Tora Coastal Walk

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The Tora Coastal Walk is hosted by three families, the  Elworthy’s, the McNeil’s, and the Hyde’s.

Kiri and James Elworthy are 2nd generation Tora farmers on a 650ha sheep and beef property, with four children aged 18 – 28 who have all grown up on the property. All four children have grown up with farming in the blood and the Tora walkers at the back door step.  Whilst the boys are typical rugby playing, hunting and fishing fanatics, they can also turn out a mean lemon tart for 14 people at the blink of an eye.

Tineke, a third generation local met now husband Stew McNeil 25 years ago when he was commercial fishing at Tora Bay. They married on the beach and had their reception at the Tora Station Woolshed. They live in a cute little house on their bush block, with 350ha of regenerating native bush. The Tora Coastal Walk track runs along their top boundary. They’ve got three children, who all love motorbiking and pig/deer hunting, so the freezer is always full.

You’ll meet Barney and Rose at Greentops where they took up residence in September 2022.  Rose is our awesome kitchen manager and makes sure you’re fed and happy.  Barney takes care of weekend luggage runs, collecting the supplies from Martinborough and anything else that needs attention.  They’re on hand to give track advice before you walk Day Three and make sure you have everything else you might need.

   Barney and co-owner James have known each other since they were little tackers at school.  They caused all sorts of havoc together at Massey University before settling down (a little bit!) with their respective families.  Barney and Rose have a massive background in hospitality having run their own catering business and for the past 16 years owned a Robert Harris café in Palmerston North.  When they sold the café and were looking for a new adventure, we managed to lure them to Tora where they live in a cute little cottage looking out over Te Awaiti Bay – bit of a change of scene and they’ve become an integral part of our team.

What To Bring