Out and about in South Taranaki
Most people who visit South Taranaki will either head to Tawhiti Museum, the water tower or straight for the mountain, but ask the locals and there’s loads of options – most of them free.
You could head out for a surf or a fish at one of the many breaks along the coast or stop in for a few bombs at the Ohawe Beach waterhole.
This sleepy village, 7km from Ha¯ wera, hides a hidden gem – it has one of the best waterholes in NZ.
The usually popular surfing, boat fishing and whitebaiting spot is the perfect place to test out your best manus, staples or cannonballs by either jumping from the cliff or, for those a bit more adventurous, climbing the tree and jumping.
Legend has it few have managed to touch the bottom, but don’t let that stop you trying.
Those who prefer their pools more sedate and embedded in concrete can enjoy one of the many free community pools available in Pa¯ tea, Waverley, Manaia, Rawhitiroa, Kaponga and Eltham, and while they aren’t heated, no one notices once you’re in the water.
However, if the weather’s not playing ball or you’d much prefer a walk, there’s the local version of New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway from Ohawe Beach to Waihi Beach, or vice versa. While you won’t find a pristine manicured pathway or a coffee cart along the way, there are some magnificent views with the steep cliffs running along one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Just be sure to keep an eye on the tides before you set off on this 5km journey.
For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, there’s Lake Rotokare, a 230ha scenic reserve with the country’s largest wetland and lake habitat inside a predator-proof fence, which puts you in there with a whole range of birds and wildlife.
Just south of Ha¯ wera there’s Nowells Lakes walkway, with two walks that meander through a community conservation project where close to 20,000 trees have been planted, with some sand dunes and lovely views all round.
After all that walking and swimming you’ll need some food and while it’s not free, there’s no shortage of variety. A wee tour around the district will net you the makings of a fabulous sandwich. At Manaia, visit the Yarrows Bakery shop where you can pick up some bread or croissants, with pastries for after, at factory shop prices.
Stop in at Eltham and grab some cheese from Fonterra’s cheese shop, and pop down to Pa¯ tea for some bacon from Hurley’s Butchery.
If all else fails stop in at the famous Andersons pies HQ in Ha¯ wera and pick yourself up a mince and cheese or a bacon and egg pie (or both).
A good way to end a day of adventure is to head to O¯ punake and have fish and chips on the beach.