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Tuesday, December 18
Kowhai Coast Activities Info
Snell’s Beach
Mahurangi Heads
Omaha Beach
Kawau Island
Kauri trees
Whangarei Falls
Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand, dropping 25 metres into a beautiful bush-fringed pool. Located centrally at Tikipunga, 5km north east of the city.
Mount Parahaki
Mount Parahaki towers 242 metres above the city and offers a superb panoramic view of the city and harbour. The summit can be reached by road, or by walkway from Mair Park. The top is crowned with a war memorial and a large red cross, which glows in the dark.
Whangarei Museum, Clarke Homestead & Kiwi House
The Exhibition Centre features relics of our European history and a fine collection of Maori artifacts. The Clarke Homestead was built in 1885 and remains a unique example of an original, unrestored homestead. The Kiwi House offers the opportunity to see our nocturnal and endangered Kiwi bird. "Live Days" are held regularly providing a unique opportunity for an insight into the way life once was.
Parks and Walkways
The district has abundant native forest and a great variety of marked trails to suit any age or fitness ability. The temperate climate and volcanic soils provide a haven for keen gardeners and are typified by the city's many parks and gardens. Abbey Caves are just a few minutes from the city centre, and offer an opportunity to discover extensive unspoiled limestone caves - tours available.
Tutukaka Coast
Another picturesque drive taking in some of the finest beaches and scenery to be found anywhere. Travel northeast via the fertile farmlands, stonewalls and orchards of Glenbervie, arriving at the holiday resort of Ngunguru. Continue over the hills to the famous deep-sea fishing base of Tutukaka, and the cozy bays and fishing spots of the Tutukaka peninsula. Tutukaka is also the base for dive trips to the famous Poor Knights Islands. The islands are a Marine Reserve, and renowned world wide for the deep clear waters and variety of sea-life. Continue on to Matapouri and Whale Bay, two of the finest beaches in the country. Whale Bay is an idyllic spot with walking access only (five minutes). Sandy Bay, venue for surf championships, is the turning point of your journey. You can return via the same route or continue on through farmland rejoining the highway at Hikurangi. This makes an 80 kilometre round trip.
Bream Bay Coast
This magnificent expanse of white sparkling sand incorporates the fabulous beaches of Ruakaka, Uretiti, Waipu and Lang's Beach is just 30 minutes south of the city. Great swimming, surfing, sunbathing, surf casting and plentiful shellfish in these sparkling waters. The islands visible offshore are the Hen and Chicken Islands, so named by Captain Cook in 1769, and now a wildlife sanctuary. The Oil Refinery at Marsden Point is known world wide for its beautiful setting. The Oil Refinery Visitors Centre has an impressive audio-visual display highlighting the workings of this massive project, and also features a huge scale model. Shows are free, open daily and clearly signposted from State Highway One. Ruakaka boasts an all weather horseracing track uniquely positioned right next to the surf.
Proposed Schedule
11:00am Leave Auckland
12:30pm Arrive Warkworth
Visiting with friends and
exploring the Kowhai Coast.
6:00pm Leave Warkworth
8:00pm Arrive Whangarei
Auckland to Warkworth and Whangarei
The drive from Auckland to Warkworth winds along the coast and through the hilly terrain of Northland. It’s a relatively short, very beautiful drive. An afternoon re-exploring the Kowhai Coast then a night in Whangarei.
Internet Cafés / Cyber Cafés
Klosenet Internet Services
P.O.Box 1599,
50 John Street,
Whangarei 0110
Phone - Fax. (09) 438 8111
iGRIN - Cyber In The City
9 Quality Street
Whangarei
09 430-3540
Entouch@ww
Riverside Arcade
Warkworth
+64 (9) 422 3342
The 2007 Excursion |
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Whangarei Hotel Info
Cherry Court Motor Lodge
35 Otaika Road
Whangarei
New Zealand
Free phone: 0800 405 406
Telephone: +64 9 438 3128
Mainstay Go Kiwi Hotel Pass
Driving
Auckland to Warkworth
(Google Maps Driving Directions)
55 min
63 km
Warkworth to Whangarei
(Google Maps Driving Directions)
1 hr 30 min
103 km
The Cherry Court Motor Lodge is situated close to the heart of Whangarei only a 15-minute, flat walk away. It has a licensed buffet restaurant directly across the road. Just minutes drive to sports grounds. Only five minutes walk to hospital and polytechnic. The Cherry Court is on the direct route (Highway 1) to the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Dargaville, Forests etc.
• Laundry: Guest laundry with washer and dryer
• Parking: Good offstreet parking
• Breakfast: Cooked and continental breakfast to your room.
