TRIP 1 NORTHLAND Waipū Caves © Getty Images
TRIP 1
Start the day at
Mangawhai Mangawhai to Waipū and Waipū Beach via Cove Rd 30min, 25.2km
Y
our Northland escapade starts here. Head out of Auckland and aim for Mangawhai – the first of the many coastal villages that dot Northland’s east coast – before hitting the shores of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and cruising up the coast. Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach, Waipū Cove and Ruakākā: the beaches that follow are some of the region’s most popular, with dazzling white sand and playful surf. Take a detour to Marsden Cove to check out this growing marine village and the Marsden Pt Oil Refinery, or continue along SH 1 bound for Whangārei. From here the Whangārei Heads jut out into the ocean with the sheltered bays of the Whangārei Harbour on one side and the stunning ocean coast on the other; well worth an exploratory side trip.
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SIDE TRIP
Waipū to Whangārei via SH1 through the seaside town Ruakākā and inland to Otaika 40min, 39.3km Whangārei to Whangārei Heads from the urban centre of Whangārei, drive beside the Hātea River and along a scenic seaside road to Whangārei Heads – a beautiful coastal area of volcanic peaks and beaches 30min, 26.9km
Waipū dairy © Virginia Guy
