Coastal farm walk epitomises Gisborne experience

31 October 2006

New gourmet coastal farm walk epitomises Gisborne experience

New Zealand’s newest private farm walk was launched last weekend with a dozen Auckland and Wellington friends hiking over its 40km farm and coastal routes.

Walk Gisborne – a two or three day adventure boasting stylish accommodation, Gisborne food and wine, and massage services – was developed by Penny and Peter Hoogerbrug.

It begins on the Hoogerbrug’s Karakaroa Farm, the original homestead block of the 1200 hectare Rimunui Station, and continues across the 600hectare Makorori Station.

Following well-used tracks, the walk traverses open country, pockets of Puriri native bush (some protected by a QEII covenant), stands of kanuka and valleys of toetoe to Makorori Beach. It passes historic kumara pits, a Maori pa and midden site, and ancient mud volcanoes.

Accommodation is provided at the character-filled and completely refurbished Girls Brigade Lodge and Shearers Quarters, where farm shearers once stayed to shear the station’s sheep.

Aucklander Margot Bowes, who has trekked a different private farm walk for the past five years, says Walk Gisborne is the best organised and resourced luxury walk she has experienced to date.

“The walk has great variety and we loved the panoramic views to Mt Hikurangi, Young Nick’s Head, Mahia Peninsula and the Wharerata ranges, let alone Gisborne’s famed Makorori and Wainui beaches.

Just getting out of the city and up into the expanse of farmland helped clear the mind and recharge the batteries but the back, neck, foot and hand massage on my return to the Shearers Quarters was the highlight.”

Penny Hoogerbrug says Walk Gisborne epitomises the Gisborne experience.
“It’s what Gisborne is all about from its stunning scenery, welcoming hospitality and comfortable country accommodation to its delicious gourmet meals using local produce complemented by award-winning wines.

“We believe our venture will help promote Gisborne as a holiday destination and encourage New Zealanders to stay longer in what is a beautiful corner of paradise.”

ENDS

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