Make your own way to Waiterimu in the Waikato Valley and check into your trip accommodation any time after 3.00pm. Spend your night and evening enjoying Tui Ridge, an original farm cottage, nestled amongst native bush. Private, secluded and inviting, the rustic cottage has been lovingly restored to ensure you enjoy all the comforts of home, whilst experiencing the best that New Zealand country life has to offer. Enjoy a prepared meal this evening featuring local produce and seasonal ingredients.

Meals:  D

Following breakfast this morning, you will drive a short distance (6.5kms) to the Mickleson farm and from here, depart on an immersive journey through lush valleys, rolling farmland, and diverse forest. It's a gentle climb up a 4WD track offering sweeping views over the Matahuru Valley, with a rewarding viewpoint at 1.5 km. The track then dips over a saddle into Mangapiko Valley, skirting exotic and native forest stands before reaching the ridge at Waikohu Farm. A steep descent through pine and regenerating wetlands brings you to the Waikohu cattle yards, then on to the Matahuru Stream crossing, leading to a tranquil waterhole and picnic area shaded by kahikatea trees—ideal for a midday break. Continuing, the trail ascends through “Rimu Alley,” the highest point of the day at 260m, before traversing Cheyne’s Bush. The descent follows Matahuru Stream, crossing native-plant restoration areas before looping back to the starting point, offering a memorable mix of scenic views, peaceful woodlands, and serene water spots. You will drive the short distance back to Tui Ridge for a relaxing evening and prepared dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Starting this morning behind the cottage, the trail dips to farm sheds before climbing through open fields and into a Queen Elizabeth II protected reserve, home to towering puriri, rewarewa, and kahikatea trees. Ascend through lush forest before reaching a spur leading up the Hapuakohe Range. At the old airstrip you have a choice, continue on the main track and climb to the peak, or take the shortcut passing a natural spring and quarry. The final stretch reaches the ridge with views from the Maungakawa trig (535m) and overlooking Raglan and Mt Karioi on clear days. Grandad John's Lookout is a perfect spot for lunch with vistas over the Hauraki Plains. The return route takes you through paddocks, past Frog Bush—thought to be home to native frogs—and back to Tui Ridge to complete the loop. From here, it is an approximate 50 minute drive (54kms) through to Waikino and your new bush accommodation for the night. Here you will enjoy a housemade welcome drink and a "Garden to Table Experience" learning about the gardens, produce and garden to table ethos before getting to enjoy a delicious 2 course gourmet hamper and dessert platter for dinner along with some Italian Prosecco whilst relaxing in your surrounds.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a delicious cooked breakfast, head off on the first of your walks in the gorge. The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walk offers a captivating journey through New Zealand’s gold mining history, set against the scenic backdrop of rugged cliffs and river views. The trail weaves through the remnants of historic mining sites, including old tunnels, tramways, and the iconic Windows Walk, where viewing holes in the cliff walls offer stunning glimpses over the gorge and river below. This easy-to-moderate walk crosses several swing bridges with various interpretive panels that tell the story of the area's mining boom. The combination of lush native bush, the Ohinemuri River, and historical sites make this walk a popular choice for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. You can choose from the 7km historic walk, to the longer 14.5km Karangahake Gorge Loop and if you are feeling really adventurous, perhaps you choose to do the Karangahake Mountain Track Loop. Enjoy your day exploring this gem of the North Island before heading back to your cabin for your final night of relaxing in nature.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast your trip arrangements end. If you wish to spend longer exploring the Karangahake Gorge, please talk to us about additional nights.

Meals:  B