Kay Morgan has owned and run the Star Tavern for 20 years. Located in Omau, Cape Foulwind, the iconic pub is open daily from 4.00pm through Winter, providing an ideal stop along the Trail.

Keen to spend more time with grandchildren, Kay told us she hopes to sell the Tavern to a younger couple, who can embrace the new era. Kay’s other passion has been lovingly restoring the majestic French Colonial Villa Whare Tangaroa, meaning Home of God of the Sea.

The house has a spectacular clifftop position, overlooking the Tasman Sea. Kay intends to live in the Villa, and turn what was going to be a function centre into studios for rental accommodation.

When asked about the Trail, Kay told us, ‘I’ve biked Pūwaha and loved seeing an area I didn’t know existed. The Nile River Bridge has also blown me away. The Trail is going to open up our communities, and be a huge asset for the Region. The pioneering route from Tauranga Bay to Charleston will offer access to another area no one has seen – I can’t wait!’