Scenic Short Hike Tour - Papamoa Hills and McLaren Falls
This sightseeing tour consists of two short hikes showcasing the natural beauty of Tauranga and the surrounding countryside. You will see breath taking views of the Bay of Plenty coastline and New Zealand's native forests plus learn about some of the local history of the area.
Options
Scenic Short Hike Tour - Papamoa Hills and McLaren Falls
Pickup included
What's included in Scenic Short Hike Tour - Papamoa Hills and McLaren Falls
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Mount Maunganui
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.
Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park
Leaving the beach, you will travel a short distance along the coast to the Pāpāmoa Hills. With a height of 224 metres at the summit, the hills make up the end of the Otawa range that runs from the Mamaku Plateau out to the coast. This walk consists of a one hour (approx.) return walk across rolling farmland out to the end of the hills where you will get sweeping views along the Bay of Plenty coastline and across the city of Tauranga. The area is one of the most significant historical and archaeological sites in New Zealand. First settled by Māori around 1400AD there are the remains of several Pā (Village) across the site dating back to 1650AD.
McLaren Falls Park
Next your driver will take you around the edge of 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 (25min return approx.) along a winding pathway up a small streambed to a natural waterfall hidden amongst native bushland with birds and other wildlife. Learn about some of the local flora and fauna and observe glow-worm threads in the daylight. You will then start to make your way back into the city but not before a short stop at the Minden Lookout with a fantastic view across the harbour. Your driver will then take you back through the city and across the harbour bridge to the start of your tour.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Local Driver / Guide
- Live commentary on board
- Port pickup / drop off
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Meeting / End Points
- Please meet at the WICKED WANDERS sign board on the grassy mound opposite the port gates.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Thank you for booking with Wicked Wanders Tours. ***PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK YOU HAVE BOOKED THE CORRECT DATE, TIME AND PICKUP LOCATION*** If you have any specific questions or requirements regarding your booking with us that is outside of pick-up location and food allergies etc, please contact us directly via email or direct message so we can action it in a timely manner. When we are busy, we may not be able to check the booking notes until the days leading up to your tour and by then it may be too late to accommodate your request. IMPORTANT: You will receive an automated reminder three weeks prior to your travel date with all the information regarding where to meet on the day, as well as a confirmed departure time for the tour which may differ to the time on your original booking. Please look for this. If you book less than three weeks prior to your travel date, we will still manually send you the meeting information. CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: If you are traveling by cruise ship it is important we have a contactable phone number or email address that we can reach you on if anything changes. We appreciate that you may not want to pay for internet on the ship but at the very least you must regularly check your messages while ashore. We take no responsibility in the unlikely event that things change last minute, and we cannot contact you. If you are starting your cruise in New Zealand, we recommend you purchase a prepaid New Zealand SIM card before boarding and notify us of the number. Thank you and happy holidaying.
