‘trench art’ through to personal items belonging to the famous Red Baron himself.
Showcasing the development of aviation and stories of the men that flew in war brought to life in two distinctive exhibitions. The first featuring the existing and extensive collection of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia belonging to Sir Peter Jackson and showcasing the talents of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop in Knights of the Sky. The second exhibition, Dangerous Skies is also given the trademark theatrical treatment the museum has become famous, takes you on both a geographical journey as well as an historical one.
There are a range of ways to get to experience the centre, from guided tours of the two exhibits, themed tours including a high tea, honeymoon champagne flight packages right through to exhilarating opportunities to fly in some of these rare planes!
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle is a locally owned and operated water taxi company. Based in picturesque Kaiteriteri, which with it’s stunning beach and proximity to the Abel Tasman National Park is a mecca for kiwis and internationals alike! There’s plenty of room to park your car or motorhome there making Kaiteriteri a great place to start your Abel Tasman National Park adventure…
The Abel Tasman National Park is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most beautiful areas. With turquoise waters, golden sand beaches and forest to the shoreline you will feel yourself relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature as soon as you arrive.
Why travel with ATSS?
As a locally owned family business Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle prides itself on giving you an experience to remember. Their purpose-built boats are designed, built, maintained and driven by the team which makes them unique as they know every inch of each vessel intimately, providing you the best in comfort and safety.
Over the last decade they have set the benchmark for visitor transport in the Abel Tasman National Park by building and operating the largest fleet in the area, continuing to innovate by designing and building new vessels regularly. With the on-board toilets and excellent viewing areas these vessels are arguably, the most comfortable plying the waters of the Abel Tasman National Park!
Your options:
ATSS have experiences for everyone, for the young and the young at heart.
- Abel Tasman Park & Wine Tour
- Abel Tasman National Park Discoverer 1 Day cruise
- Nelson Ferry departure to Abel Tasman National Park
- Cruise, Kayak and walk combos
- Free Nelson and Motueka I-site transfer pick ups
- Water Taxi transfers
Adrift Tongariro are an outdoor Adventure company specialising in guided adventures in the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks. They are a personal and professional organisation that can tailor guided adventures to suit your individual needs and ensure your outdoor experience is adventurous, comfortable and safe. One of their flagship adventures is the Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Adrift have vast experience in working with people of all ages and abilities. They provide unique adventures for families, individuals and groups of all kinds. Their clients are from New Zealand and from overseas and they guarantee you an exceptional and unique experience.
Read Terms & Conditions
Tongariro National Park – Walks
The Tongariro National Park has dual world heritage status and the Northern Circuit is part of the Department of Conservation ‘Great Walks’ network. The three active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro (1967m), Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m) and Mt Ruapehu (2797m), are majestic and dominate the skyline.
Violent eruptions and glaciers long gone, have all left amazing textures, colours and landscapes that can tell many stories if you know how to read them.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Our most popular trip is the 1-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In summer this track can be very crowded so we have tailored a special route for our guided clients. We visit the popular sights on the Crossing but then we leave the crowds and head off in another direction to experience a few awesome sites. Another option we offer is Pre-dawn departures.
This walk has you on the top of Red Crater watching the sun rise in unique lighting and with the peaceful, still, quiet moments of the dawn. During winter, crampons and ice axes are required. Winter has the luxury of few other walkers and a peaceful snow setting.
Price Indicator: From $225 per person
Northern Circuit 3 Day Walk
The Northern Circuit is a 3-day tramp starting on Mt Ruapehu and encircles Mt Ngauruhoe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, explosion craters, lava flows, Tama Lakes, Taranaki Falls and the Rangipo and Otarere deserts, are explored on this trek. Mt Ngauruhoe last eruption was sporadic between 1973-1975.
During this period, a 3,000 tonne block of lava was thrown out of its crater. Since 1839, Ngauruhoe has erupted 61 times with breaks lasting no more than nine years (until 1975), and it is this regular activity that formed the perfect symmetry of its cone shape. Accommodation is in shared dormitory style Department of Conservation Huts, offering a very basic standard and with shared toilet facilities and no hot water.
Price Indicator: From $850 per person
The Whanganui National Park – Canoe Trips
The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through it. The river from Taumarunui to Pipiriki is part of the Department of Conservation ‘Great Walk’ network. The 3 or 4 day Whakahoro to Pipiriki section is the most popular canoeing section. From Whakahoro, the only access out is by canoe and this remoteness with forest filtered fresh air makes for a rejuvenating holiday. The Canadian Canoes used, are well suited for the rapids and the long still water of the gorges and they hold plenty of gear. Luxuries are a must!
The Whanganui River is rich with Maori and European history, the largest reminder of which, is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Just like the early explorers, you will see the spectacular sheer gorges rising hundreds of metres to distant ridges and hopefully hear a Kiwi calling, while eating dinner under the stars. Adrift provides qualified, experienced and personable guides whose sole purpose is to ensure you have a safe, enjoyably and memorable adventure. There are many marvels and obstacles on the journey where our guides willingly offer their experience and anecdotes. Equally there are times where you are left to absorb the tranquillity and solitude.
Whanganui 3 Day Canoe Adventure
All itineraries are a suggestion only, and will be altered to meet with your needs and wishes. Adrift Outdoors have itineraries for 6-1 day trips. However, t
his 3 day trip is the most popular.
3-day Whakahoro to Pipiriki
Day 0
Arrive at National Park Village. Make contact with Adrift and pick-up your dry barrels.
Day 1 – Whakahoro to John Coull Hut (Accommodation pick-up 8.00am) This day involves a 6-hour paddle to John Coull Hut. You will be passing the Mangapapa and Ohauora campsites at 2 hrs and 4-hrs paddling, respectively. Just before the Ohauora Campsite is Tamatea’s Cave.
Day 2 – John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae Today you have a 5-hour paddle from John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae. Passing Mangawaiti and the Upper Mangapurua campsites at one and a half hour intervals. Just before the Mangapurua Campsite is the track up to the Bridge to Nowhere (1.5 hour return walk).
Day 3 – Tieke Marae to Pipiriki From Tieke, it is a four hour paddle to Pipiriki and at 2 pm you will be met by Adrift Outdoor’s transport which will take you back to National Park Village by 4.30 pm. But before that, where you will pass the Ngaporo Campsite, successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the infamous Autapu Rapid!
Price Indicator: From $750 per person
Contact: Louise Frend
Address : 419 Southland Place
Hastings NZ 4120
Phone: +64 (0) 212789952
Fax: + 64 068789952
Email: Louise@uniquestays.co.nz
