Experiences

Hiking & Walking

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Greenmantle tracks take guests through water gardens, Nikau forest with its own small amphitheatre up to a secluded native tree clearing for a breath then down again through more challenging Ponga forest.
Nearby there is also a great range of tracks including;
- Waikanae Estuary there is a 5km track for biking and walking as part of the Otaihanga domain and Scientific Reserve.
- Queen Elizabeth Park has a variety of beautiful tracks with its coastal and inland dunes backed by wetlands habitats.
- Te Araroa Walkway - Paekākāriki Escarpment reaching 220 meters above sea level it has spectacular views. It takes around 3-4 hours.

Cycling

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We can also arrange mountain bike & helmet hire for 1-3 days to make it possible to explore each day even more parts of this special coast and still get good exercise. There is an option of guided cycling tours including from beach to back country. There are convenient 20-30km tracks with charming local cafés placed strategically on route. For the wine lover who is capable of serious Tour de France hill climbs there is back route through beautiful mountains to the neighbouring Wairarapa vineyards for the day. For the more adventurous, together with Kapiti Heliworx we can now take mountain bikers up to the Devil Staircase in the Akatawara Forest Park.

Otaki Forks Rafting

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Raft the scenic Otaki River with its sensible rapids having regular, medium sized waves, low ledges or drops, easy eddies and gradual bends. Under the careful influence of qualified guides, guest can have a go to take control of a raft, swim the rapids, find a rock to jump off, experience the waterfall in all its power, or simply sit back and enjoy the view, just remembering if you splash expect to get splashed back! An variation for guests wanting even more there is night rafting, guided by the glow worms that line the banks and the sounds of the approaching rapids. (Minimum of 4 maximum 6)

World Class Car Museum

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Pop over the road to a Night at the Southward Car Museum for an exclusive escorted viewing of this world class facility to see not only formal exhibits but also what is in the shed ‘yet to restored’ or ‘under the hood’ with Southward’s expert. (Minimum of 2 max 10)

Scenic Helicopter Flights

(Either flight requires minimum of 2 subject to favourable weather conditions)

Kapiti Island

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Kapiti Island Flight: The 200 million year old island is rich in culture and history. Its impressively rugged cliffs and huge abundance of native growth and bird life offer some of the best vistas in New Zealand. Listen to the informative commentary as you are helicoptering your way through the air for 18 minutes to gain a perspective.

Mount Hector

Mount Hector is a really spectacular delight and an alpine experience not to be missed for a 24-minute return flight. During the winter season it’s often snow capped at an altitude of 5000ft. Listen to informative stories of the Tararua Ranges of years gone by like how during the 1920s & 1930s skiers would tramp from the Otaki Forks to ski the slopes near Kime Hut.
Mount Hector is a really spectacular delight and an alpine experience not to be missed for a 24-minute return flight. During the winter season it’s often snow capped at an altitude of 5000ft. Listen to informative stories of the Tararua Ranges of years gone by like how during the 1920s & 1930s skiers would tramp from the Otaki Forks to ski the slopes near Kime Hut.

Bird Watching

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Escorted visits to the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve Bird Sanctuary to experience a unique balance of conservation, ecology and local human history. And if you are lucky there can be dolphins on the boat ride over.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve with 700 different species of native plants and 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings. In the nocturnal enclosure there is the convenient opportunity to see Kiwis during the day and at night there is now an outdoor enclosure to witness a Kiwi couple in close to their natural environment.

Horseback Riding

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Two-hour Waikanae Beach trek form the equestrian centre next to the Waikanae River in a beautiful rural setting, mount one of the well schooled horses or ponies, then ride down a track to wonderful beach on which to ride and outstanding sea vistas to enjoy along the sands of this wide open stretch for two hours with a stop at a beach café for good coffee and refreshments during the ride.(This activity is suitable for experienced riders, subject to favourable weather and tide conditions.)

Fishing Vacations

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The Kapiti Marine Reserve has revitalised sea life for divers to appreciate and for the recreational fishers (camera or even a rod and spear fishing). Fishing charters are available on the southern coasts toward Wellington with almost guaranteed catch for your lunch as well as white baiting at Waikanae and brown trout in the Otaki River.

Garden & Heritage Tours

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Greenmantle’s own formal gardens have been a local feature enjoyed for decades. However, its native Nikau forest with dense canopy is a subtropical surprise. There are treats also nearby for passionate gardeners with a botanic interest both exotic and native.

Walking Gourmet Tours

If you are looking for a small, personal introduction to Wellington city and love the sound of sampling food and drink from New Zealand's 'culinary, cafe and coffee capital', then a Zest Food Tours Wellington walking tour might be for you.

Wellington Walking Gourmet

This mouth-watering culinary experience will take you off the beaten track to taste local products and meet some of the artisans behind Wellington’s coffee, chocolate, gelato and more, and then concludes with a delicious, light two-course tasting lunch matched with New Zealand wines or craft beer at a top Wellington restaurant.

Throughout your 5 hour tour, you will be introduced to New Zealand’s ‘culinary, coffee and craft beer capital’. On Sundays, your itinerary will include the lovely waterfront Harbourside food market.

Taste Wellington

This exclusive 6 hour tour takes in all of the features of the Walking Gourmet tours, and then takes you to the home of a local foodie for a kiwi afternoon tea. Here you can learn more about what makes the locals tick, and how we live.