On Tour with the McCaws in Taranaki and Whanganui
The McCaws Go On Tour to Taranaki and Whanganui.
It's winter and the temptation to snuggle under the duvet and hibernate until September is strong. But as Richie McCaw puts it, “getting out and doing something new, New Zealand,” is the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Richie and his wife Gemma are exploring Aotearoa, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), to encourage Kiwis to get out there and have some incredible adventures.
This time, they've made their way to the mighty Taranaki and Whanganui regions.
SURFING AT FITZROY BEACH
You can't visit the surf capital of New Zealand without giving it a go. And former All Black legend Richie did, with the help of surf instructor Tama Blackburn of Nau Mai Tours.
“I've only tried surfing once before, and that was pretty unsuccessful,” laughs Richie. “But this is the first time I've had any instructions on what to do. Tama was really patient and we got lucky with waves that were spot-on for learning.”
Although time was limited, Richie is keen to repeat the experience.
“I did manage to stand up once and now understand what keeps people coming back to the thrill of riding the waves. I'm definitely keen to try and improve.”
SANCTUARY HILL YOGA
As anyone who's ever done yoga knows, it's not as easy as it looks.
But that didn't stop Gemma from saluting the sun at Sanctuary Hill Yoga, a wellness sanctuary in New Plymouth.
“I loved my yoga session,” says Gemma. “Slowing down and trying new activities was great for me. The owners were lovely and it was such a special experience being in their tranquil surroundings.”
MT TARANAKI
New Zealand's most perfectly formed volcano, Mt Taranaki, is the jewel in the region's crown. And a visit to it is something that's been on Richie's bucket list for years.
“I've been to New Plymouth many times during my rugby days and always looked at Mt Taranaki from a distance. People would always talk about how amazing it was but it wasn't until I got to walk part way up the mountain that I realised its significance to the region.”
The couple also lucked out with their guide, Jamie Tuuta, Board Chairman of TNZ and the Taranaki Mounga Trust.
“Jamie was hugely knowledgeable about the mountain and what it means to local Iwi. I loved hearing his stories about the mountain.”
Taranaki Mounga is breathtaking to look at but is well known for having fast-changing and extreme weather. Before taking to the outdoors in winter, you should prepare well and choose the right track for your experience and the time you have available. Visit the DOC website to learn more about the trip, what to expect and how to prepare.
STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE
There's no shortage of places to eat in Taranaki and the McCaws were lucky enough to enjoy dinner at Stratford Mountain House, a long-established luxury lodge that's part of the Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Trust.
The lodge, and it's delicious restaurant, won the hearts of the pair.
“The lovely lodge had probably the best view of Mt Taranaki. It was pretty special to be situated in the bush under the mountain. And the fresh cod I had for dinner was amazing too!”
PŪTIKI CHURCH
Further down the coast, in Whanganui, the McCaws went to church. But not any old church – this heritage Anglican church was built in 1937 and has a backstory as interesting as the people who've passed through its doors.
Local guide Lisa Rewiti told the couple of how Pūtiki's previous churches were destroyed by fire, floods, an earthquake and bugs who chewed their way through the walls.
“We loved Lisa's story of how and why this church was built,” says Richie. “Especially the way it brought together two different cultures, as well as the intricate detail inside the church and the stories they tell.”
WHANGANUI RIVER
It wasn't all work and no play in Whanganui. Richie got out onto the Whanganui River, the third longest river in New Zealand, stretching 290km from Mt Tongariro to the Tasman Sea.
He went out for a paddle with guides Hemi Gray and Hayden Potaka from Unique Whanganui River Adventures.
“The scenery was magic but it was hearing the stories of Hemi and Hayden, and what the river meant to them, that really made this experience. They are immensely proud that in 2017 the river became the first river to be granted the same legal rights as a person. Everything they do is to preserve the river for future generations.”
Before tackling the Whanganui river canoe trip, you should research the trip, have a good fitness level and be a confident swimmer.
The Whanganui Journey Great Walks season runs from 1 October to 30 April. Outside of these dates you are strongly recommended not to attempt this trip: the winter environment is wet and cold, the river level is high, the water temperature is very cold, and hut facilities are reduced.