Page 13 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

bay of islands glow worm cave kauri forest approximate duration 4 hours bay of islands bi1-d hokianga harbour kauri forest approximate duration 71/4 hours bi1-e travel to the hokianga harbour on the west coast of northland an area of natural beauty steeped in early maori history what you visit pioneer village among the exhibits within this 19th-century northland village are a courthouse built in 1862 a charming cottage from 1875 with original kauri shingles a fully equipped blacksmith shop 1890s tackhouse and jail 1919 sawmill undergoing complete restoration fire station and garage with a 1936 fire engine and vintage tractors and a fully restored 1907 burrell steam locomotive time will be allowed to visit the begonia house which is situated within the complex you will have a few moments on your own to enjoy the walk through this colourful centrepiece waipoua forest featuring tane mahuta on arrival at omapare you will be met by your forest guide who will brief you about your upcoming visit to the kauri forest the forest contains three quarters of new zealand s remaining kauri trees and is the finest stand of kauri forest in the country today within the forest s 2,500 hectares a short walk will take you to tane mahuta or `lord of the forest which is estimated to be 1,200 years old and at 52 metres it is the largest remaining kauri tree in the country this ecologically significant environment in former times a home and playground to maori is brought to life by a local indigenous guide who will willingly share their ecological knowledge and use relevant maori stories and song to enlighten and enhance this tranquil and ancient location omapere be charmed by this seaside town whose harbour mouth opens to the turbulent tasman sea lunch and refreshments morning tea will be available at the pioneer village lunch will be served at a local hotel near the entrance to the hokianga harbour photo opportunities great photo opportunities of tane mahuta the largest remaining kauri tree in new zealand notes this tour involves considerable walking including 150 steps at the kawiti glow worm caves photography is not permitted inside the glow worm caves to make your day as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions jacket a hat and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water this tour will provide a good overview of the bay of islands area including a stop to visit the giant kauri trees view the spectacular kawiti glow worm caves with their amazing stalactite formations and the glow worms that light up the highest ceilings in the caves what you visit puketi state forest stretch your legs with a short walk to view the enormous kauri trees once covering the whole of the northern region there are now few remaining areas in new zealand where these towering trees may exist to live to more than 1,000 years kawiti caves these caves have strong ancestral ties to the local maori people who have lived in this region for centuries with the help of your local maori guide you will see natural underground formations and the magnificent delicate stalactite and stalagmite formations within photo opportunity the puketi state forest permits photos to be taken of the enormous kauri trees photography is not permitted within the kawiti caves what you see along the way departing the pier you ll travel along the waterfront of paihia and past the oldest norfolk pine tree in new zealand having been planted circa 1835 and the williams memorial church the original site of an 1823 mission station you will also travel through lush northland farming countryside boasting forests of native flora and excellent views notes this tour operates in a motorcoach with a driver/guide the begonia house at pioneer village is in season from approximately midjanuary to mid-april each year please ensure that you wear comfortable flatsoled shoes and clothing suited to the weather conditions bay of islands what you see along the way from the port in paihia you will travel first past the hururu falls then east to hokianga harbour located on the west coast of new zealand 22 23 bay of islands

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