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New Zealand > Auckland
> Warkworth & The Kowhai Coast
By Jessica Lloyd
Located on the beautiful Kowhai Coast, Warkworth is situated just above
Auckland, and is part of the Rodney District. The Kowhai Coast stretches
from Waiwera to Pakiri Beach/Leigh. The name comes from the Kowhai trees and
its yellow flowers, which grow profusely along the east coast of Northland.
With around 18,000 residents, Warkworth is a good sized town, with a lot of
sound attributes going for it. Farms are quickly being subdivided into
lifestyle blocks to cater to city dwellers wanting to get out of the rat
race, and what nicer place to go to do it. Warkworth is the centre of the
Kowhai Coast, and has some stunning beaches to explore, and lots of walks
and parks. Its’ natural beauty is what draws so many people to this area.
The laid back lifestyle here is close enough to the big smoke to be
commutable, but not so far as to be displaced.
The Atmosphere of Warkworth
 It is a good place to stop on the way to or from the Bay of Islands. The
atmosphere of this town is relaxed and just a bit cool, though very
friendly. It is a reasonably wealthy place, sort of a resort town for
Auckland expats. Not to discourage anyone from going there, of course! Only
Aucklander’s who understand that this zone rocks would ever come to live
here; the city has nothing on this place. Nobody is in a hurry (is anybody
in a hurry in New Zealand bar Aucklander's?) and it retains its ‘small town
charm’ while still having all the mod cons. The people are a mix of cool
charm and local friendliness, and it wouldn’t be unusual to be stuck
chatting for half an hour. The restaurants and cafes are all interesting and
some quite unique.
Things to do in Warkworth
The proximity of Warkworth to so many other attractions makes it a great
base for exploring the upper North Island. There are thirteen vineyards in
this area, and six of them have tasting facilities, and some have
restaurants. With many art and crafts shops and displays, Warkworth is a
definitely a creative zone which is normally the case with beachside
villages surrounded by natural beauty; its inspiring! Interesting
restaurants and cafes abound, and there are some good boutique shops to
tickle your fancies. If you are into antiques, you will find some worthwhile
galleries here.
There is also mini golf for lazy Sunday arvos, or make use of the two golf
clubs nearby. Hot Tip: Warkworth course doesn’t favour a long hitter! With
all the regional parks and protected land and water in this area, outdoor
activities are a highlight of Warkworth. It can be used as a base to go to
Goat Island or Kawau Island, where you can go in glass bottomed boats, or go
diving, snorkelling, or fishing. The reptile zoo also makes for a great
afternoon exploring the life and times of our scaly friends. Mahurangi West
Regional Park provides many options, from walking tracks to bike rides.
Nearby is the Waiwera Thermal Resort.
 SheepWorld Farm and Nature Park has daily sheep and dog shows. Shows on the
weekend are especially for families, and have fun farm stuff like bottle
feeding lambs and sheep shearing. Bookings are essential:
phone SheepWorld on 09-425-7444 (ext 101), or your travel consultant.
Daytrips to SheepWorld are $69 for adults and $49 for children
(4-13yrs).
Other Interesting Areas Nearby
Goat Island Marine Reserve is beautiful and a fantastic place to discover
our underwater world. With loads of colourful fishies to stare at and swim
with, it would be hard to not be awe-inspired by this fantastic area of New
Zealand. The only thing that would spoil an occasion here is bad weather.
Take a trip over to Kawau Island and see the wallabies, native birds, and
other interesting animals which got imported here by Sir George Grey. He
created his own little paradise, and there is a lot of history on this
island, including a big mansion. Snells Beach and Algies Bay have some great
picnic and recreation spots, and makes a nice day trip.
Events in Warkworth
The Kowhai Festival runs from 30th September to the 8th of October. The
Festival has a series of individual events spread out of the week, over the
entire district. Founders Day Regatta is on 7th October 2006, and has a
collection of old craft and steamers. This is Warkworth’s 153rd Anniversary.
Warkworth and Sister Towns
Warkworth has made itself an international town, with relations with five
countries world-wide. With one in Japan, two in the UK, one in Canada, and
one in Australia, residents and programs are exchanged yearly.
History of Warkworth
Warkworth was named after one of its sister towns in the UK, Warkworth
Northumberland, by a John Anderson Brown. He arrived by boat in 1843, up the
Mahurangi River, and discovered the idyllic landscape. It wasn’t actually
called Warkworth until 1853, when he bought the land from the crown.
Warkworth is an Historic Riverside Village, and is part of the Heritage
Trail Brochure.
Getting There
Self drive - Bus - Taxi
An hours drive north from Auckland depending on traffic conditions and an
hour and a half to Whangarei.
Auckland Attractions and things to do,
Auckland Motels and
Hotels
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