Bream Bay
Whangārei District
WhangĀrei
Heads
WaipŪ
Bream Bay
Scenic Peninsula This stunning 600ha peninsula is flanked on one side by the sheltered bays of the Whangārei Harbour and ocean coastline on the other. Between these beautiful bodies of water runs a spine of 20 million-year-old volcanic peaks.
Mt Manaia & Mt Lion One of the Head’s most striking physical features, these ancient volcanoes mimic the shape of the islands offshore. Along the spine are the peaks of Mt Lion and Mt Manaia – well worth the steep climb for the spectacular views.
ai MangawhSmugglers Bay Loop Track
Wrestle between watching your footing and ogling at ocean views. Combining coastal forest, ship-shape scenery and WWII gun emplacements, spend 3km and 90 minutes in total awe.
WaipŪ
KaiwakaWhangārei Harbour There are
two protected marine areas here: Waikaraka and around Motukaroro Island. The latter is ideal for low tide explorations. Swimming in the harbour is great at high tide or
Whangārei Ocean Beach © Gyles Dyer BELOW: Kayak Poor Knights Islands © David Kirkland
Mangawhai
you can stay dry and clamber to the top of Whangārei Heads for unparalleled harbour views.
Harbour Cruises One of the nicest ways to see Whangārei Harbour is from the bow of M.V. Waipapa, a small touring boat which treats its guests to a 90-minute harbour dalliance. Ocean Beach The road to Ocean Beach may have transformed from a dirt track to tarseal over the years, but it remains delightfully rough-hewn and isolated. There are no shops or cafés here, just good surf, good people, warm water and explorable rock pools. Te Whara Track This is an excellent day hike with challenging, steep parts and several sets of steps. Start at the Bream Bay Scenic Reserve and hike some of the best coastal forest in the North Island to Te Whara summit, with views of Cape Brett to Cape Rodney, and on a clear day, the Hauraki Gulf Islands too. 7.5km, 5-6hr.
TUTUKĀKĀ
The Good Life Salt in the air, sleepy seaside vibes and not a care in the world. The age-old recipe for living the good life never falters on the Tutukākā Coast. This is a playground for divers, a paradise for beach lovers and a non-stop riot for those with a boat in their toy box.
Kaiwaka
COAST
Poor Knights Islands Walls, caves and wrecks – oh my! Dive or snorkel in this world-renowned marine reserve. Boat tours are plentiful and know exactly where to drop you for 60m drop-offs and the gem in Tutukākā’s crown: two sunken ex-navy vessels known as Twin Wrecks.
TUTUKĀKĀ
COAST
Tutukākā Marina The small yet lively Tutukākā Marina is a hub of restaurants, convenience stores, the local boat club and the main base for fishing and diving charters.
Poor Knights Islands © Getty Images
Tutukākā Lighthouse Walkway If you love secret
pockets of azure coastline and the rewarding puff of a steep hill, this one-hour walk is just for you. Make sure you set off one hour either side of low tide, otherwise you’ll get stranded on the causeway.
Matapōuri Bay An irresistible
20
expanse of white sand drenched in Kiwiana; of course there’s a dairy selling fish and chips and ice cream. Walk alongside the lapping waves or join the locals by hurling yourself off the bridge at high tide. Don’t forget to cross the dunes and follow the bush trail to a stunning secret(ish) cove called Whale Bay.
Whale Bay This little beauty always makes the ‘best secret
beach’ lists. Navigate a 25-minute bush walk over from Matapōuri Bay and arrive at a lookout just before you drop into the cove, or walk 15 minutes from the carpark further up the road. Showcasing golden sand and sparkling blue water perfect for snorkelling.
Tāne Moana Walkway Hike through farmland and native forest to see the largest kauri tree
remaining on the East Coast of New Zealand. With a whopping 11m circumference, you won’t miss it.
Woolleys Bay and Sandy Bay All but three minutes apart (by car), you can spend a relaxed morning at Woolleys Bay, jumping its gentle waves and with the sand to yourself, before heading to popular Sandy Bay for gnarly surf and surf lessons with Tutukākā Surf School. PAGE 9 - REGIONAL MAP
