Whakatane - Hawke's Bay

Explore art deco-laden Napier, Chardonnay capital Gisborne and relaxed Whakatane for a trip out to active volcano White Island. This coastal road trip features magnificent beaches, incredible wine and several places of historical importance, including Kati Beach where Captain Cook first landed the sun-drenched Hawke's Bay features it all.

So you've done a bit of snorkelling, been swimming with the dolphins and seen stingrays up close and personal – you think you've done it all? Not yet. To really consider yourself an aquatic adventurer there's one more thing you have to tick off your list. That's right, swimming with sharks!

In an ironic role reversal, the shark cage experience involves you being put into a cage, partly submerged in the ocean, while ravenous mako sharks circle. If this sounds like fun then you're probably a little crazy – but it can be done.

Off the coast of Gisborne, a fishing charter company runs regular shark diving experiences for the brave…and mildly insane. Live baits are dropped into the water to attract the sharks, and before long, the cage is surrounded with hungry makos hunting for a tasty treat.

The cage floats on top of the water so divers can stand chest-deep and get oxygen easily. You can choose to snorkel or use the regulator mouthpiece for longer stints under the water, watching as these powerful sets of jaws glide effortlessly past.

Shark cage experiences are great for photographers, videographers, or just the everyday tourist who's looking to do something a little less ordinary. Certainly one to get your blood pumping, the shark cage experience is not for the fainthearted, or the selachophobe for that matter.

It's one thing to slide down a grassy hill on a piece of cardboard (remember that as a kid?), whooping with excitement as your corrugated ride gathers bouncing momentum. But it's something else to slide at high speed down 60 metres of rock.

But this isn't just any rock face – it's not a craggy cliff of menacing dimensions that should be left to abseilers. Rather, it's a wild ride made smooth by a coating of constantly running water.

Located approximately 50km from Gisborne on the Wharekopae Road – heading toward Eastwoodhill Arboretum – this natural rock slide is a part of the Wharekopae River.

Most age groups could give this rockslide a go: however, a little care is suggested. So is using a boogie board, inflatable mattress or inner tube to replace the traditional cardboard vehicle.

Just one word of warning – don't mistake the Rere Falls for the rockslide! It may look like a gush of water that begs to be conquered, but these falls are better captured via photography. You'll also find a great swimming hole and picnic area here.

And if Rere Waterfall remains too compelling to ignore, you could always try walking around its cascading curtain to slide from the rocks behind into the water below.

While some wine regions are not easily identified by a single grape variety, Gisborne earns its title of the Chardonnay Capital.

One of New Zealand's biggest grape-growing regions, Gisborne has 2000ha of vineyards, with more than half dedicated to producing acclaimed chardonnay.

A dominant feature of Gisborne chardonnay is that it is approachable, meaning it is ready to drink at a young 'age'. This can be attributed to the generous amount of sunshine and warmth the region receives.

With such a climate, grapes ripen and produce low amounts of acidity but high levels of sugar. The result is full-bodied, lush, soft, fruit-flavoured chardonnay. Although it can be enjoyed so soon after production, Gisborne chardonnay also matures well.

Wine tours can guide you around the region's best vineyards; and if you're planning to visit Gisborne in October, don't miss the annual Wine & Food Festival, but be aware – tickets sell out fast.

Enjoy a 75-minute cruising tour or go by jet boat for 8km and kayak for 8km. The Motu River offers the only access to this wild splendour, scarcely touched by humans since time began. Its banks are carpeted with unique and rare flora and the entire river is protected by a conservation order.

What makes a jet boat ride down the Motu so special is the combination of ancient Maori history and adventure, delivered by the well-informed drivers as you fly along the water past numerous natural features.

Thrilling and informative, your high-speed jet boat ride down the Motu River in Gisborne is an excellent way to get on the water and learn something about it at the same time.

Overnight jet boat tours are a particularly memorable way to discover the Motu. Experienced guides jet you up the river to a suitable camping site, where you set up a tent and soak up the beautiful stillness of this untouched region. With campfires, fishing, kayaking and waking up riverside, this truly is the complete Motu experience.

In a kayak or raft, it’s all systems go as you manoeuvre your way through the notorious gorges of the Gisborne region and down legendary rapids such as Bullivant’s Cascade, The Motu Slot and Double Staircase – each twist and turn offers exciting new surprises.

If youre keen for a cultural fix, then Gisbornes diverse range of attractions should tick all boxes. Here are some suggestions:

For a comprehensive and entertaining insight into Maori culture, Waka Toa delivers the goods. This performing arts group mixes Maori legends and stories with music, drama and humour to give you an authentic Maori experience.

The Tairawhiti Museum combines with an art gallery and its extensive collection covers everything from Maori treasures to textiles while it also houses Wyllie Cottage and the Star of Canada Maritime Museum.

The East Coast Museum of Technology is great for the family, with displays ranging from tractors to engines.

Staying with the transport theme, the Gisborne Aviation Museum documents the regions history of flying, complete with aircraft on display.

Starting at the long outstretch that is Tolaga Bay Wharf, the Cook's Cove Walkway takes you across farmland and regenerating forest to the spot where Captain James Cook dropped anchor to repair and restock Endeavour.

Not long into the trip, you'll come across a wooden lookout platform, gaining the first views of Cook's Cove itself. Sheltered by the weathered Mitre Rocks to the left and Pourewa Island to the right, it's not hard to see why Captain Cook decided to take stock here.

Once the track arrives at the cove, you can play the modern-day explorer and check out the Hole-in-the-Wall (Te Kotere o te Whenua) as well as the New Zealand Historic Places Trust memorial, a commemoration of Cook's visit. Follow in the great explorer's footsteps and restock your own ship: that is, enjoy a picnic on the white sands of Cook's Cove.

No matter what your style, you're bound to enjoy this scenic and historic walk!

Cook's Cove Walkway leads through working farmland; therefore the track is closed from 1 August until Labour Weekend for lambing. Walkers are asked to respect the farmer's land and stock at all times.