5 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey through Ōrewa
Auckland to Ōrewa Via North Shore, SH 1, Silverdale to Ōrewa - 31min, 36.9km
Ōrewa to Matakana via Hibiscus Coast Highway - 35min, 35.5km
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Matakana to Leigh via Leigh Rd - 13min, 13km
Matakana to Wellsford via Leigh Rd - 53min, 46.4km
Ōrewa Beach
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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.
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 suburb with fantastic shopping, funky bars and modern restaurants.
Devonport, North Shore
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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 in the local museum, visit the famous Pūhoi Pub or grab a bite at the equally renowned Pūhoi Valley Café and Cheese Store.
WARKWORTH - Warkworth has several great parks and playgrounds, a heritage trail that takes you on a gentle stroll through the town’s history and the Warkworth District Museum is a real asset to the town. While here, check out a HOT PIE! It really isn't a road trip if there isn’t a pie stop? Savan’s Bakery in Warkworth is lauded for its award-winning fresh pies.
Meat pie
Jelleke Vanooteghem
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 - Right on the intersection of SH 1 and SH 16, this friendly rural town is the gateway to Kaipara to the west and to Mangawhai and Pakiri beaches to the east.
TĀWHARANUI TREASURES
Tāwharanui Beach
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Tāwharanui Regional Park is located on the eastern end of Takatu Peninsula. The park sprawls over 588ha, with walking tracks, a pest-free sanctuary and offshore marine reserve. It is also home to Anchor Bay, one of the region’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. There are well priced campsites and rentable baches managed by Auckland Council in the park.
FOUR OF THE BEST BEACHES
Takapuna Beach
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TAKAPUNA - This long golden beach on the North Shore is great for swimming, watersports and sunbathing and is bustling with nearby cafés and bars.
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.
MATAKANA
Matakana Café
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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 the ARTHOUSE CINEMA to the excellent EATERIES, visit Matakana to get a taste of the finer things in life.
ŌREWA
Picture a long curve of white-sand beach, shaded parks, an estuary with walking and cycling paths, a laid-back town with cafés and boutiques.
Ōrewa Beach
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Once a busy thoroughfare for traffic on the main road north, Ōrewa has morphed into a peaceful holiday hub now that the Northern Gateway Toll Road has diverted the bulk of vehicles away.
The magnificent beach is the big attraction here. On a summer’s day it is busy with swimmers, surfers, families walking, children playing and people trying out a range of water sports from paddling a kayak to balancing on a stand-up paddle board. The beach is also a popular spot for kite or wind surfing, whether you’re an adventurous participant or a coffee-sipping spectator.
Ashore, the vibrant town is home to an abundance of dining options covering cuisine from around the globe, as well as all the shops and amenities you’d need. On Sunday mornings, the Ōrewa Beach Farmers’ Market is a must-visit for locally grown produce, plants, handcrafts and live music.
Take a stroll along the Ōrewa Millennium Walkway, a two-hour trail that takes in both coastal estuaries and native bush. This lovely peaceful track can also be cycled.
Ōrewa sits near the head of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, which, for golfers, has the renowned Gulf Harbour course. Set atop the peninsula with ocean views and a links-style feel, the par 72 course is rated as one of the top ten in New Zealand.
At the tip of the peninsula, you’ll find Shakespear Regional Park. With sheltered, family-friendly beaches offering safe swimming, the park is also a pest-free open sanctuary with excellent walking trails, campsites and picturesque picnic spots.
Shakespear Regional Park
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GOAT ISLAND
SNORKEL IN GOAT ISLAND MARINE RESERVE: Goat Island, off the coast of Leigh, is a very popular spot for aquatic adventures and the marine reserve offers exceptional snorkelling. The nearby campsite is within walking distance. Albeit rough-hewn, the views are exceptional, it’s eco-friendly and dogs are welcome.
Goat Island
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