Matakana Island Adventure

I was up at 4am on the 23rd August to pick up a group of 17 from Germany from the Auckland International Airport who were about to commence twelve months of volunteer work around New Zealand. The flight arrived at 5.15am and by 7am we were all on the bus and heading back to Tauranga. Feeling pretty tired they were happy to hear that once in Tauranga they could relax for the rest of the day. However they had to be up by 6.30 the following morning as we were off to Matakana Island. We woke to a beautiful Tauranga winters day and were soon heading off to Omokoroa to catch the ferry across to the island. When we arrived at Omokoroa we were treated to a beautiful sunrise and then we were on the ferry heading over to our destination. On arrival we raced off to help put down the hangi before receiving a traditional welcome by our hosts who went on to tell us about life style on the island including the history, culture farming and schooling.

After morning tea and informal introductions and then the school children arrived to preformed a kupa haka show for us, all kitted out in the traditional Maori dress. Our visitor then performed the haka and sang their National Anthem before interacting with the school children where a challenge was laid down for a game of soccer. We then took a quick trip on the bus around the island and taken to one of the highest points to get a panoramic view of the area.




Around 11.30 we headed back to lift up the hangi then settled in for the feast. There was plenty of delicious food and just as well because pretty much everyone went up for seconds and even thirds. Just as the food had settled in the children returned ready for the challenge. We ended up mixing the teams to make it fair and off we went. Everyone had a huge amount of fun but it would not very Kiwi like if a rugby challenge wasn't laid down also. It was suppose to be touch but the traditional tackle version soon came into play.



With everyone a little bit tired we hopped back on the bus and headed to the beach. The bus ride in itself was something to remember with rough, narrow roads showing the way. The last kilometer or so was a narrow forestry road and as we got to the top of a mall rise the Pacific ocean welcomed us with an awe inspiring view resulting in everyone expelling a sound of amazement. With Tuhua, Karewa, Motiti Island and Mount Maunganui in the background and not a soul in sight it was an incredible sight. Our guests couldn't get over the beautiful sunny day and enjoyed a releasing time beach combing the shoreline and taking plenty of photos.


It all ended too soon before we were back on the bus and heading back have another tour around the island, this time by Clydesdale drawn carriage and also a bit of clay bird shooting. The day went far to quick and with the last ferry was leaving at 4.30pm we soon had to say our goodbyes and headed back to the jetty to catch the ride back to the mainland. By the time we got back to Omokoroa the sun was beginning to set. Everyone had had a great day but were looking forward to a hot meal and getting some well earned rest.




For all your Matakana Island Adventures visit our website http://www.adventurebop.co.nz/