Kawhia Harbour

Latest Update 18/4/2016
  Over on the West Coast, Kâwhia Harbour is one of three large natural inlets in the Tasman Sea coast of the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located to the south of Raglan Harbour, Ruapuke and Aotea Harbour, 40 kilometres southwest of Hamilton. It is steeped in Maori history and in old times was a strong whaling harbour. It's isolation has meant it's kept it's traditional character and gives you a true kiwiana style place to stay.

This stunning harbour offers the paddler the opportunity to discover some amazing limestone formations from their kayak. These incredible features created millions of years ago under the sea now sit proud out of the water line and are just begging to be explored.

On this long weekend, when the tides are in our favour, we will get the chance to paddle amongst them and enjoy their natural beauty, along with the stunning landscape that is Kawhia Harbour.
Basing ourselves at the Kawhia Beachside S-Cape holiday park in Kawhia, we'll have direct access to the water and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area too, like hot water beach where at low tide, you can dig yourself a hole in the sand which fills with thermal water.

We'll also take the opportunity to experience the Waitomo Caves that lie south of Kawhia, which has vary options to suit all interests, from exploring the simple limestone caves by foot, taking a boat ride in to one of the larger glow worm caves, abseiling in to caves or going black water rafting.You choose! It's a great option on a day where the weather may not be suitable for paddling (we'll know nearer the time).    

I have 18 of us listed so far for the trip. The following are listed as coming:

I. Bailey & W. Hutchins
C. Allsop-Brown & G. Jones
E. McMurray
E. Leyshon
P. Gleason
L.Peacock
A. Jarlov (& Nick not paddling)
I. Wallmannsberger
M. Hoeseason
M & J Batten
A. Neil
B. Smith & L. Smith
R. Henderson & S. Stuart

If your name is on this list and you no longer wish to attend please let Estelle know asap. Similarly if you think your name should be on the list and it currently isn't, please let her know asap too. Text 0220918605
 
The Rough Plan:

Fri 22nd Apr: Travel to Kawhia from Tauranga on late on Friday afternoon (meet at 5pm at Canoe & Kayak BOP 49 Totara Street - it's about a 2.5 hours drive). 
Have dinner on route.
Stay night at campsite (cabins available).

Sat 23rd Apr: Paddle across the harbour and explore the inlet arms of the southern side where the spectacular pancake rocks exist. 
Pot luck dinner afterwards - please bring a meal to contribute
Stay at campsite

Sunday 24th Apr: 
Paddle and explore the eastern side of harbour - cover around 15km at most.
Drive a short distance from Kawhia and go for soak at Te Puia Springs that bubble up at low tide on edge of the Tasman Sea.
Organise yourselves for dinner or eat left overs
Stay at campsite

Monday 25th Apr: Morning pack up and head to Waitomo Caves, 1.5 hours south of Kawhia. Enjoy black water rafting or boat ride!
Drive back to Tauranga.

This plan may change/adjust according to the weather forecast and we may paddle on Monday instead of Sunday if it's too windy.
  To register for the trip email Estelle at bopyakityyakkayakclub@gmail.com / 0220918605