Eastern Taranaki Experience

14/01/2025

Are you ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure in Taranaki? We can help you create the perfect ride, tailored to your preferences and fitness level.

We offer a unique package that includes transport for you and your bikes, allowing you to explore further afield without worrying about the return journey. We can even carry your picnic lunch - full back up service on every trip

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Pre-planned Routes:

- Lake Rotokare: Cycle from Stratford to the beautiful Lake Rotokare. We'll pick you up afterwards, and you can even enjoy a walk around the lake. Picnic lunch available.

- Matau Tunnel: A scenic 34km ride from Stratford, with a convenient pick-up at the Matau Tunnel.

- Makahu: Cycle the first 30km of the Forgotten World Highway, turning at Strathmore and continuing to Makahu via the Makahu Tunnel.

- Cape Egmont Lighthouse: We'll transport you to the Lighthouse, and you can cycle back to Stratford via Wiremu Road or New Plymouth.

- Pukeiti Gardens: Enjoy a relaxing trip to Pukeiti Gardens, with time for coffee and a stroll. We'll pick you up in Okato after your cycle.

- Whangamomona: For the more adventurous, this 64km ride to Whangamomona offers a well-deserved drink at the end, followed by transport back to Stratford.

Design Your Own Adventure:

Feeling adventurous? Design your own route! Simply bring your own bikes, and let us know your desired date (subject to availability).

- Group Size: Maximum 10 people.
- Pricing: We'll provide a quote based on your group size and chosen route.

Ready to pedal into paradise? Email us at [email protected] to discuss your dream bike trip

14/01/2025

Even though this tourist season is full on we have been doing a bit of forward planning. If you would like to be kept in the loop for the following please email us - [email protected]
Our multi day tours are limited to 10 clients

1. November 2025 - Kapiti Island with Northern Explorer Train
Due to the success and wonderful feedback we are planning another one of these 3 day - 2 night tours

2. 13th-20th November - Chatham Islands - refer to events on page or email to request full itinerary

3. 14th-18th January 2026 - Great Barrier Island

4. January 2026 (no set dates yet) - Cycle Nelson and Little River areas. Fly into Nelson and out of Christchurch (hired bikes)
You will be road transported between the 2 areas

5. February 2026 - Cycle Upper Hutt - Rimutaka and Wairarapa
4 day - 3 night tour - bring you own bike

6. February 2026 - Kaipara Harbour / Tutukaka Tour - 5 day - 4 night tour

7. March 2026 - Blenheim - night stay and walk in Marlborough Sounds experience - Nelson - Hanmer Springs and Molesworth Station

12/01/2025

Dave and Carol would like to extend our heartfelt thanks everyone who joined us on our recent Great Barrier Island tour. We were so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of 11 incredible people!
While we were blessed with fantastic weather and everything ran smoothly, it was truly you who made the trip so enjoyable and memorable. Your positive energy, laughter, and willingness to connect with one another created a fun and friendly atmosphere that we'll cherish. We were delighted to see new friendships blossom throughout the journey.
Thank you again for sharing this experience with us. We hope to see you on another adventure.

We have already set next year's dates with the accommodation place in January 2026.
Email [email protected] to register your interest and be kept in the loop.

10/01/2025

Great Barrier Island has lovely sunsets.
Last night the hues were pink compared to blue ones night before.
Different cloud cover etc

10/01/2025

Great Barrier Island Tour day 3.
Port Fitzroy area. Thanks to Steve from Glenfern Sanctuary for a fantastic presentation and walk experience for the group
Group also walked up Windy Canyon if any group members have photos to share please feel welcome as comments on this post

09/01/2025

Our current tour to Great Barrier Island first 2 days. Captions with photos

01/01/2025

Digs Homestay reasonably busy at this time of the year. Loving our recent reviews

31/12/2024

1. Bridge To Nowhere 1937 - Mangapurua Valley, Whanganui National Park
2. Bridge To Somewhere 1936 - Aotuhia Station, East Taranaki - Whangamomona River
3. Bridge To Elsewhere 1950s - Forgotten World Highway, Whangamomona - also East Taranaki
4th photo is another angle of Bridge To Nowhere, just beautiful

29/12/2024

Design Your Own Day Out

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, we can help you.

We offer "on-demand" transport services, ensuring you can explore the most breathtaking locations. Just like we did for this Canadian cyclist yesterday – he enjoyed a tramp in the Dawson Falls area and then cycled (his own bike) back to Stratford, all thanks to our flexible transport options.

Tell us about your dream trip:
- Where would you like to go?
- Number of people
- What kind of activities are you interested in? (Hiking, cycling, sightseeing, day or multi-day)
- What's your budget?
- What dates are you considering?

The more information you provide, the better we can assist you in creating a truly personalized and memorable experience.

Let's start planning your dream getaway!
Email - [email protected]

28/12/2024

As operators when we holiday we explore. Just before Christmas things are actually quiet for us so we take advantage and go. This year was Kaikoura, Molesworth Station with drives over Lewis and Arthur's Pass.

We are refreshed and ready for 2025
Stroll through our events, some are full but availability on: email for info is best

Chatham Island (November) - 6 places available with cut off mid February due to flights and accommodation confirmation

Whanganui Boat/Bike day trip - 22nd Feb has 2 places available

Whangamomona Road Walk - 23rd Feb still has places

28/12/2024

Happy Birthday Paddle Steamer Waimarie
125 years 🥰

'It’s something that we can all celebrate.'

20/12/2024

Dave and Carol would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for your incredible support throughout 2024.

We're already buzzing with excitement for 2025 and have a few new and exciting ideas in the pipeline. Keep an eye out on events listed on this page.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please don't hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

Thank you again for everything. We look forward to sharing more with you soon!
Cheers
Dave & Carol

15/12/2024

Glenfern Great Barrier Island Updates Screenshots & Donation Info

For those joining us on our Great Barrier Island trips we visit Glenfern, I've attached some screenshots from their recent newsletter. It gives you a sneak peek of what's new and exciting!

We make a $500 donation per visit to Glenfern, and this season we have two trips planned. It maybe a small contribution, but seeing the positive impact makes it all worthwhile.

Looking forward to our adventures this season

13/12/2024

Link to read our latest newsletter
See our plans for 2025

13/12/2024

Chatham Island Tour - October 2025
7 nights
Register your interest for this one - we are in the planning stages for an amazing 'exclusive' tour of the island with the owners of Awarakau Lodge. Once we have their availability lined up with Air Chathams it will be put in place.
Final price TBC as it is a tour that will be exclusive just for our group of 10 and away from the "norm" it will be $6000-$6500pp (twin share) for flights, accommodation, island touring and all meals.
The most memorable way to experience this remote place of New Zealand - so remote it has a different time zone from mainland NZ.
Email: [email protected]

Photos from previous tour, although group did not stay at this lodge on that tour