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New Zealand > Northland > Whangarei
Whangarei is
the gateway to the Far North - a land
almost forgotten by time, slow-paced,
idyllic with magnificent scenic
attractions and wide ranging
activities. It has more the feel of a large
country town than a fast-paced city, a good
rainfall, few frosts in winter allowing the lush
green semi-tropical flora with bananas, pawpaw and other
exotic fruits grown locally. It is also the most
northern city of New Zealand with a population of
72,000.
Once you make it to Whangarei, head
for the Town Basin, a multi-million
dollar marina re-development,
a chic, sophisticated gathering place
for international boaties and locals
who sit under the sun umbrellas at
Riva's, or one of the other licensed
bars and bistros to sip their flat
white, cappuccino, wine
or beer, eat superb café style
cuisine ((try a bowl of Riva's Seafood
Chowder with a serving of crisp
garlic buttered baguette) - watch a
game of chess played on metre high
chess pieces on the paving stones
next to the café or the ensigns of
multiple nations fluttering from the
masts of dozens of yachts anchored in
the marina.
Take a stroll around the special
interest shops and galleries in the
development. You can watch
internationally renown glass artists
and ceramists in action at the glass
blowing studio or visit one of the
three museums (Clapham's Clocks, the
Doll Museum and the Fish Museum).
Take a walk down the lighted walkways
along the Hatea to see the petanque
ground and historic Reyburn House.
This is one of the first homes built
in Whangarei and is now run as an art
gallery showing the work of local
artists. From the front verandah you
can just see the strangely shaped
dome housing the Whangarei Operatic
and Dramatic Society, one of three
such facilities in the city.
From the city a
30 minute drive to beaches, fabulous world-class
deep sea fishing tours, horse-trekking, quad bike
rides, magnificent kauri forests, and the
magnificent Whangarei Falls, bush
walks and farm visits. 25
minutes north of Ruakaka.
Mangawhai
Heads is one of Northland's
best kept secrets. Only 90 minutes
from Auckland's central business
district and 50 minutes south of
Whangarei, it overlooks the fabulous
Hauraki Gulf. Spacious sandy beaches
and a subtropical climate entices
people wanting an escape from the
frantic pace of city living.
Beautiful walkways, sun soaked sand
dunes, superb fishing, diving, water
skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and
boogie boarding makes Mangawhai Heads
an aquatic playground for all ages
and tastes. Yesteryear's colonial
charm and modern features makes for
an eclectic mix.
Bream Bay (Waipu,
Waipu Cove, Langs' Beach, Ruakaka,
Marsden Point and the Hen and Chicken
Islands) is just minutes north of
Mangawhai Heads. The relaxed mood
found here is a result of the meshing
of a beautiful environment and
delightful sunny climate. You'll
discover miles of white sanded surf
beaches, peaceful rural scenery,
walking tracks, native bush,
waterfalls and caves. At Marsden
Point, there is a spectacular
audio/video show of the huge scale
model of the refinery that runs every
half hour at the NZ Refinery Visitor
Centre and is totally free. Other
activities including fishing and dive
charters, eco-tours, surf casting,
dolphin and whale watch tours, horse
treks, golf, escorted cave tours and
boat hire ensure that an action
packed holiday is yours.
Though the whole of Bream Bay has
sand and surf in common, each area
has subtly different facets. Ruakaka
has an uncluttered sand to sky vista,
Waipu Cove is the 'village', Langs
Beach is the exclusive lady of the
set with some very chic architecture,
and Waipu itself is home to a strong
Caledonian cultural heritage.
Places to see include
Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach, Waipu
Cove, Waipu, Ruakaka, Marsden Point.
Getting There
Self drive - Bus - Tour - Fly
Two and a half hours drive north of
Auckland.
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