Birthplace of the Nation, Where Giant Kauri and Ancient Pohutukawa Meet White Sandy Beaches and Beautiful Coves
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
NORTHLAND NORTHLAND SUBTROPICAL NORTHLAND WELCOME TO SUBTROPICAL NORTHLAND, THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE NATION, WHERE GIANT KAURI AND ANCIENT POHUTUKAWA MEET WHITE SANDY BEACHES AND BEAUTIFUL COVES. ome of New Zealand’s a perfect way to capture and Smost beautiful scenery and experience as much as possible. early history lie in the north. Northland is the place where With primeval forests, white- Maori and Europeans first sand beaches, a subtropical decided to settle, and their climate and beautiful coves, shared history is evident you will want to take your throughout the region. Many time discovering the laidback historic sites remain, as do some Northland region. of the country’s oldest buildings, The Twin Coast Discovery mostly in the Bay of Islands. It Highway connects the little was in the Bay of Islands that Tour coves, beaches and bays of the Maori chiefs and representatives east with the wild, sweeping of the British Crown began the coastline, immense dunes and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi vast harbours of the west. With in 1840. Northland is therefore 800km of distinct and spectacular rightly proud to be called the Northland scenery, driving the highway is Birthplace of the Nation. Birthplace of the Nation CAPE REINGA TE PAKI SAND DUNES BAY OF ISLANDS KORORIPO HERITAGE PARK WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS AND MUSEUM OF WAITANGI HOKIANGA HARBOUR TANE MAHUTA Kayaking in Whangarei © Diane Stoppard 12 PAGE 10 - NORTH ISLAND MAP 13 NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Boats moored at Mangawhai © Northland Inc. WHANGAREI NATURAL BEAUTY ust a two-hour drive from Auckland, the ‘big smoke’ of the J north combines a beautiful harbour with an outstanding variety of natural attractions and activities. Known for its creativity – there are more craftspeople, proportionally, living here than anywhere else in New Zealand – this city is also renowned for its fine cuisine, amazing walkways and Twin Coast beaches, and easy access to Northland’s many attractions. Discovery Highway TOUR BOTH COASTS OF NEW ZEALAND’S WARMEST REGION AND DISCOVER SAND, SURF AND ADVENTURE f you like the water, you’ll love the At the southern end of the Whangarei district development and the Marsden Point Oil Refinery. IWhangarei district. There are more than is Bream Bay’s spectacular arc of white sand For a fun day out, head to the Marsden Cove 100 pristine bays and beaches here, from and miles and miles of heavenly deserted beach. Market, held on the third Sunday of every month Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads in the Ruakaka’s 13km expanse of white sand and surf on the water’s edge at the marina. Nearby One south to Tutukaka Coast in the north, which is popular for surfing, swimming, fishing and water Tree Point is a tranquil beachside community has been heralded by National Geographic sports. A surf patrol operates during summer. boasting scenic beaches, pohutukawa trees and Traveler as one of the world’s top three A short drive north of Ruakaka brings you to magnificent views across the Whangarei Harbour coastlines. Marsden Cove with its marina and waterways to the volcanic peaks of Mt Manaia. Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads © Northlandnz.com RUAKAKA/ONE TREE POINT/BREAM BAY 32km S of Whangarei MANGAWHAI Welcome to Ruakaka Blue Heron Holiday Park angawhai and Mangawhai Heads are established holiday spots Mthanks to their white-sand beaches (five are within a 15-minute drive). Beach Holiday Park Kick back and go fishing, swimming, surfing, play a round of golf and go bird-watching or horse riding. Best family camp in the North! BOTANICA WHANGAREI BOTANICA WHANGAREI Visit Botanica Whangarei to experienceVisit Botanica native Whangarei to experience native There is a fine selection of beautiful coast and bush walks, including the • Waterfront family camp New Zealand bush, lush tropical jungleNew Zealandand dry aridbush, lush tropical jungle and dry arid desert country. Superb collection ofdesert native country. ferns and Superb collection of native ferns and 5km Mangawhai Walk, which takes you along the beach and up a track • Safe swimming at patrolled surf beach & estuary specialised filmy fern house, Japanesespecialised style gardenfilmy fern and house, Japanese style garden and to outstanding views of Bream Head and the Hauraki Gulf. One of the • Park-like grounds, 225 power sites & 75 tent sites, shade garden. shade garden. standout features of Mangawhai Heads is the sand dunes. Looked after 9 backpacker cabins • Free admission to all areas • Free admission to all areas • Open 7 days from 9am to 4pm • Open 7 days from 9am10am to to4pm 4pm by the Department of Conservation, the dunes are home to dotterel, • Tennis court, kitchens, laundries, toilets, showers • Wheelchair accessible • Wheelchair accessible oystercatchers and the rare Caspian tern. Visitors here are well catered for • Short drive Marsden Cove Marina, Waipu Golf • Next to Cafler Park and the Rose• NextGardens. to Cafler Park and the Rose Gardens. with a wide range of cafés and shops as well as the weekend markets. Links & historic village First Avenue Whangarei Tel 09 430First 4200 Avenue www.wdc.govt.nz Whangarei Tel 09 430 4200 www.wdc.govt.nz • Tariff: from $35.00 ( 2 people) MANGAWHAI / MANGAWHAI HEADS 64km S of Whangarei 10min to Whangarei! • Powered waterfront sites for • The perfect place to stop, relax and enjoy tents, campervans, caravans the stunning white sandy lagoon-style :[ harbour & dunes. • Cabins, holiday homes/park • Surf beach & famous ‘clifftop walk’ nearby. • A family friendly holiday hotspot & water motels lover’s paradise • No Pets • Relax on one of our beachfront sites • Swimming & fishing with picture perfect views of the estuary or choose from our nicely appointed • Barbecues & kitchen accommodation options. • Shops, cafés, restaurants • Hot showers & laundry & golf course nearby. 21 Ruakaka Beach Rd, Ruakaka • Full amenities. Kayak & paddleboard hire. Ph: +64 9 432 7590 85 Scott Rd, Whangarei Heads, Whangarei Email: [email protected] Ph: +64 9 436 2293 • Email: [email protected] www.mangawhaiheadsholidaypark.co.nz • Reservations : 09 431 4675 www.motorcamp.co.nz www.blueheron.co.nz 14 PAGE 10 - NORTH ISLAND MAP 15 NORTHLAND NORTHLAND idyllic bush-fringed beach with safe Tutukaka surfing © David Kirkland Whangarei MIDDLE: Poor Knights Islands © Dive Tutukaka swimming and pohutukawa trees, which is only accessible on foot. It’s landmarks particularly striking at dusk. Sandy Bay, the final beach before the road turns inland, is one of the east coast’s most popular surfing beaches. The road loops back to join SH 1 at Hikurangi. A side road heads back north to the coast at Whananaki where there are more magnificent beaches. TUTUKAKA COAST THE TUTUKAKA COAST ROAD WINDS THROUGH hangarei’s landmark NATIVE BUSH, PAST WHITE SANDY BEACHES, Wbridge in Morningside is Cycling in Whangarei Harbour HARBOURS, ESTUARIES, SURF AND CIVILISATION. INSET: Whangarei Artisan Fair known as Te Matau a Pohe, or BOTH © Whangarei District Council the Fish Hook of Pohe, and is t low tide you can walk around the coast to or take a dive/snorkel boat out to the world- named after the Maori chief AWhangaumu Bay in 20 minutes or drive renowned marine reserve and dive location, the over the hill via Tutukaka Block Rd to reach Poor Knights Islands. that first greeted Europeans along the waterfront Heritage canopy-covered ‘Market Bridge’ stunning Whangarei Falls. For local in the first half of the 19th this and other safe inner-harbour beaches. Trail and Art Walk to the dramatic where an artisans’ market operates tracks, pick up a free Whangarei Nearby Matapouri Bay is a dazzling white-sand century. The lookout en route to Tutukaka Marina has ‘The Waka and Wave’ sculpture at each Saturday during summer. Walks brochure at the i-SITE. If beach with safe swimming. From here you can panoramic views. At the marina, wander around Check out Claphams Clock Museum Hihiaua Point. At the northern end Native bush walkways also lead you’re a golfer, there are seven follow the walkway leading to Whale Bay, an the cafés and shops, charter a fishing boat in the Town Basin before strolling of the Town Basin you will find the to Mair Park, Mt Parihaka and the courses to choose from in the area. TUTUKAKA COAST 29km NE of Whangarei Northland’s Best-kept Secret! Poor Knights Islands The underwater cliffs surrounding these islands drop steeply for up to 60m in a labyrinth of arches, caves, tunnels and fissures that attract a wide variety of colourful fish, sponges and marine plants. The islands are in the path of a subtropical current from the Coral Sea, so some varieties of tropical and subtropical fish are found here that are not seen anywhere else in New Zealand. The clear waters surrounding the Poor Knights Islands were made a marine reserve in 1981 and they were rated by the famous Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 diving sites in the world. As well as natural features, two decommissioned navy ships have been sunk for divers to explore. The islands have a tuatara population and are ESRT[4 the only known nesting place of Buller’s shearwater. They’re also home to A Location for Everyone! Fishing, Diving, the rare Poor Knights lily. Tramping, Surfing, Bird Watching, Sailing and Sites $19pp/night ALL YEAR Canoeing. The Camp! Swimming Pool, Kitchen, BBQ, Pizza So many accommodation options: Oven, Store next door with Dive Fills & Takeaways. Tariff (2 people): POOR KNIGHTS ISLANDS 23km off the Tutukaka Coast Local Attractions! Longest footbridge in southern 1-brm self-contained units with SKY $129-$189 hemisphere, Poor Knights. On the national Te Araroa Trail. Self-contained studio unit $99-$145 TUTUKAKA HOLIDAY PARK Tariffs: from $16. Cabins (sleep 2-5) $84-$124 Camping, Cabins & Motel Units. Tent/Power sites $38 WWW.TUTUKAKA-HOLIDAYPARK.CO.NZ Packages: NZMCA, Winter, School and Tramping Check-in time from 1pm to 9pm 285 Matapouri Rd, Tutukaka Specials.