You are spoilt for choice when considering things to do and places to go in the local area. There are fantastic uncrowded beaches and numerous walks that take in amazing views and bush. Some of the popular local Whangaroa walks are listed below, but there are many more superb walks in the area.
Wairakau Stream Track, This walk is approximately 6km in length each way from Totara North into the western arm of the harbour ending at the Department of Conservation Hut at Lane Cove. Superb diversity of flora and stunning views of the harbour. It can be possible to arrange a water taxi for the return leg if you want to avoid the walk back and get a guided boat tour of the harbour.
Kairara Rocks (Duke's Nose) access by boat, or Wairakau Stream Track. Spectacular views from the summit of this rock- 500mtrs - 45mins. There is a little climbing required but it is not too tricky.
Ohakiri (St Paul's) A track leads you up the hill of the famous nipple shaped dome named after St Paul’s cathedral. Fantastic views of harbour from the summit, some easy climbing is required to make the last ascent. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes each way.
10 km up the Wainui Road is the beautiful beach at Tauranga Bay, uncrowded with pristine sand this is great place to spend the day soaking up the sun. There are another 5 or 6 fantastic beaches just along from this so you can try a new one each day.
If you enjoy Kayaking you can get out on the Harbour and explore, Kayaks are available to hire in Whangaroa and there are also guided Kayak tours with a very experienced local operator. You can Kayak to the Kingfish Lodge in the Harbour and stop for a drink or some lunch at this exclusive water access only retreat.
The Puketi Forrest Kauri boardwalk is like steeping back in time to when this part of New Zealand was covered in the giant Kauri Trees. The Department of Conservation has created an amazing Kauri reserve with tress that are many hundreds of years old. These giants of the forrest are absolutely huge when you get close to them. It is free to go and the boardwalk takes about 30 minutes to walk around. The Puketi Forrest is about 20km south from Whangaroa.
If fishing is your thing you can go after Snapper, Kingfish or Marlin with numerous local charter boats or you can fish from the beach or local rock spots.
30 minutes south is Kerikeri with good shops, cafes and supermarkets. 30 minutes north is Maunganui which has probably New Zealand's most famous fish and chip shop located right at the water's edge. Whangaroa and Kaeo also have shops and cafes/restaurants.
If you want to stay close to base then you can get fit doing the bush tracks at Mangapiko Hill and chill out at the summit hut where we guarantee that you will be inspired by the sheer beauty of Whangaroa.
