The Wild Kaimanawa Horses of the Army Tussock Lands

Itinerary

DAY ONE                                                                   MT, L, D  

This morning we head south. Enjoy the scenery through to Taupo, stopping in for morning tea along the way, arriving at Huka Prawn Park, one of NZ's aquaculture success stories. After years of perfecting farming techniques by trial and error, New Zealand's only prawn farm has developed a winning business formula incorporating farming, tourism and hi-tech innovation. We are to have an informative guided tour of the complex and then lunch at Taupo's only 'Riverside Restaurant' as its namesake suggests. Don't worry; there are other yummy dishes available if prawns aren't your thing. We will then continue our way along Lake Taupo's shores then across the Desert Road, arriving at our destination and accommodation for the next two nights in Ohakune. Dinner will be at be offsite tonight at a local restaurant. 

DAY TWO                                                                   B, MT, L, D  

Away by 8 am, we head to Waiouru and enter the Defence Force land, unfamiliar to most. Here we will meet our hosts for the day and board our Tour Coach for the next leg of the journey. Each year Kaimanawa Heritage Horses arrange a guided bus trip through the Waiouru Army Base land. This region is closed to the public, and we are very fortunate to be able to take this experience. See foals, mares, yearlings, and stallions in their family bands. There will also be a stop at the yards where the horses are mustered, and you will see the spectacular scenery where these horses roam. The bus trip includes a talk and slide show on army activities and safety. A representative of the Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Trust will provide an insight into the muster process. There will be a merchandise stall at the muster yards, an opportunity to help with fundraising for the horses' ongoing management if you so wish.

DAY THREE                                                              B, MT, L  

Alas, all too soon, it will be time to head home, armed with lovely photos and fond memories of wild places visited. On our way, we will stop for morning tea, enjoy the mountain views, then travel over the hill through to Taupo and onto Rotorua for a buffet lunch at the Millenium Hotel. That should reduce any desire to cook dinner tonight... then after, it's a short drive through to Tauranga.