GETTING OUT AND ABOUT AS A FAMILY
11 SEPTEMBER 2022
We spent an amazing few months in Northland and we went on so many adventures and trips! We have showcased our favourite things we did as a family that we highly recommend.
1. Abbey Caves
There are 3 caves at the reserve - Organ, Ivy and Middle. Somehow, we completely missed the middle cave and the Ivy cave was a bit too advanced for us with the kids (plus it had a lot of water rushing into it so it wasn't safe to explore) but we got to explore the Organ cave which is the first one you come across and the most popular.
Exploring these caves is not for the faint hearted and it is challenging due to the large boulders you climb down to get into the cave but we did it! And so did two awesome kids - aged 4 and 8! There aren't as many glowworms as the Waipu Caves we explored, (showcased further down this blog) but there are still quite a lot and they are as beautiful as the night sky.
The walk on the reserve is a 1.4km walk and is absolutely amazing! So if spelunking isn't your thing, the walk is 100% worth it. There are limestone rocks scattered everywhere for you to explore and photograph.
The caves and reserve are free to enter!
Exploring these caves is not for the faint hearted and it is challenging due to the large boulders you climb down to get into the cave but we did it! And so did two awesome kids - aged 4 and 8! There aren't as many glowworms as the Waipu Caves we explored, (showcased further down this blog) but there are still quite a lot and they are as beautiful as the night sky.
The walk on the reserve is a 1.4km walk and is absolutely amazing! So if spelunking isn't your thing, the walk is 100% worth it. There are limestone rocks scattered everywhere for you to explore and photograph.
The caves and reserve are free to enter!
2. Mt Manaia Lookout
Mt Manaia can be seen from most places around the Whangarei area and every time we looked at it, we couldn't wait to hike up to the top. We chose to do it on a sunny day so that the views would be well worth it - and they were!
The hike itself is over 1000 steps up (and down!) but you don't have to be super fit to do it. You just need to be prepared to climb up so many stairs and take your time. The track takes your through stunning native bush, past vibrant moss-covered rocks and there are certain points where there's a break in the trees and you get incredible views below.
At the top, you're rewarded with views all across the harbour of Marsden Point, One Tree Point and even across to the Hen and Chicken Islands. There is no railing at the top, just a big rock to sit on to soak up the views.
The hike itself is over 1000 steps up (and down!) but you don't have to be super fit to do it. You just need to be prepared to climb up so many stairs and take your time. The track takes your through stunning native bush, past vibrant moss-covered rocks and there are certain points where there's a break in the trees and you get incredible views below.
At the top, you're rewarded with views all across the harbour of Marsden Point, One Tree Point and even across to the Hen and Chicken Islands. There is no railing at the top, just a big rock to sit on to soak up the views.
3. Smugglers Bay Loop Track
We've never been to Hawaii but we've seen pictures and parts of the Smugglers Bay Loop Tracked looked like these pictures so we sure felt like we were there. The track takes you around Bream Head, through farmland (you will probably meet some friendly cattle on the way), passing by WWII gun emplacements and to two pretty spectacular beaches - Bream Bay Beach and Smugglers Bay Beach. These beaches have some of the clearest water we have ever seen, which is perfect not only for swimming, but also snorkeling.
At Bream Bay Beach we saw an octopus swimming between rock pools and Lath even playyed tug-o-war with it!
If your kids are collecting Kiwi Guardian medals, you will find a post along the track.
At Bream Bay Beach we saw an octopus swimming between rock pools and Lath even playyed tug-o-war with it!
If your kids are collecting Kiwi Guardian medals, you will find a post along the track.
4. Heritage Park Steam Trains
Every 3rd Sunday of the month, there are multiple steam trains running at the Kiwi North Heritage Park in Whangarei. We spent a great morning here exploring the area and riding the steam trains.
There are a few miniature steam trains running which run for 5 - 10 minutes. The girls had a blast and were excited when they saw us coming up to a tunnel. There is also a large steam train that runs for around 10-minutes on a there and back track.
There is SO much to do at the Heritage Park. Aside from the steam trains, there's a tractor hayride, vintage machinery, a rock and gemstone shop, locomotive memorabilia and a model railway set up trains going around the tracks, including Percy!
The trains are $2 - $2.50 per person to ride.
There are a few miniature steam trains running which run for 5 - 10 minutes. The girls had a blast and were excited when they saw us coming up to a tunnel. There is also a large steam train that runs for around 10-minutes on a there and back track.
There is SO much to do at the Heritage Park. Aside from the steam trains, there's a tractor hayride, vintage machinery, a rock and gemstone shop, locomotive memorabilia and a model railway set up trains going around the tracks, including Percy!
The trains are $2 - $2.50 per person to ride.
5. Hundertwasser Art Centre
This is one crazy, whacky building! Inside is an art gallery and the building itself was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser (hence the name).
The Hundertwasser is located in the Town Basin in Whangarei and even if you're not into art, you can still wander around the outside to check out the building.
We didn't go inside the art gallery, instead we explored the outside and had lunch at the restaurant, Aqua, which is just as crazy inside! The food was absolutely delicious and they had lots of vegetarian, vegan and GF options.
The Hundertwasser is located in the Town Basin in Whangarei and even if you're not into art, you can still wander around the outside to check out the building.
We didn't go inside the art gallery, instead we explored the outside and had lunch at the restaurant, Aqua, which is just as crazy inside! The food was absolutely delicious and they had lots of vegetarian, vegan and GF options.
6. One Tree Point Beach
One Tree Point is a quiet beach just 30 minutes south of Whangarei. It offers fantastic views of the Whangarei Heads and beautiful Mt Manaia.
At low tide, you can walk all around the point, taking in views of the Whangarei Heads and seeing what sea life there is to find. We ended up finding some interesting looking seaweed and often found lots of starfish and pretty scallop shells.
The water is so clear here and it's flat for a long way out which is perfect for kids and also paddleboarding.
At low tide, you can walk all around the point, taking in views of the Whangarei Heads and seeing what sea life there is to find. We ended up finding some interesting looking seaweed and often found lots of starfish and pretty scallop shells.
The water is so clear here and it's flat for a long way out which is perfect for kids and also paddleboarding.
7. Whangarei Quarry Gardens
These subtropical gardens in central Whangarei were so fun to explore! There are of course flowers everywhere, but there are also cactus and some pineapple looking plants.
At times we felt like we were in another country with all the exotic plants around us. There are multiple walks to do around the quarry, with one taking you right beside a waterfall up on the cliff.
It's a gold coin donation to here into the gardens which is cheap family day out.
At times we felt like we were in another country with all the exotic plants around us. There are multiple walks to do around the quarry, with one taking you right beside a waterfall up on the cliff.
It's a gold coin donation to here into the gardens which is cheap family day out.
8. Mt Parihaka Lookout
Whangarei is surrounded by mountains and this is the easiest one to get to if you're wanting views across Whangarei (and beyond) but you don't feel like hiking up.
It's an easy 5-minute drive up Mt Parihaka and an even quicker walk from the carpark to the lookout. There are information boards by the lookout, telling the history of Mt Parihaka.
It's an easy 5-minute drive up Mt Parihaka and an even quicker walk from the carpark to the lookout. There are information boards by the lookout, telling the history of Mt Parihaka.
9. Blacksmith's Creek Walkway
This track takes you along Marsden Cove, right out to a jetty where you can fish, swim and even see seals! We loved doing this walk and enjoyed how diverse it was.
The views of the Whangarei Heads are great and the water is crystal clear. We saw stingrays on our walk out to the jetty and found lots of starfish when we were walking along in the water at the beach.
The views of the Whangarei Heads are great and the water is crystal clear. We saw stingrays on our walk out to the jetty and found lots of starfish when we were walking along in the water at the beach.
10. Bream Bay Beach
One of the finest beaches that Whangarei has to offer, Bream Bay Beach is located on the Smugglers Bay Loop Track and it just a 15-minute walk from the carpark.
It's a beach full of stones, crystal-clear water and amazing rock pools. It's the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling and you may even meet Mr Octopus like we did!
It's a beach full of stones, crystal-clear water and amazing rock pools. It's the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling and you may even meet Mr Octopus like we did!
11. A.H.Reed Kauri Park
Northland is full of kauri trees and kauri walks, including the A H Reed Kauri Park in Whangarei. The tracks are variable with flat gravel tracks, canopy walks and stone steps. Each part of the forest has large kauri trees, native New Zealand bush and vibrant green moss covering rocks and tree trunks.
There are lots of insects and skinks to be found on this track and the kids really enjoyed the canopy walk which takes you 25 meters off the ground.
We followed the tracks along to the most incredible waterfalls we have seen - the Whangarei Falls (showcased further down in this blog).
There are lots of insects and skinks to be found on this track and the kids really enjoyed the canopy walk which takes you 25 meters off the ground.
We followed the tracks along to the most incredible waterfalls we have seen - the Whangarei Falls (showcased further down in this blog).
12. Shelly Beach
This is a pretty magical spot at low tide! To get here you cross over a shallow river which is tidal, so low tide is best, scramble up a small hill and you're there. The rock pools are super clear and impressive which makes hunting for crabs and shells very easy. The water is such a beautiful colour and in summer it would be an ideal place to chill as it's separated from the main beach. There's a hill just to the left of the beach which gives amazing views across the main beach (Waipu Cove Beach) and back across Shelly Beach. There's even some pancake rocks to explore a bit further down!
13. Marsden Bay Beach
One of our favourite places in Northland! It's such a quiet beach, even on a bluebird day and there's so much marine life here. We saw huuundreds of stingray and also octopus here. The beach is calm and shallow for ages so it was a great place for our girls to swim and boogie board around. There is a nice playground by the beach and a few picnic tables. The area offers amazing views out to Whangarei Heads where we did the Smugglers Bay Loop Track. The water here is insanely clear and when the tide is out, you may even be lucky enough to spot hundreds of stingray patterns in the sand like we did.
14. Waipu Golf Course Cafe
Did somebody say donuts?! They have the yummiest donuts here which the girls got to try once but couldn't finish as their eyes were bigger than their bellies!! The cafe has a wide range of filled rolls and slices and great coffee. There are plenty of table and chairs outside with fantastic views across the golf course and across to the Whangarei Heads. The cafe is open Tuesday to Saturday 8am - 2.30pm (click here for updated days and times) and Click here for directions.
15. Whangarei Falls
The Whangarei Falls is definitely one of Northland's gems! The walk itself is stunning, with the milky lime river flowing gently by, insects to find, sticks to throw in the river and walking amongst beautiful native trees. When you catch the first glimpse of the waterfall and the bridge in view, it's a pretty spectacular sight! It sure does make a pretty picture so be sure to take your camera! You also might want to bring a raincoat as standing near a roaraing 23-meter-high waterfall in full force tends to let off a lot of spray!
16. Whangarei Town Basin
Known for its fartsy artsy, Whangarei has a lot going on in the town basin. The first thing that will catch your eye is definitely the Hundertwasser Arts Centre! It's a little bit crazy and a little bit colourful and very much out there. It's a great place to have lunch or coffee at and walking to the bathroom is pretty trippy with the colourful tiles all over the walls and floor! There is a water feature for kids to cool off on in hot days and they even light up at night. The town basin is a nice place to hang out, it's full of restaurants, great views and plenty of places to chill.
17. Waipu Caves
There are only a few places in New Zealand where you can go and explore caves and see glowworms for free and Waipu Caves is thankfully one of them. The caves are fairly easy to get into and it's a huge chamber once you get in. It's full of stalactites and stalagmites which are really interesting to study. You can venture deep into the chamber to the darkest point to see the glowworms, it's just a 20 second walk inside but takes longer as it's dark and you pass a small stream! The caves are a must do when you're in Northland, they are just so beautiful and it really is an experience once you're in there, just remember to take a torch!
18. Town Basin Playground
There is so much to do at the Town Basin Playground - it has heaps of climbing frames, a big slide and lots of music instruments at toddler height, along the fence. It's a huge space that never feels crowded, no matter how busy it is.
It's easily located in the Town Basin, right beside the carpark. It does cost to park here or you can park further down on a side street (most of Whangarei's streets are pay and display).
There are bench seats for the parents and plenty of food places near it.
It's easily located in the Town Basin, right beside the carpark. It does cost to park here or you can park further down on a side street (most of Whangarei's streets are pay and display).
There are bench seats for the parents and plenty of food places near it.
19. Ruakaka Beach
Sunny or stormy - we love Ruakaka Beach! The white sand stretches for miles which means you never feel too closed in, even on busy summer days.
You get uninterrupted views of the Whangarei Heads and the Hen & Chicken Islands. When the sun is out, the water is a beautiful blue colour.
There is a nice cafe next to the carpark called Bach Cafe, who make great coffee and are dog friendly! Or Monday - Thursday you can get a coffee from Frenchy's Kitchen which is located in a carpark just off the main highway as you're heading to Ruakaka Beach. She makes great coffee and serves up delicious French sweet treats. One of the girl's favourite things to order from there was her lindt mint hot chocolates mmm.
You get uninterrupted views of the Whangarei Heads and the Hen & Chicken Islands. When the sun is out, the water is a beautiful blue colour.
There is a nice cafe next to the carpark called Bach Cafe, who make great coffee and are dog friendly! Or Monday - Thursday you can get a coffee from Frenchy's Kitchen which is located in a carpark just off the main highway as you're heading to Ruakaka Beach. She makes great coffee and serves up delicious French sweet treats. One of the girl's favourite things to order from there was her lindt mint hot chocolates mmm.
20. Smugglers Bay Beach
Emerald water, white sand and lush green hills all await you at Smugglers Bay Beach. It's located at Bream Bay in Northland and it's just a 10-minute walk through the country from the Urquharts Bay carpark.
The water is emerald from above but crystal-clear from below. It's perfect for snorkeling and there are plenty of rocks, so you'll find plenty of sea life amongst them.
The water is emerald from above but crystal-clear from below. It's perfect for snorkeling and there are plenty of rocks, so you'll find plenty of sea life amongst them.
Conclusion
Whangarei and the surrounding areas have some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. There was plenty that we had on our list but didn't get a chance to do but we think they are worth mentioning.
Head to Whangarei as soon as you can to do some of the most incredible adventures of your life!
- The Waipu Coastal Track in Waipu where you walk along the coastline to Langs Beach and you can explore pancake rocks along the way. This track was closed when we went so unfortunately we didn't get a chance to walk it.
- The are plenty of walks along the Hatea River that we wanted to do but didn't have time! Luckily we got to do the Whangarei Falls walk which is located on the Hatea River.
- Kiwi North has kiwi and other creatures for kids to discover.
- Mt Aubrey and the Reotahi Coastal Walkways are often overlooked because most people do the Mt Manaia track. We ran out of time to climb Mt Aubrey but we will be back again to do it!
- On Friday nights there are fire dancers in Kamo, Whangarei where you can spin around a stick on fire or just watch them. If you want to take part, it's only $5 per person. You can find more info here.
Head to Whangarei as soon as you can to do some of the most incredible adventures of your life!
More to do in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND ALPINE LAVENDER FARM
CANTERBURY Lavender ice cream, cute bikes and rows of lavender near the beautiful Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki - what a dream!
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KAI IWI LAKES
NORTHLAND These are the clearest lakes we have seen in the North Island. Perfect place to relax in summer or take the boat out and catch some trout. |
WHITES BAY BEACH
MARLBOROUGH The perfect beach for swimming and taking in the most incredible views from the cliffs. The drive here is just as breath-taking!
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