MATAURI BAY
Far North
FOR ENERGETIC TYPES
WHANGAROA
THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPTIONS IN
HARBOUR
THIS UNCROWDED, UNSPOILED NECK OF THE WOODS. TAKE A
Dukes Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) Starting at Lane
HIKE TO AN ISOLATED
BT E S45Sminutes Hut,L climb DOUCove through the bush. The
BEACH, OR UP TO CATCH THE SUNSET FROM A SPOT WITH
Bay
last 50m is a near-vertical scramble, assisted by railings. At the top, every direction offers jaw-dropping sea views.
ALL-DAY, FAR-REACHING SPECTACULAR VIEWS.
KaitĀia
Rent a Houseboat Both
Matauri Bay Beach Delightfully remote, with a white-sand beach and crystalline water. The campsite is seldom packed and thanks to a subtropical climate, the water is year-round temperate.
MATAURI BAY Rainbow Warrior In 1985, the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior
was bombed by the French in OA to opposition to nuclear WHANGARresponse ABOVE: Rainbow Warrior, Matauri Bay © Paihia Diving TOP: Whangaroa Harbour © Alistair Guthrie BELOW: Doubtless Bay © Adobe Stock
testing. Later relocated to Matauri Bay, the wreck is now a marine ecosystem and a world-class dive site.
HARBOUR
Kayak the Cavalli Islands
DOUBTL E S S
Bay
MATAURI BAY
WHANGAROA
Mangōnui Fish Shop Applauded across the bay, it’s the combination of top-quality fish, sea views and the sound of waves that make this fish and chip experience such an exceptional one.
KaitĀia
HARBOUR DOUBTL E S S
Butler Point Having developed the property over many decades, the proprietors of Butler Point, the Ferguson family, welcome visitors onto this 26ha estate to discover the macadamia nut orchard, whaling museum, 1847 Butler House (former residence of Captain William Butler), pā site and grounds, recognised as a Garden of Significance.
ARA Vintage Collection AHIPMatthews Admire Win Matthews’ impressive collection of privately owned vintage cars, farm equipment and workshop tools. A trove of gleaming restoration success, the entry prices ($10 for adults and $5 for kids) are easy on the wallet, too.
See Map Section - pages 58 to 61
Bay
Beach
Short, sharp and spectacular. March uphill for 750m and half-an-hour later you’ll be presented with panoramic harbour views. Especially rewarding at sunrise.
Harbour Cruises Take to
Beach
the water with a harbour tour or fishing charter. Whangaroa Sport Fishing Club has a full list of available charter boats.
ORLike UH A the Yacht Sailings HO
idea of sunbathing on a million-dollar bow? Hire a yacht for the day from Whangaroa Yacht Charters or Snowcloud and live the high-rolling lifestyle.
CAPE
RĒINGA
Kayak the Coastline
Slice through the aquablue waters of Whangaroa Harbour on a guided or self-led kayak trip. Paddle through sea-sculpted arches, past hidden bays and secret swimming spots.
Wairakau Stream Track Coca Cola Lake (Rotopokaka Lake) So called for its rusty-brown,
Coke-coloured water. An 18-minute iadrive from Doubtless Bay KaitĀ coastal
NINETY MILE
RTrack IPA A St H Paul’s Rock A
NINETY MILE
Comprising seven pristine islets, the main island of Motukawanui is part of a nature reserve with walking tracks and a DOC hut. Book a multiday guided adventure with local companies or rent a kayak to forge your own route.
White-sand Beaches Try
Coopers Beach, Taupō Bay or Tokerau Beach and don’t miss Cable Bay for its pink hued sand. Further afield are the twin beaches at Matai Bay, all suitable for swimming.
easy to organise and operate on the Whangaroa Harbour, enjoy all the comforts of home with views that change with every shift in the rudder.
presents a unique lake tinged by peat and tannins. Follow swimming safety updates; seasonal algae can sometimes prevent swimming.
AHIPARA
Seasoned trampers will enjoy this two-hour stomp along a challenging mud track that also links to the Dukes Nose track. Return the same way or book a harbour water taxi.
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