The bags are nearly packed and the Hurricanes are keenly anticipating their descent into Gisborne on Saturday morning.

Having not visited the region since 2009, the team is ready to make a splash on the East Coast, with plenty of fun activities on the cards between Saturday and their departure on Friday, January 30.

The team have collectively prepared their camp schedule, which among other things will include five open training sessions, a kids' coaching clinic, and a road trip to Ruatoria.

The coaching clinic, to be held on Monday January 26, has been designed by Hurricanes player John Schwalger, who will also run the clinic on the day with some of his team mates.

Hurricanes Blade Thomson, James Broadhurst, and Nehe Milner-Skudder are all looking forward to heading back to where they came from, and mingling with the locals who have shown them support over the years.

Also hailing from the East Coast is Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni, who is looking forward to the trip just as much as the players.

"This is a great opportunity for us to reach out to some of the communities and fans we haven't been able to visit as much as we've wanted in previous years.

"The schedule we've got planned is an exciting one - it's jam packed with lots of opportunities for us to interact with the community, and vice-versa.

"Personally, the day trip to Ruatoria is going to be a special occasion for me having grown up in that area, and I know a number of our players also have a similar connection to the region. There's a lot of excitement in the Hurricanes camp about this trip - we can't wait to get there."

Hurricanes trainings open to the public are;

Saturday January 24

Open training session

3pm, Rugby Park

Monday January 26

Open training session and kids' coaching clinic

10am, Rugby Park

Open training session

2.30pm, Rugby Park

Tuesday January 27

Open training session

2.30pm, Rugby Park

Wednesday January 28

Open training session followed by photos and autographs

11.15am, Whakarua Park, Ruatoria