Get off the beaten track, explore a land that time forgot; relax on top of the world at our rustic farm lodge, soak in magical west coast sunsets...
Private farm walk over Kainui station for some spectacular farm, bush and coastal views
Cabin stay at the Kainui lodge, including exclusive use of the farm lodge for your group
17km walk on a back country track through stunning native bush and limestone valleys
Gather around a fire with a glass of red and toast marshmallows (or good times!)
Waterfalls and black sand beach walks
Explore the rugged and raw beauty of this little west coast corner
Get a group together and choose your dates!
Available for groups of 6 - 11 (please get in touch for larger group pricing).
This is escape is 3 days fully guided, with 2 nights accommodation at Kainui Lodge (9 basic cabins available with various bedding configurations), plus exclusive use of the farm/hunting lodge for this escape. Kainui Station is approximately a 3 hour drive from central Auckland, 1.5 hours from Hamilton, or 45minutes west of Waitomo Village.
From $1,450pp
Meet at Kainui lodge, transfers during escape included
Fully catered
BYO alcohol
Room options available
Explore
Join us on an adventure through limestone-laden valleys, hidden waterfalls, lush native bush and coastal views with a three day escape to Waitomo and the ruggedly beautiful west coast settlement of Marokopa. Arrive at Kainui station and tramp their farm track taking in west coast views, climbing and winding to the rustic, off-the-grid Kainui Lodge, built by local farmers Jan and Syd. Soak in the views and enjoy a couple of lawn games at this remote spot. Walk 17km through Waitomo limestone country and walk the track we mostly get to ourselves. No escape to this part of Aotearoa would be complete without checking out the stunning Marokopa Falls, Natural Bridge and Ruakuri bush walk - and a visit and walk along this rugged beach.
Escape food
On this escape your group will enjoy fresh, home cooked, prepared with love meals and packed lunches for the trails. Enjoy meat from the farm and fresh salads and sides to share for dinners - plus if you're lucky, whitebait fritters make an in-season appearance!
Stay
Approximately 35 minutes west of the Waitomo Caves in the beautiful farming valley of Marokopa, Jan and Syd built the rustic Kainui Lodge - high on top of a ridgeline for panoramic views of the rugged hills, bush and ocean. The fully off-grid lodge is powered by solar and fed by rainwater. Nine basic cabins are dotted around the hillside framed by the bushline, and lead to shared bathroom facilities. A double-storied, rustic farm lodge acts as the central gathering point for meals, wine and good vibes. A fully functional kitchen and long table dining, plus couches and a deck upstairs all lead out to a lawn with views you'll be mesmerised by.
What people have said about this tour:
WOW!!!! you guys are over and above any expectations we had. The whole experience was exceptional from organisation, the food was outstanding not only the quality but the quantity. Anita did a bloody awesome job!!! The accommodation was great. Irene was so passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The hiking trips were stunning we so loved this part of NZ, we want to come back , Mary already planning a road trip with her grandies! We felt the whole family (& village) vibe too , and you welcomed us into your family, we weren't just another customer that was for sure! Please keep us posted with anything else you are up to, you were born to do this! - Bev, Katikati
Thank you so much for taking such good care of our group on the Marakopa Walk. I know how much planning and organisation you would have put into making this happen. You made everything so easy for us. I wouldn't have wanted to do the walks, particularly on the first two days, without Irene - she was a great guide, very knowledgeable, caring and supportive during the tricky sections and good company. As for Anita's amazing food - what a treat. Everything from the breakfasts to the packed lunches, pre-dinner platters and dinners was just perfect. And to throw in a practical lesson in flax flower making to boot, on our last morning well... a lasting memento of a wonderful weekend! - Linda, Hamilton
Your escape itinerary day by day
Day One
8km / 3 - 4 hours walking (moderate grade with a few short sharp leg burners!)
Meet your local guide at Kainui Station for a quick briefing before we begin our farm walk over the farm to the Lodge. A decent climb leads us to the top ridge line and trig point before we dip into the bush, with glimpses of the ocean at times. We find a nice wee spot for lunch among the green, before our walk leads us right up to the doorstep of Kainui Lodge, where a hot cuppa and baking will be waiting for us. Your gear will be transferred up to the lodge for you so you can spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the views, perhaps some lawn games or a book before dinner is served with a side of west coast sunset.
Day Two
17km / 7-8 hours hiking (moderate to hard grade)
Enter the hidden world of the Tawarau Forest, tucked deep in the heart of limestone-laden bluffs of Waitomo caves country. We have a full day in store today with a hike through what can only be described as a true kiwi 'tramping' track - with a 20 minute drive along a less than maintained gravel road leading us to the starting point. There are many idyllic spots to stop and explore along the way including the hidden double falls, a river carved from limestone, a swing bridge and a rustic farm hut - with the final stretch winding over farmland through a limestone valley. We rarely cross paths with other trampers on this walk, it's a true hidden gem. The track itself is undulating with a few small climbs but we start at a a higher elevation than we finish. By the end of the day you will be feeling ready to put your feet up and relax back at the lodge.
Day Three
2 - 5km / 1 - 2 hours hiking (easy grade)
Enjoy a sleep in this morning before we pack up and get a scenic tuk tuk ride back down the farm track! Just five minutes out to the coast to we head to explore the small settlement of Marokopa, including a beach walk up to an ocean pool if the tides allow us. After exploring the rugged beauty of the coastline, we head back inland with the first stop a short walk on a new track, leading to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country - Marokopa Falls. Just up the road is to explore one of Waitomo's hidden wonders - the Natural Bridge, a 17m high natural limestone arch where we will enjoy our last picnic lunch together. We have one final leg stretcher - the Ruakuri bush loop. A real highlight of the Waitomo area, this spectacular walk takes you through a forested gorge, past natural sculpted cliffs and under low limestone arches. We wind the escape up in Waitomo Village with afternoon tea and new memories made.
Note: We will always endeavour to stick as closely to this itinerary as possible to deliver the best experience to you. If anything outside of our control should change as it does from time to time, we will substitute elements of this itinerary to reflect the same value and level of amazing!
Grading
Grade
Varies each day:
Day One - 3-4 hours tramping, steep farmland, some native bush
Day Two - 7-8 hours tramping, overall decline in elevation, mostly bush, farmland
Day Three- 1 - 2hour tramping, easy grade
Carrying a small day backpack for your personal gear such as water, lunch and a rain jacket.
Track conditions
Track surfaces on this escape vary, from well maintained paths through to more rugged terrain where you will be walking over tree roots, mud and rocks and steep farmland. There are also some small stream crossings your guide will help you navigate and one high swing bridge with fantastic river views. You will get the most out of this escape if you have a good level of fitness, but previous hiking experience is not necessary. Irene will ensure that the pace is dictated by the group and allow plenty of time for short breaks for water, refreshments and photos. For us, it's about the journey, not the destination.
The ins and outs
Meet at Kainui Station at 10am on Day 1. The exact address will be to sent when you book. During this escape, you will be transported around in our super comfortable and spacious, Nature and Nosh Ford Transit custom van. On the last day, we will pack up and all self drive together to the day's walks - all of which are on the way back to Waitomo.
Rooms configurations:
There are 9 cabins available with mixed bedding configurations - from queens to bunk beds. All linen and towels provided.
Food
Meals included on this escape:
Day 1: Morning tea, lunch, welcome platter, dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 3: Breakfast, lunch, snacks
Cooked and continental breakfast options, gourmet packed lunches, two-course evening meals with cheese and cracker platters for pre-dinner nibbles.
Please BYO alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Special dietary requirements
If you have special dietary requirements, as long as we know about them in advance we should be able to cater for you. We hope to accommodate all special dietary requirements, however, if this is not possible we will inform you as soon as we can.
Safety
We are Qualmark Gold endorsed operators. Qualmark independently evaluates tourism operators in New Zealand annually to ensure quality across all business areas. A Gold Award is evidence of one of the most high quality, safe and sustainable experiences in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything we do.
Weather
We do walk in the rain! As long as our guides have deemed conditions safe for walking. We can usually change our day around a little to make the best of the weather, but you need to come prepared for the elements! See our recommended packing list.
WiFi and reception
There is no reception or wifi at Kainui lodge. On your walking days, reception will be limited but your guide carries an emergency device for safety.
Interested in joining a group?
If you love the sound of this trip and want to register your interest in joining a group - let us know via the form below and we'll get in touch if we get minimum numbers for your trip and preferred dates!
