NORTHLAND’S subtropical climate is calling us all

Northland offers beauty and history THE SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE IS CALLING

Northland is a region filled with diverse experiences perfect for every kind of traveller in every season, thanks to its mild climate and range of activities.

Step back in time and explore the Kauri Coast and Hokianga, an area that stretches from the Brynderwyns in the south to the Hokianga Harbour in the north. Visit million-year-old fresh-water dune lakes with crystal clear water or endless stretches of wind-swept sand.

Discover some of the largest and oldest Kauri trees in the world, like Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere, and learn about the kauri timber milling and gum trade of the 1800s. Explore the Hokianga Harbour, hear the stories of Kupe, the great Polynesian explorer, and visit the small historic settlements of Rāwene and Kohukohu, where you can find great coffee and fantastic art.

The Top of the North is a must-do, not only for the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse and the colliding oceans, but for the gigantic dunes, pure white sand beaches and slower pace of life. Discover picture-perfect beaches along the Karikari Peninsula, and stopover in the small towns of Doubtless Bay, if not for the night, then at least for the fish and chips.

A little further south you will find the Whangaroa Harbour with towering volcanic outcrops looking out over deep-sea fishing spots and flanked on both coasts with stunning beaches like Taupo Bay and Matauri Bay.

The Bay of Islands is named for its 144 islands, but it offers so much more. Home to the Kororipo Heritage Park, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the first capital of New Zealand at Kororāreka Russell, the history of this area is almost unmatchable.

Paihia and Russell gaze at each other from across the bay and both are jumping off points for exploring this aquatic playground, either on or under the water, including the famous Hole in the Rock at Motu Kōkako Piercy Island. Waterfalls and scenic viewpoints are countless in the Bay of Islands and the wineries are unmissable too. The biggest mistake you can make here is not spending long enough.

You are never far from the water in Northland and the city of Whangārei is no exception. Nicknamed “The City of 100 Beaches” even the city centre is on the water, with the Hātea River running through the Town Basin into the Whangārei Harbour. The Town Basin is an excellent spot to grab a bite to eat and the city centre is home to Street Prints Manaia, a trail of 15 large-scale murals.

The Tutukaka Coast is well-known in the area, especially for its proximity to the world-famous dive sites at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, but the Ōakura and Whananaki coasts further north should not be missed either. Whangārei Heads is home to rocky giants like Mount Manaia, with impressive views over the harbour, as well as superb surf beaches and sheltered family-friendly bays. Further south of the harbour is Bream Bay, with 22 kilometres of sandy beaches perfect for walking, surfing, surfcasting and even horse riding.

Paddleboarders and canoeist, Poor Knights | credit: David Kirkland Cape Reinga, Aupouri Peninsula

TOP FIVE TO-DOS

1. IMMERSEYOURSELFIN

CULTUREANDHISTORY

Not only is Northland home to the

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, there are also nine Tohu Whenua sites around the region and numerous historical buildings and sites – all full of stories.

2. GETOUTON(ORUNDER)THEWATER

You can take a boat tour, sail a yacht, paddle a kayak, float on a paddleboard, ride a wave, drop a line, dive, swim, snorkel – the options are endless!

3. TASTETHELOCALPRODUCE

Northland’s subtropical climate produces a huge range of delights for your taste buds: from oysters to olives, macadamia nuts to manuka honey and avocados to oranges – not to mention the local wines, beers and spirits.

4. INDULGEINALITTLELUXURY

With luxury and boutique lodges right through to private glamping tents and cabins, you will discover outdoor baths, private beaches, secluded rivers and spectacular views to indulge your senses.

5. TRAVELLIKEALOCAL

Discovering Northland is all about getting off the beaten track. Check-out Northland

Journeys for six road trips that cover all the local favourites, scenic viewpoints, hidden gems and must-dos along the way.

Visit www.northlandjourneys.co.nz

Combining sport with socialising

HEAD ALONG TO A RACE DAY

There is something special about a day at the races. The dramatic roar as the horses head towards the finish line, the smiling faces as a lucky punt comes in, the majestic horses with jockeys dressed in silks of many colours, and lots of fun things for kids to do – it is all part of a great day out.

Here in New Zealand, we are blessed with some iconic meetings over the spring and summer seasons that are worth pencilling-in to any holiday plans you may have.

The new season begins with the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival in Hastings in late September and October, including the Windsor Park Plate and the Livemol Classic.

Canterbury Jockey Club hosts their annual New Zealand Cup Meeting at Riccarton Park on 7, 11 and 14 November, the highlight of which is the racing of the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup on day three.

Commercial Manager at Riccarton Park, Chris Rowe, says there will be excitement, glamour and outstanding racing each day.

“It is the time when Christchurch comes out to party. It is the biggest social event in Canterbury. It is also an inter-generational event with family groups – from grandparents through to university students – enjoying the carpark party atmosphere,” says Chris.

“Fashion in the Field is always highly contested while on the racing front, the two Group One Guineas races are

RICCARTON PARK

FASHION IN THE FIELD 14 NOVEMBER

7, 11, 14 NOVEMBER 2020

Cup Week at Riccarton Park offers of stunning fashion, adrenalin pumping racing action, and an electric atmosphere like no other. It’s one of Canterbury’s must-attend social events, book tickets now!

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invariably won by horses that are going to become the highest rated of the season.

“Domestic interest in our week this year, with the limitations on international travel, has been phenomenal.”

Trotting also plays a key part in this massive sporting week in Christchurch.

Australasia’s biggest harness racing day, featuring the IRT NZ Trotting Cup, takes place at Addington Raceway on 10 November with the Show Day Races three days later.

Auckland Racing Club also has several key racing days in the coming months, including Jarden Melbourne Cup Day on 3 November, SkyCity Boxing Day and New Year’s Day races. The annual Auckland Cup Week kicks-off in early March with

the Vodafone Derby Day on 6 March and the prestigious Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day, first contested in 1874, takes place on 13 March.

The crowds that flock to Mount Maunganui over the summer break will swell the on-course attendances at Racing Tauranga’s meetings to be held 2–15 January.

If you are in Wellington in January, there are three meetings at Trentham with the main event the NZCIS Wellington Cup on 30 January.

City meetings are great but a day at the races in smaller rural towns offers a unique Kiwi experience.

For a taste of real West Coast hospitality, you can’t go past the famous Kumara Racing Club’s meeting held at the former

gold-mining town on the second Saturday of January. The feature race is the Kumara Gold Nuggets, with the winner taking home the stake money plus a real gold nugget.

Many West Coasters come home for this historic race day to meet with family and friends and enjoy the social atmosphere generated by the many tents and barbecues. The whitebait and venison are worth the trip alone.

A day at the races really is a part of our national heritage.