On tour with the McCaws in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty
The McCaws go on tour to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.
What do Kiwi sporting royalty do on holiday? If their names are Richie and Gemma McCaw, they do a roadie around this glorious country we call home.
Between them, the legendary former All Black and his former Black Sticks wife aren't short of stamps in their passports. But like so many of us, the McCaws are keen on uncovering the gems in their own backyard.
“It's all about doing something new, New Zealand,” says Richie.
The McCaws are exploring the hills and dales of Aoteaora, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, to encourage Kiwis to get out there and have some incredible experiences.
And where better to start than one of this country's most popular regions – the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua?
WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY
One of Rotorua's nicknames is Sulphur City (no explanation needed).
The McCaws' good time started at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world's youngest geothermal area and the world's largest hotspring. Not to mention the spectacular volcanic craters and the majesty that is Mt Tarawera.
“We absolutely loved learning about the history of Mt Tarawera,” says Richie. “Seeing the geothermal activity up close in a kayak and hearing local insights into the area was fascinating.”
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROTORUA
No surprises that one of our most successful All Blacks loves mountain biking. And it doesn't get much better than Mountain Bike Rotorua. With more than 160km of twisting and turning trails that weave through the Jurassic-like Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, bikers of every age and stage are catered for.
“The Redwoods is one of the best places I've ever mountain biked,” says Richie. “Exploring new tracks with the locals was fun and I will definitely be back to do some more!”
SECRET SPOT HOT TUBS ROTORUA
All work and no rest makes Richie a sore boy. That's why the McCaws loved the hot tubs at this wee gem on the fringes of the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. nition of a tive relaxers they always do something a
TAURANGA MARINE CHARTERS PHOENIX VALLEY GLAMPING MOUNT MADE ICE CREAM
tive when on holiday.
“This was a great place to relax, rest and reflect on the day we had. It's an ideal place to spend some time after a great day exploring.”
It's time to point the car north and head to Tauranga, where the McCaws experienced New Zealand's fifth largest city from the water.
Tauranga Marine Charters have been taking visitors fishing on their purpose-built vessel MV Manutere for 40 years, so they know what they're doing.
“Going fishing was a real highlight, especially because it was such a beautiful day,” recalls Richie.“Seeing the Mount and the landscape, plus having fun fishing, was the perfect morning out. We'd love to bring family and friends out again for a day's fishing.”
When you've stayed at some of the world's best hotels, it can be hard to compete. But a luxury campsite, tucked into lush punga ferns with a crystal clear stream and the only noise the sound of native birds, ticked all the boxes for the McCaws.
Phoenix Valley Glamping at Pyes Pa is about 15 minutes from Tauranga's CBD and is where you go to unplug and de-stress.
“This was such a special spot,” says Richie. “The moment we drove in we felt relaxed in the beautiful surroundings.”
It helped that local chefs, Karena and Kasey Bird, the sibling TV presenters and former Masterchef winners, were on hand to whip up a feast for the McCaws.
“We loved cooking a meal with Kasey and Karena. Their warmth and humour was infectious and I even picked up a few cooking tips!”
If you're going to turn out small-batch ice-cream with real ingredients and give them names such as All Black Hokey Pokey, you're going to get the McCaw seal of approval.
There's no better way to end a roadie than with a treat and Mount Made Ice Cream is where those with a sweet tooth head. If, for some reason, hokey pokey isn't your jam, don't worry, the friendly folk at Mount Made Ice Cream have your back (and your tastebuds) with flavours such as chocolate, coffee and strawberry, all made with local ingredients.
“This was the perfect way to end our weekend and we loved trying new flavours, especially the
All Black Hokey Pokey and Black Doris sorbet. We both love icecream and getting to walk along the beach and enjoy it topped off a great weekend.”
For the McCaws, their roadie confirmed this region as one of their favourites. "We had an awesome weekend exploring Gem's old stomping ground, Tauranga and Rotorua. We met the most amazing locals along the way who gave us local tips and were so hospitable. I have to say, it was pretty impressive," says Richie.
Gemma was equally complementary about the region: "We want to show accessible weekend getaways around New Zealand, and inspire Kiwis to get out and explore our beautiful country.
I loved showing Richie around my hometown and discovering the scenery in my neck of the woods together."
MCCAWS' TRAVEL TIPS FOR AN EPIC KIWI GETAWAY: “Mix it up - with both relaxing and active things, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds”
“Get up early for one of your activities, whether kayaking, fishing or out in nature, sunrise is the best part of the day!”
To watch the ‘McCaws on Tour’ episode about this region visit play.stuff.co.nz. For more inspiration for your next long weekend trip or short getaway to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty visit