Depart Russell at 9.00am and travel via the Waikare Road (metal) to Kawakawa, known as the “train town” as the former coal mining and latterly vintage train runs through the middle of the main street.
Kawakawa is famous for its Hundertwasser toilet block designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser who lived in Kawakawa from 1975 until his death in 2000.
5 Km south of Kawakawa we visit the historical, authentic and unique Kawiti Glowworm Cave, known as Te Ana-o-Roku (Roku’s cave). Discovered in the 17th century, the cave is 200M long on a well designed walkway with handrails above a fast flowing stream. A guided tour is available taking up to 40 minutes, followed by a bushwalk through a natural corridor of ferns, native trees with Limestone and Sandstone rock formations.
We then continue south along SH1 to Ruapekapeka Maori Pa site. It was on this site in 1845 that the Maori chief Hone Heke (who was responsible for cutting down the flagstaff at Russell) attempted to repel an attack by over 1000 British soldiers. The massive Pa site, 90M long x 64M wide had tunnels roofed with heavy logs to connect the trenches and was completely encircled by palisades 6M high. The British success ended the Maori Wars in the north.
Continuing on to Whakapara, we turn off for Helena & Oakura Bays. On route we stop at the Gallery & Café on the Helena Bay hill for lunch. The Gallery contains paintings, glass works, carvings, jewellery, sculptures and many other works from artists throughout NZ. The café is set in beautiful bush overlooking Helena Bay. The food is inexpensive and to die for.
We then return to Russell via Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve to view a stand of Kauri trees during a short bush walk.
Depart: 9.00am – Return: 4.00pm
Cost per person: $95.00 pp Children under 14: $50.00
Entry Fees to attractions & food own cost
Itinerary or route may change without notice due to weather conditions.
Kawakawa is famous for its Hundertwasser toilet block designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser who lived in Kawakawa from 1975 until his death in 2000.
5 Km south of Kawakawa we visit the historical, authentic and unique Kawiti Glowworm Cave, known as Te Ana-o-Roku (Roku’s cave). Discovered in the 17th century, the cave is 200M long on a well designed walkway with handrails above a fast flowing stream. A guided tour is available taking up to 40 minutes, followed by a bushwalk through a natural corridor of ferns, native trees with Limestone and Sandstone rock formations.
We then continue south along SH1 to Ruapekapeka Maori Pa site. It was on this site in 1845 that the Maori chief Hone Heke (who was responsible for cutting down the flagstaff at Russell) attempted to repel an attack by over 1000 British soldiers. The massive Pa site, 90M long x 64M wide had tunnels roofed with heavy logs to connect the trenches and was completely encircled by palisades 6M high. The British success ended the Maori Wars in the north.
Continuing on to Whakapara, we turn off for Helena & Oakura Bays. On route we stop at the Gallery & Café on the Helena Bay hill for lunch. The Gallery contains paintings, glass works, carvings, jewellery, sculptures and many other works from artists throughout NZ. The café is set in beautiful bush overlooking Helena Bay. The food is inexpensive and to die for.
We then return to Russell via Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve to view a stand of Kauri trees during a short bush walk.
Depart: 9.00am – Return: 4.00pm
Cost per person: $95.00 pp Children under 14: $50.00
Entry Fees to attractions & food own cost
Itinerary or route may change without notice due to weather conditions.
