5 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey to the Far North
Paihia to Kerikeri via SH 11 and 10 - 21min, 23.4km
Kerikeri to Mangōnui via SH 10 through Kaeo - 48min, 60.1km
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Side Trip to Mātauri Bay loop via Mātauri Bay Rd to Mātauri Bay, return to main route via Wainui & Whangaroa rds - 1hr 9min, 69.2km
Mangōnui to Cape Rēinga via SH 10 and then onto SH 1 at Awanui - 1hr 48min, 132km
Side Trip to Whatuwhiwhi Peninsula turn off SH 10 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
Cape Rēinga Lighthouse
David Kirkland
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
Fish & chips, The Stone Store, Kerikeri
Northland Tourism
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. The town oozes healthiness, too. Shady shopping streets, lush parks and walking tracks through bush add to the sense of well-being and relaxation. Kerikeri is a veritable healthy food bowl, with a climate ideal for growing citrus, kiwifruit, avocados, macadamia nuts and tamarillos. As there are also artisan cheeses, chocolates, liqueurs and wines made here, you can easily indulge, too.
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.
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 you’re in town, visit the regional museum to learn about gum digging and Māori history.
It’s understandable that CAPE RĒINGA beckons, it’s the most accessible northernmost part of Aotearoa. Thousands make the pilgrimage each year to take photographs by the solar-powered lighthouse – one of the most powerful in New Zealand – and the multi-directional sign. It’s an awesome place to visit, with views stretching forever.
Cape Rēinga Lighthouse
David Kirkland
Great swim and surf beaches are on tap at HOUHORA on the narrow isthmus leading to Cape Rēinga. Here is the photogenic Pukenui Wharf, HOUHORA HARBOUR with its famously good fishing grounds and an historic hotel in which to relax over a refreshing drink overlooking scenes of utmost tranquillity.
HARURU FALLS - Just out of Paihia, these falls cascade in a rare horseshoe shape. It’s a great place for a picnic and there’s an excellent walking track between the waterfall and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds past mangroves.
To enjoy impressive views of a region, grab your camera and head inland to the MT BLEDISLOE LOOKOUT a few kilometres from Paihia.
SIDE TRIP to WHATUWHIWHI
Doubtless Bay
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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.
TOP WALKS
Doubtless Bay
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TE WERAHI BEACH TRACK - From Cape Rēinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, this track follows the west coast down to Te Werahi Beach. 2km, 45min.
TAPOTUPOTU BAY TO CAPE RĒINGA - Starting at Tapotupotu Bay, this track offers wide views before descending into Sandy Bay and on to the Cape Rēinga Lighthouse. It’s popular for families camping at Tapotupotu. 5km, 3hr.
LAKE NGATU TRACK - Located in Lake Ngatu Recreational Reserve, this is an easy walk around Lake Ngatu, a freshwater dune lake popular with water sports enthusiasts, day visitors and locals. 1hr.
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.
SIDE TRIP to MĀTAURI BAY
Mātauri Bay is a sheltered, clear-water haven for divers and swimmers. There are plenty of accommodation options, including camping right by the beach.
Rainbow Warrior, Mātauri Bay
Paihia Dive
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.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Kerikeri’s Kemp House (1821-22) and the Stone Store (1832) are two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings and there are tours led by enthusiastic guides. Nearby Rewa’s Village, a replica Māori fishing village, provides fascinating insight into pre-European life.
Kemp House, Kerikeri
Northland Tourism
