5 minute read
ROAD TRIP - MOVING UP TO THE FAR NORTH
Paihia to Kaitāia
Paihia to Kerikeri via SH11 and 10 - 21min, 23.4km
Advertisement
Kerikeri to Mangōnui via SH10 through Kaeo - 48min, 60.1km
SIDE TRIP to Mātauri Bay loop via Mātauri Bay Rd to Mātauri Bay, return to main route via Wainui Rd & Whangaroa Rd - 1hr 9min, 69.2km
Mangōnui to Cape Rēinga via SH 10 and then onto SH1 at Awanui - 1hr 48min, 132km
SIDE TRIP to Whatuwhiwhi Peninsula turn off SH10 before Lake Ohia to the beautiful peninsula - 16min, 17.5km
Cape Rēinga to Kaitāia via SH 1 through Te Kao, Houhora Heads and Pukenui - 1hr 30min, 110km
© AA Traveller 2021
Going all the way to the top is something quite special and features on many bucket lists. This road trip takes in so many spectacular, impressive sights there’s a danger that the climax of Cape Rēinga will be diluted; in reality it is one of several highlights of this adventure up the skinny bit of New Zealand.
The top of the north is a mix of welcoming seaside villages and service towns, swathes of green pasture, stretches of white-sand beach, remote peninsulas and deep water harbours. Plus it’s warm. The climate up north is noticeably different – with warmer temperatures all year round and, usually, dry summers colouring the landscape to gold. Chances are the sky will be blue; the result equals brilliant photo opportunities.
HIGHLIGHTS
KERIKERI Famously fresh produce, history, craft and pretty tropical gardens attract visitors to sunny Kerikeri and once there,they discover a lot more. As one of the first towns to be settled by Europeans, it has plenty of rich stories to tell. Shady shopping streets, lush parks and bush walking tracks add to the sense of well-being and relaxation.The climate is ideal for growing citrus, kiwifruit, avocados, macadamia nuts and tamarillos. Artisan cheeses, chocolates, liqueurs and wines are also made(and consumed!) here.
DOUBTLESS BAY Not singular, but plural. You’re spoilt for choice with beach after beach of caramel sand. Coopers Beach is perfect for safe swimming, rock pool exploration and sunrise walks.
COCA COLA LAKE (ROTOPOKAKA LAKE) So called for its rusty brown, Coke-coloured water. An 18-minute coastal drive from Doubtless Bay presents a unique lake tinged by peat and tannins.
KAITĀIA is the gateway to the Far North; if you don’t want to drive to Cape Rēinga along the beach, this is where to join a tour to the top. While here, visit the regional museum at Te Ahuto learn about gum digging and Māori history.
CAPE RĒINGA is the most accessible northern most part of Aotearoa. Thousands make the pilgrimage each year to take photographs by the solar powered lighthouse and the multi-directional sign.
Cape Rēinga, Far North
© Adobe Stock
HOUHORA on the narrow isthmus leading to Cape Rēinga, great swim and surf beaches are on tap here.
HOUHORA HARBOUR Enjoy famously good fishing grounds. Step into the historic hotel and relax with a drink while overlooking the water.
Houhora Harbour, Northland
© Adobe Stock
RARAWA BEACH Travel 15 minutes north of Houhora for sugary soft white sand that squeaks between your toes.
GREAT EXHIBITION BAY A little effort is required to reach the gorgeous snow-white sand. Hike from Rarawa Beach, quad bike, join a horse trek, book a 4WD tour or kayak from Parengarenga Harbour.
MT BLEDISLOE LOOKOUT Enjoy endless impressive views across the region.Grab your camera and head inland, just a few kilometres from Paihia.
SIDE TRIP WHATUWHIWHI
On Karikari Peninsula, at the northern end of Tokerau Beach is Whatuwhiwhi, a delightful seaside area with several uncrowded beaches nearby.
• It’s a family-friendly part of the world, with safe swimming and shady beaches perfect for picnicking.
• Legendary fishing and easy boat launching are also part of the mix.
• Base yourself here for easy access to Doubtless Bay, Mangōnui, Coopers Beach and Taipa. Whatuwhiwhi is just two hours from Whangārei, an hour from Kerikeri and within organised tour distance to Cape Rēinga – yet while you’re here, you could be a million miles away, such is the feeling of peace and isolation.
Doubtless Bay
© Adobe Stock
TOP WALKS
RAINBOW FALLS WALK & KERIKERI RIVER TRACK Stroll for mere minutes from the car park to admire the thundering falls or venture a further 3.5km down river to see the town basin. 7km, 3hr.
TAUMARUMARU SCENIC RESERVE WALK A short walk in the Mangōnui area with views, access to a small beach and a pā site to explore. This is a great option for children. 40min.
MATAI BAY HEADLAND TRACK Located on the Karikari Peninsula, this track passes through farmland and mānuka scrubland to Maitai Bay Headlands, where you can enjoy scenic views of Waikato Bay and Matai Bay. 3.45km,1.5hr.
TE WERAHI BEACH TRACK From Cape Rēinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, this track follows the west coast down to Te Werahi Beach. 2km, 45min.
Karikari Peninsula
@ Adobe Stock
SIDE TRIP MĀTAURI BAY
From Kerikeri take SH 10 north west; after a 10-minute drive turn right into Mātauri Bay Rd. Here you’ll find white-sand beaches and clean, clear water. It offers great surfing, diving, swimming and snorkelling and is the final resting place for the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior which has become a living reef, attracting marine life and recreational divers. Hike up to the headland at the northern end of the beach to see the Rainbow Warrior memorial.
Mātauri Bay
© Adobe Stock
HISTORIC KERIKERI
Established in 1819, the Kerikeri Mission Station was one of the first places where Māori and Europeans lived together. It’s also home to both the Stone Store and Kemp House. The latter is New Zealand’s oldest surviving building and the 1832 Stone Store still sells goods reminiscent of those sold and bought in the 19th century.
Kemp House, Kerikeri
© Northland Tourism
