6 minute read
ROAD TRIP - Auckland to Wellsford via SH1
Auckland to Ōrewa Via North Shore, SH 1, 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
There is a lot to pack in on this trip. Begin by crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge then take an easy detour via the pretty seaside settlement of Ōrewa with its long stretching beach leading to the estuary. Explore Wenderholm Regional Park for a swim and picnic before popping into the Bohemian village of Pūhoi to sample some of their famous cheese.
On the main route is Warkworth, a historic bustling riverside township, while the eastern coastline is home to several peninsulas boasting some of the region’s most stunning beaches. Detour to Snells Beach to check out Brick Bay or head over to Matakana, famed for its vineyards and weekend markets.
Anna Kidman sculptures at The Sculptureum
© Auckland Unlimited
HIGHLIGHTS
GOAT ISLAND Learn about New Zealand’s first marine reserve at the interactive Marine Discovery Centre. Pack your snorkel and immerse yourself in the clear waters to see the colourful underwater life first-hand or stay dry aboard the Glass Bottom Boat.
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 in the local museum, visit the famous Pūhoi Pub or grab a bite at the Pūhoi Valley Café and Cheese Store.
Pūhoi Valley
© Adobe Stock
TĀWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK Governed by the wildlife, enjoy white-sand beaches, rolling pastures and native forest walks, includingkiwi-spotting tours at dusk.
KAWAU ISLAND Hop on the ferry from Sandspit Wharf to this historically rich island. Visit Governor Grey’s former home, Mansion House, with peacocks grandly parading around the grounds. Picnic, take a dip in sea or make the most of the extensive walking trails on offer.
PAKIRI This vast beach has its own gentle estuary running through it, away from the surfing breaks out to sea. The Beach Holiday Park sits right on the beach’s edge with camp sites and units.
SCOTTS LANDING The gateway to the Mahurangi Harbour and home to the region’s oyster farms. The original Scott family homestead rests peacefully among the mature trees with a sheltered sandy beach a stone’s throw away. Casnell Island can be reached on foot at low tide.
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 TĀHUNA 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 Tāhuna Estuary Walkway. Exhibitions are kept fresh, there’s a delightful gift shop and café, and if you’re up for it, creative workshops too.ŌREWA BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET Held every Sunday morning at Ōrewa Square, selling a bountiful mix of produce, flowers and plants.
WARKWORTH Established in 1853, this quaint township is located along the banks of the Mahurangi River, where you can take a cruise aboard restored scow, the Jane Gifford. The Warkworth District Museum display their treasury of local history, sharing a site with the ancient Kauri Parry Forrest. Head to Warkworth’s first building, the Bridgehouse for a bite to eat before a stroll along the river to Lucy Moore Park.
MATAKANA The pretty village of Matakana is famed for its weekly FARMERS’ MARKET culminating the best in seasonal artisanal food and produce – a real must-do for foodies. A scattering of boutique shops surrounds this market arena, and the elaborate cinemas are a totally unique experience. Matakana is the gateway to an array of beautiful white-sand beaches, coves and reserves where you can swim, surf and stand-up paddleboard pretty much all year round. If you are after a challenge then the tramp up Mt Tamahunga is worth the jaunt.
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market
© Adobe Stock
LEIGH This small coastal community is a known for its relaxed lifestyle revolving around the ocean. Drive out of Matakana and you’ll pass through Whangateau with its peaceful campground situated on the water’s edge. A minute up the road is Ti Point, the start of a coastal walk with fabulous views for little effort; it is also home to some tuataras at the Reptile Park. The Leigh Sawmill Café has regular live music events and gourmet pizzas to sustain your late-night dancing.
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.
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail
© Adobe Stock
4 TOP BEACHES
CHELTENHAM BEACH Close to Devonport, this sandy beach is ideal for swimming and picnics under the trees. Take the footpath up to the summit of North Head and enjoy the splendid views of the Hauraki Gulf.
ŌREWA BEACH This stretch of golden sand is a destination beach; safe for swimming and perfect for paddleboarding, kitesurfing and kayaking.
MATHESON BAY One kilometre south of Leigh, you’ll find this pretty little beach that is sheltered from the ocean by its protecting reef and island making it a safe place to swim or paddle your kayak.
MARTINS BAY Home to a popular holiday park, this sandy bay has boat launching facilities, lovely picnic spots and a walking track that takes you to the Scandrett Regional Park. It’s well worth a visit.
Beach, North Shore
© Auckland Unlimited
