East Coast day trips

Aquatic pursuits, history and heritage, relaxation and indulgence, famous golf courses the East Coast has it all and can cater for all tastes and budgets. We have just scratched the surface of the many activities available up and down the East Coast:

General

• Fabulous walking tracks throughout the area – including Cape Brett Walkways, Puketi Forest, Mt Parahaki, AH Reed Memorial Park, Whangarei Heads, Tutukaka Coast

Maori children dressed for a kapa haka performance.

• Fishing – all varieties in all locations – some excellent charter operators
• Diving – The Poor Knights Islands, Bay of Islands or Rainbow Warrior
• Cruising or sailing – a tall ship or a modern catamaran – join a tour or charter your own vessel
• Quad bikes, horse treks, kayaking, parasailing, sky diving, scenic flights
• Excellent variety of golf courses
• Historic sites – both Maori and early European hugely significant in NZ’s past and present
• Maori Art and Craft outlets
• Stunning beaches along the whole eastern coastline – find one all for yourself! Both surfing and swimming beaches
• Enjoy a Kapa Haka performance either during the day or a full evening show

Lower East Coast – Mangawhai, Bream Bay, Whangarei, Tutukaka

This part of the East Coast is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life and is becoming increasingly popular as visitors discover its hidden charms. The subtropical climate

Local children gathering shellfish.

Whangarei is at the heart of a district famous for its superb beaches and romantic countryside, and the world renowned Poor Knights Island marine reserve at Tutukaka.

Translated from Maori, Whangarei means “cherished harbour”. It certainly is cherished – by the keen fisherman and sailors who use the town basin marina as a base for their expeditions, by the surfers who can put themselves on a drop-dead-gorgeous surf beach within half an hour, and by the visitors who find the city’s relaxing ambience the perfect antidote to an over-stressed life.

Some of the many ways to spend time in and around Whangarei include:

• Whangarei City – for arts, crafts, cafes, walking and museums
• Claphams Clocks – unique clock museum
• Home to the rare white tigers and ‘The Lion Man’
• Tutukaka - cruising, fishing, sailing, gateway to Poor Knights Islands for diving, wreck diving, kayaking, walking, 4wd luge, farm park, coastal walkways
• Waipu – explore this towns unique Scottish Heritage through its museum. Excellent bird watching, cave exploration, beaches and surfing at Langs Beach
• Mangawhai - bush and cliff top walking, beautiful beaches, arts and crafts, chocolate kitchen, horse-trekking
• Bream Bay, endless beaches, surfing, horse racing with a difference, oil refinery

Upper East Coast – Bay of Islands, Whangaroa

The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed. It’s an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches. Every bay, shore and cove has a story to tell. The townships of this historic bay are alive with memories of the area’s colourful history. Visitors are welcome to explore the well preserved relics of the past, both Maori and European.

Whangarei Falls.

To the north of the Bay of Islands lies yet another loop to many beautiful and secluded beaches like Matauri Bay. Whangaroa Harbour provides another opportunity to polish up your deep sea angling skills.

• Explore one of 144 islands in the Bay of Islands, by boat, air or kayak
• Russell – a charming town with a fascinating past. A seaside town of significant historic buildings, wonderful shopping, excellent restaurants and delightful atmosphere – visit by ferry or stay a while
• Kerikeri - bustling town of artisans, wineries, chocolate factory, NZ’s first Mission Station, Rainbow Falls, orchards, and boutique shopping
• Waitangi – place of the signing of the historic Treaty of Waitangi, NZ’s only Maori meeting house representing all Maori tribes, NZ’s largest Maori Waka (canoe). Cultural performances and shows available in the evening and during the day
• Paihia – the tourism hub for the Bay of Islands – a beautifully located resort town where most BOI tours and cruises depart from
• Kawakawa – Hundertwasser toilets, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves
• Opua – bustling marina, car ferry to Russell, charter yachts
• Moerewa – bustling cafe and Maori arts and crafts
• Whangaroa – harbour of the same name, main game-fishing departure point, sailing, kayaking, stunning scenery
• Tauranga Bay, Matauri Bay, Te Ngaere Bay – stunning unspoilt beaches to explore