Scenic Short Hike Tour - McLaren Falls and Puketoki Reserve

Itinerary

1. Your driver/guide will take you on a wonderful visual experience to several of the renowned sightseeing spots surrounding the city of Tauranga. Departing from the port gates you will travel through Mount Maunganui township past Mauao the iconic landmark mountain and one of New Zealand’s most popular beaches "The Mount Main Beach" home of surfing, professional beach volleyball and surf lifesaving competitions. Hear about the forming of the landscape, the arrival of man and the founding of the city, through to the different produce grown in the province and what modern life is like in the area. (30 min)
2. Leaving the beach your driver will take you across the harbour bridge through the city and out into the foothills of the Kaimai range to the area of Ōmanawa and the McLarens falls regional park. 190-hectares of parkland alongside a man-made lake that feeds the local hydro-electric power station. Here you will take a short walk (45min return approx.) along a winding pathway up a small streambed to a natural waterfall hidden amongst native bushland and then out around the side of the lake with birds and other wildlife. Learn about some of the local flora and fauna and observe glow-worm threads in the daylight. On the way out you will stop at McLarens falls and see the rock formations and beautiful view from the bridge. (2h 0min)
3. Next on the tour is a short drive across to Te Puna on the edge of the city with a stop at the Minden Lookout giving you beautiful views across the bay taking in the harbour and the city. You will then take a break at a local café at the foot of the hill before heading to the next activity. (30 min)
4. After a café break you will head back into the foothills of the Kaimai ranges to Puketoki Reserve. The peaceful native bush of Puketoki Scenic Reserve is a hidden gem. This guided walk (1 hour approx.) winds through regenerating forest rich with history, following old logging routes beneath towering trees and native vines. The 35-hectare block was originally gifted to the community in 1926 by local landowner Henry Sharplin, the reserve began as logged farmland and has since been protected and restored into the thriving bush you see today dotted with towering old giants of the forest. Along the way, you’ll uncover stories of early bush milling, regeneration, and conservation, while spotting native birdlife in this quiet, sheltered valley. At the conclusion of the walk your driver will then take you back into the city and across the harbour bridge to the start of your tour. (2h 0min)

Meeting & end point