Pacific Highway Experience

Cost: NZ$145.00 incl. GST (minimum 4 passengers)

The Pacific Coast Highway travels east from the Port of Tauranga to the beautiful township of Whakatane, home of one of the oldest known Maori pa sites in New Zealand.

Terry Tours will meet you at the Port of Tauranga as you disembark from your cruiseship. We will take you for a drive through Mt Maunganui where you will see Pilot Bay on the harbour side and hear the story of Maouo. We travel along Ocean Beach and continue east to the coastal town of Matata, where we will visit Margaret Lafaele's craft studio. From here we take the short drive to the town of Whakatane where we will take you to "The Heads". This is where the Whakatane River flows out to the Pacific Ocean and is the landing site of the historic Mataatua Waka (Maori canoe) over 800 years ago. Hear the story of the heroine, Wairaka, who's statue overlooks the harbour on a rock in the river. We will drive you up to the top of the hill overlooking the town for stunning views over the ocean and to the site of one of the oldest known Maori pa settlements - Kapu-te-Rangi. From here we drive across to Ohope Beach, a quiet holiday location popular with New Zealand families because of its safe swimming beach and great fishing. The East Coast is home to many creative people, and Ohope is no exception. We will visit Debbie at Scilla Chocolates, to learn about how she creates her own delicious Belgian chocolates in her garage studio. On Saturdays the Ohope Craft Market draws crowds from all over the district, and is worth a stop if the timing is right. We will stop at a cafe for you to purchase lunch and enjoy the views before continuing on to Cheddar Valley Pottery, situated around the beautiful Ohiwa Harbour, home of many rare birds and plants. Learn about the history of the old butter factory which has been converted into a pottery by Margaret and Stuart Slade, and see their creations in the old building. If time permits we will take a 20 minute bush walk to the beautiful secluded Otarawairere Bay, where our once resident dolphin, Moko, used to sleep.

Terry Tours will then return you to the Port of Tauranga in plenty of time to meet your ship.

Includes: Professional driver/guide, Scilla Chocolate tasting

Please note that variations in cruise ship departure times may require alterations to the itinerary.

 TO BOOK THIS TOUR PLEASE EMAIL US WITH YOUR DETAILS (MIN 4 PASSENGERS REQUIRED ON THIS TOUR)