4 minute read
ROAD TRIP - A JOURNEY THROUGH ŌREWA
Auckland to Wellsford via SH1
Auckland to Ōrewa Via North Shore, SH1, Silverdale to Ōrewa - 31min, 36.9km
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Ōrewa to Matakana via Hibiscus Coast Highway - 35min, 35.5km
Matakana to Leigh via Leigh Rd - 13min, 13km
Matakana to Wellsford via Leigh Rd - 53min, 46.4km
© AA Traveller 2021
There is a lot to take in on this trip. Begin by crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. Head north and take an easy detour via the Hibiscus Coast Highway to the pretty seaside settlement of Ōrewa for cruisy cafés and lovely beach walks. Explore Wenderholm Regional Park on the peninsula between the Waiwera and Pūhoi rivers, and pop in to Pūhoi for lunch or to sample some of the famous Bohemian cheese.
On the main route, Warkworth is a bustling riverside village with interesting history, while the eastern coastline is home to several peninsulas boasting some of the region’s most stunning beaches. Detour to Matakana, famous for vineyards and its weekend market, and visit Goat Island for top notch snorkelling.
Ōrewa Beach
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HIGHLIGHTS
NORTH SHORE Over the bridge, explore The Shore. Devonport is a pretty village with lovely beaches,great walks and a quiet vibe. Climb Mt Victoria before driving to Takapuna for a wander around this stylish seaside suburb with attractive bars and modern restaurants.
WENDERHOLM Tucked in between the mouths of the Waiwera and Pūhoi rivers, Wenderholm Regional Park is an ideal spot for a picnic.
PŪHOI Explore the Bohemian heritage inthe local museum, visit the famous Pūhoi Pub or grab a bite at the equally renowned Pūhoi Valley Caféand Cheese Store.
Pūhoi Valley
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SNELLS BEACH Just north of Warkworth, detour to this relaxed settlement for great swimming at high tide and equally good paddling pools that form at low tide. There are public toilets and barbecues.
WELLSFORD This friendly rural town is the gateway to Kaipara to the west and to Mangawhai and Pakiri beaches to the east.
TĀWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK Governed by the wildlife, enjoy white-sand beaches, rolling pastures and native forest walks, including kiwispotting tours at dusk.
GOAT ISLAND New Zealand’s first marine reserve nudges a wisp of rock and sand and an abundance of colourful marine life exists below the water. Pack snorkels or stay dry by hiring a transparent ‘Clearyak’. AKA a clear kayak.
Fish, Goat Island
© Getty Images
ŌREWA
Don’t miss this bonny seaside town. Its spectacular white-sand beach attracts a crowd for many reasons, namely swimming, sunbathing and watersports.
TE ARA TAHUNA ESTUARY WALKWAY Walk or ride this 7.6km track that fringes the water and passes an eye-catching Māori carving, parks and cafés. Flat and gentle, it’s a good option for families with kids.
ESTUARY ARTS CENTRE Straddling the southern end of town and conveniently located right next to the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Walkway. Exhibitions are kept fresh,there’s a delightful gift shop and café, and if you’re up for it, creative workshops too.
OREWA BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET Held every Sunday morning at Ōrewa Square, selling a bountiful mix of produce, flowers and plants.
Ōrewa
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MATAKANA
The small town of Matakana is synonymous with the MATAKANA VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET held every Saturday morning, which draws visitors to the pretty village from far and wide. Specialising in fresh organic and artisanal produce, the market is a definite must-do for foodies. But there is more to do in Matakana than just eat. MATAKANA COAST is the heart of the region’s wine country, with several stellar vineyards to choose from, plus many excellent ART GALLERIES showcasing local talents working with everything from canvas to clay and a main centre bristling with stylish boutiques. From artisan CHOCOLATIERS to beautiful artware and a bespoke florist, get a taste for the finer things in life.
Matakana Market
@ Adobe Stock
LEIGH
A 13-minute drive north-east from Matakana leads to the small coastal community of LEIGH. Centred around the harbour, explore the shoreline by kayak and drop into Leigh Sawmill Café for great pizzas, live music and an inventive beer garden.
ART & WINE TRAILS
On the outskirts of Warkworth, a scribble of country roads lead to Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture trail, where a rugged art freckled bush walk meets the vineyard’s lakeside restaurant. Nearby, Sculptureum also boasts a preened collection of sculpture-strewn gardens complemented by indoor galleries and Rothko Restaurant.
BEACHES - 4 OF THE BEST
TAKAPUNA This long golden beach on the North Shore is great for swimming, watersports and sunbathing and is bustling with nearby cafés and bars.
Takapuna Beach, Northshore
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PAKIRI BEACH Possibly the best way to experience the 14km of sugar-white sand at Pakiri Beach is on horseback – the guided treks here are famous. It’s also a good spot to stretch your legs or take a dip in summer.
SCANDRETT At the northern tip of the Mahurangi Peninsula is Scandrett Regional Park which has many attractions including a great swimming beach.
ŌMAHA This stretch of spectacular coastline has white sand, excellent surf, safe swimming and uninterrupted views out to Little and Great Barrier islands.
WARKWORTH
An old, intriguing village on Mahurangi River. A gentle heritage trail drinks up the town’s history and the Warkworth District Museum adds rich detail. Pop into Warkworth’s first building – the Bridge House Lodge Bar & Restaurant for a bite to eat and cruise down the river aboard restored scow, the Jane Gifford.
