Make your own way to Tairawhiti/Gisborne and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Spend the afternoon strolling along the beach front or visiting the Tairawhiti Museum for a glimpse into Maori history and culture. Food and wine lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Meals:  Nil

You will be picked up from your trip accommodation in Gisborne at 8:00am and transferred to Haurata High Country Retreat. You'll have the chance to settle into your farm stay accommodation and enjoy a cuppa before setting off on your first day walk (walks can be swapped around based on weather forecast if need be.) Te Kooti's historic walk is on Sam and Jill Charteris’s Hillview Station and takes you to the top of Ngatapa Mountain. You will pass a disused oil rig site where in 1985 Petro Corp tried to drill for oil. They capped the hole and left as they didn’t have the right equipment to go deep enough (we think). In 1869 the Ringatu church leader Te Kooti took his people to the top of Ngatapa Mountain to a pa site. He was surrounded by the English constabulary and Ropata from the Ngati-Porou tribe before escaping over the cliffs into the Ureweras. See the hole in the ground where Ropata blew the pallistrades. Upon returning from your walk, relax in the hot tub or explore the private gardens before enjoying a delicious home style dinner featuring organic, seasonal produce.

Meals:  L,D

While staying at Haurata provisions for a continental or cooked breakfast and a good old fashioned picnic lunch are provided each morning. After fueling up for the day, head out on your second and potentially most challenging of the three farm walks. The Waterfalls Adventure walk leaves the retreat and heads up to the high point above the woolshed (770m) before heading off down the hill to view three fascinating waterfalls at 300m above sea level. There are opportunities to have a stop along the way for a rest or refreshing swim, so don't forget to pack your swim suit and towel. Back at the retreat enjoy another quiet evening and well earned gourmet dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is your final farm walk and will not dissapoint! Start out walking from 600 metres above sea level to some native QE11 bush then on to the Aerial Range 922 metres above sea level with views of Mt Hikurangi in the North, Gisborne and Young Nicks Head in the East. Panekiri Bluff in the West (Waikaremoana). Built on the Aerial range is a large telecom tower, the Maori’s call the range Matakitaki (observation point). This is where the East Coast plate is pushing on the Pacific plate creating the unique land structure. Soil types differing on either side of the range. See the remains of huge native trees burnt by out of control fires caused by farmers clearing land back in the 1920’s. Make the most of your final evening with one last soak under the stars and a beautiful meal to round out a magnificent walking adventure.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast and a leisurely stroll in the gardens you will be transferred back to Gisborne where trip arrangements end. Expect to arrive between late morning and midday.

Meals:  B