A picturesque international yachting marina alongside restaurants and cafes, and the largest pa site in New Zealand. There's plenty to look at, even if you're a local including Mair Park, Loop walkway, Hunterwasser (under construction), the waka and the spectacular Bascule (opening) bridge known as Matau a Pohe, the fish hook of Pohe. Observing them from the water gives a totally different perspective.
A short drive or cycle from Whangarei central, Onerahi has lovely grassed areas for relaxing in the shade of a pohutukawa tree on a sunny day, a kids’ playground, jetty for fishing and ramp for easy launching of boats and kayaks. Limestone Island is just across the channel. The nearby Waikaraka Marine Reserve can be explored on full tide.
This island has a rich cultural history and is now a reserve and there is a walking track on the island for those who wish to visit the pa site and other archaeological sites. Thousands of trees on the island to create bio-diversity and young kiwi are bred on the island.
A beautiful sheltered bay north of Whangarei Heads, featuring the clearly visible contours of a defensive pa. With the deep waters, and views of the Harbour, there's plenty to look at from our kayaks.
A sleepy coastal suburb, with bush walks and Mount Manaia as a backdrop. This area is near the DOC marine reserve, so there are plenty of fish on the edges of the sandbars and in the channels
Pohutukawa trees line the beach settlement of Reotahi, featuring the Motukaroro Marine Reserve. Many snorkelers gather there to enjoy watching the fish, and if you're lucky, you might spot a sea horse or sting ray. Popular family picnic spot on the beach or amongst the old freezing works ruins.
A small village in the Whangarei district with a family friendly sandy beach. There are breath taking views of Mt Manaia, Bream Head and various peaks which previously formed a super volcano. McGregor’s Island just out from shore completes the picture
A picturesque sheltered spot within the Whangarei Harbour. A popular swimming location and a beautiful bay in the summer. Also features a World War II era gun emplacement, and can be the starting point for many walks.
One of Whangarei's great beaches and a great place to snorkel, fish, swim or relax. You can see in the Hen and Chicken Islands in the distance, and on a clear day other islands are also visible.
Located within the Bream Head scenic reserve close to Ocean Beach, the native trees are fantastic all around this area. Onward to Peach Cove, seals are often seen on the rocks, along with abundant sea and birdlife.
One of Northland's best kept secrets. Observe White-faced Heron, Kingfishers, Cormorants and Tui on the forest fringes and often stingray and schools of fish are encountered. Large estuaries at Pataua and Taiharuru flow out into some of Northland's finest coastline.
There are many isolated bays, and continuing further south of McGregors Bay the coast has a rugged beauty. When the swell is low there is some excellent snorkeling.
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This estuary weaves its way up a low lying valley. Mangrove forest fringes both sides of the estuary before merging to native vegetation and wetlands as the salt water meets fresh. There is an active bird population of cormorants and kingfishers. A very peaceful and interesting place to explore.
This delightful coastal village is perfect spot to go kayaking for the day, followed by fish and chips on the beach. Great for people who enjoy birdlife and tranquility. Watch the kingfishers dart around the mangrove forest.
One of many safe sandy and sheltered bays along this stretch of coastline. With plenty of trees along the shoreline, perfect for family picnics on the grassed areas. The white sands of Goat island and Ngunguru sandspit beckon in the distance but can only be accessed by boat.
The Tutukaka Coast, is a world rated scenic and idyllic holiday destination. It is especially noted for it's clear blue waters, sheltered pebbly or sandy bays, unspoilt estuaries, and sub-tropical native forest.
The Matapouri estuary is the most sheltered spot for family kayaking. The Bay is a beautiful crescent shape with great swimming on the North end where you can access the Mermaid Pool.
A large harbour between Whangarei and the Bay of Islands, well known for sightings of dolphins and orcas off the coast. Oakura Bay is sheltered from ocean swells by several outlying islands which makes for very safe kayaking for all ages.
Mimiwhangata has long white sand beaches, sand dunes and historical sites. Scientific studies have found examples of almost every shallow marine habitat on Northland's east coast, and a series of complex deep reef systems of biodiversity further offshore.
A DOC campsite* lies at the end of a very narrow windy road. Safest access is by sea kayak
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most popular regions. Travelling by sea kayak offers you the most adventurous and least intrusive way to enjoy the marine life.
