from $365.00

Tour style – Culture & History

99 days

A short introduction cannot give justice to the incredible experience that is the East As. It is consistently rated one of our top passes and many regard it as New Zealand backpackings best kept secret (not anymore!). You’ll travel in a smaller intimate group around untouched beaches and be immersed in everyday Maori culture. You’ll be the first to see the sun, experience unique horse and stingray encounters like never before, plus many more hidden mysteries. Kiwi Experience is the only operator to offer an East Cape trip all year round to small groups of backpackers.

  • Rotorua or Taupo to Tatapouri (East As Day 1)

    Travel from Rotorua or Taupo we then head east via Gisborne to Tatapouri. Hop off in Gisborne if you want or carry on through to our stop for the day, Tatapouri. There is a huge range of activities you can choose from including rock sliding, surf lessons/ board hire, stingray feeding, and in the summer months shark cage diving. Our hosts Chris and Dean are the newest members of the East As whanau and their home in Tatapouri is one place you will never forget.

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  • Tatapouri to Rangitukia (East As Day 2)

    We leave Tatapouri and meander along the stunning east coast onto Whangara, one of the most culturally and historically significant places on the East Coast and where the movie ‘Whale Rider’ was filmed. It is here that you will be given a full tour of the Marae by one of the local people and explained the history of this very special place. Once we leave Whangara, we head up the coast to Tologa Bay and New Zealand’s longest wharf. Then we arrive at Rangitukia around 2.30pm so you have plenty of time to go on one of New Zealand’s best horse treks or learn the art of bone carving. the farmstay and get a feel for the ‘East As’ way of life.

  • Rangitukia to Te Kaha (East As Day 3)

    For those interested in being among the first in the world to see in the new day, there is a short track you can take to the top of a nearby hill to watch the sun rise over the horizon. After this you can either take a 1 hour follow up ride and try out another of the fantastic horses at the farm or use this opportunity to rest up for the day ahead. Once we leave Rangitukia, we ravel along the coast stopping to take in some stunning scenery before heading to the Te Kaha Homestead Lodge. The Homestead is situated in the most amazing spot right on the beach that has to be seen to be believed. Once welcomed into Te Whanau a Apanui (the local tribe) you can then slip into the life style that keeps us coming back. Relax in the hot tub overlooking the ocean and watch the sun disappear with a glass of wine, and then join us for a few drinks and a session of ‘International Idol’ with Chey and his whanau (family).

  • Te Kaha to Rotorua or Taupo (East As Day 4)

    Departing Te Kaha we follow the coastline to Opotiki and on to Whakatane. If you’re interested in staying for a few nights can take a boat cruise out to Whakaari (White Island), New Zealand’s most active volcano. We then head inland via the lake districts and back in to Rotorua and Taupo so you can continue the rest of your Kiwi Experience.

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