Day One: Whakapata Cottage to The Cookhouse

Hosts: Jenny & Alistair Boyne
Degree of difficulty: moderate / difficult
Distance: 15.5km or 6 - 7hrs.

After a gentle start across rolling open pastures begin the climb up Limestone Hill. This is the highest point of your three days at 355 metres above sea level. Limestone Hill is a magnificent vantage point with sweeping views to the Haurangi Ranges and ahead to the Pacific Ocean and is a perfect lunch spot (on a good day!). Descend to No Name Creek via the Tora Bush. This DOC Reserve is a wonderful example of original native bush in our area and provides a welcome respite in hot weather. Your second main climb is up Tim’s Hill and takes you to The Lookout. Take in the breath taking expanse of coastline below you before descending to historic Tora Station. Steeped in history, the original “Cookhouse” will transport you back in time as you relax after a hard days graft - as generations of shepherd, shearers and fencers have done before you.