Karikari Peninsula

Get away from the hustle and bustle and settle in the quiet haven of the Karikari Peninsula, a glistening gem of the Far North – pure white sands, clear pristine waters, exquisite sheltered wrap-around bays, this peninsula is a playground for those who love their dose of vitamin sea. Each bay has its own special character, this is a sanctuary of outdoor activities and refreshing escapes. Dotted with budding coastal communities and world-renowned attractions, this is a invigorating area to be a part of with reputable Maitai Bay, Carrington Estate, Golf Course and the Karikari Estate Winery.

Key highlights of the area:

Maitai Bay – a frequent mention in the annual vote for New Zealand’s best beaches.
Karikari Estate – New Zealand’s northernmost Winery, Cellar Door and Wedding Venue.
Carrington Estate – A grand 3000acre estate, home to a 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant and accommodation.
Puheke Beach – one of Karikari Peninsula’s best kept secrets, think white sands, blue water, no crowds, great fishing.
Rangiputa Beach – The harbour side perfect swimming beach, recommended surf casting spot and boat launching facilities.
Tokerau Beach – the longest beach on the Karikari Peninsula, a safe swimming spot also ideal for snorkelling, diving, fishing, clamming, kayaking and boating.

Coopers Beach, Mangonui

With the budding coastal communities that are scattered around Doubtless Bay, this is just the place to make your coastal living dream come true. This spot is home to a number of caramel and white sand crescent bays, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and sailing. Immerse yourself in the historical Mangonui village, home to a collection of charming 150 year old buildings along the waterfront that house friendly cafes, art and shop craft stores and the world-renowned fish and chip shop. Just over the hill is the close-knit township of Coopers Beach with all the urban conveniences such as shopping centres, doctors, dentists, hairdressers and more.

Key highlights of the area:

Mangonui Harbour – go on sailing, fishing and diving trips that have been operating from this harbour for years.
Coopers Beach – a crescent shaped beach lined with Pohutukawa trees, a safe swimming spot for the family.
Rangikapiti Pa – an ancient Māori fort with stunning views stretching out over Doubtless Bay.
Mangonui Craft Market – a weekly market, featuring local olive oil, soaps and local produce.
Fish & Chips – Doubtless Bay is home to several classic kiwi fish & chips shops, none more so than the Mangonui Fish Shop, where you can eat locally caught fish over the ocean.
Coopers Beach Shopping Centre – shopping is made easy here with all the amenities such as supermarket, takeaways, pharmacy, GP Clinic, coffee & gelato, massage & beauty.

Kerikeri, Bay of Islands

Welcome to Northlands favourite subtropical town and the gateway to one of New Zealand’s most popular summer destinations, the Bay of Islands. This subtropical micro-region is brimming with natural beauty and encompasses 144 islands, making for a blissful aquatic playground. Steeped in a fusion of long colourful history, this area is home to what is considered the Birthplace of New Zealand, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With niche food products, boutique vineyards, art galleries, cafes, artisan crafts, successful horticulture and the tourism hub, this area is full of character, charm and flavour.

Key highlights of the area:

Paihia – the bustling hub that is the gateway to the 144 islands of the surrounds
Russell – New Zealand’s original capital, now a quaint historic town dotted with shops, cafés, restaurants and colonial buildings.
Stone Store & Kemp House – New Zealands oldest stone building and European building, respectively, signifying some of Aoteoroa’s first fusion of European and Maori history.
Old Packhouse Markets – Kerikeri’s weekly artisan market of fine food, great coffee, fresh local produce, live entertainment and more!
The Bay of Islands – with 144 islands to choose from, including the famous Hole in the Rock, explore these gems with tourist boat companies or take your own boat out onto the pristine waters.
Opua – as an international recreational port, charter a yacht, take a cruise or just watch sea vessels dock in from all over the South Pacific.

Whangarei

Escape the real rat race and experience a balanced and excellent lifestyle in the smaller, northernmost city of New Zealand that is Whangarei. This is a thriving but compact city with a vibrant arts and cultural community. The heart of the city is closed to traffic with great retail shopping and dotted with pleasant gardens, seating and sculptures. Flowing through the city is the Hatea River, coming ashore to the city as an international yachting community hub, a safe haven from the Pacific hurricane season and known to the locals as the Town Basin. Experience the sophisticated yet relaxed hub of stylish cafes, restaurants, museums, art galleries and specialty shops.

Key highlights of the area:

The art scene – This is centred by the unique architectural Hundertwasser art, a tribute to artists, visionary and ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Hatea River – flowing through the city, this is bordered by the Hatea Loop, a easy walkway dotted by sculptures and spectacular views.
Mount Parihaka – once the site of the largest Māori Pa in New Zealand, now home to several well-maintained walking trails, rising 241 metres above Whangarei.
Whangarei Heads – a stunning peninsular with beautiful white sand coastal and harbour beaches, set against volcanic peaks and native forests.
Tutukaka Coast – Southwest of Whangarei, a coast of pristine white sand beaches, coastal bush walks and home to the renowned Poor Knights Marine Reserve.
Whangarei City Centre – a great selection of boutiques, chain stores, cafes and restaurants for a complete shopping experience.

One Tree Point, Marsden Point

Sunny coastlines of white sand surf beaches dotted with outlying environmentally protected islands, this area is not only one of Northlands natural gems, but an industrial powerhouse of New Zealand. Situated at the southern tip of the Whangarei harbour, Marsden Point is home to one of New Zealand’s natural deep-water port and New Zealand’s only oil refinery. The coastal communities of Marsden Cove and One Tree Point provide ultimate coastal living within this thriving hub with canal living, a 230 berth marina, safe inner harbour white sand beaches, waterfront walkways, a golf course and waterfront retail facilities. Coupled with the world class lifestyles of these communities, this thriving commercial hub of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and retail trades is enticing.

Key highlights of the area:

The harbour – a popular playground for recreational fisherman and divers due to abundance of kaimoana.
Northport – a booming commercial port, less than 2 hours north of Auckland.
Inner harbour beaches – safe swimming for the whanau and perfect spots for family picnics and gatherings.
Marsden Cove Market – Visit the marina promenade for your fresh local produce, seafood, arts and crafts.
Industrial Hub – vacant land and infrastructure capacity makes for a perfect spot to relocate a business to.
Location – Just an hour and a half drive from Auckland and half an hour from Whangarei.

Ruakaka, Waipu

Join the fast-growing friendly beachside community of Ruakaka, home to a beautiful white sand beach over 13 kilometres long, a popular summer spot for swimming and surfing. The blossoming seaside township is a collection of cafes, motels, a shopping centre, 2 schools, multipurpose recreation centre and a sand based racecourse, recognised by NZ Thoroughbred Racing as a significant venue. Just along State Highway 1 is the other little The Bream Bay township of Waipu, an intriguing blend of Scottish heritage and NZ coastal living. Waipu is situated on a long sandy beach with safe swimming, surfing, and fishing. Explore the nearby stunning rock formations that hold the raw beauty of the little known Waipu Caves, complete with stalactites and glow worms.

Key highlights of the area:

Ruakaka Surf Beach – safe and patrolled in the summer, this is a popular holiday destination
Ruakaka Race Course – where surf meets the turf! A sand based track with 9 allocation annual race meetings.
Waipu Golf Course – a 18 hole course with spectacular panoramic views over Bream Bay and out to the Pacific Ocean
Ruakaka Wildlife Refuge – a unique sanctuary encompassing the estuary, home to the endangered NZ Dotterel
Waipu Cove – a long sandy beach with charming rock pools and streams, home to an award winning café and restaurant
Waipu Coastal Walkway – a walk through the stunning natural rock formations and native coastal bush.

Mangawhai, Langs Beach

Escape the mundane and retreat to a spot nestled between the pacific coast and rolling farmlands. This is the charming Mangawhai, home to a world-class 18 hole championship golf course, wineries, the Bennetts Chocolate Factory, great walkways and stunning natural surroundings. The Mangawhai beach offers something for everyone – on the surf side, frolic in the waves or surf cast off the beach while on the harbour side, enjoy a peaceful swim on the shore or charter boats for fishing or diving. Just over the hill is the gorgeous beach side community of Langs Beach, a family friendly beach with rock pools, streams, perfect for windsurfing and paddle boarding.

Key highlights of the area:

Langs Beach – a crescent of white sand and teal waters of Bream Bay, shaded by pohutakawa trees.
Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway – a great beach and cliff-top walkway between Mangawhai and Langs Beach with great coastal views.
Mangawhai Golf Club – the 18-hole championship sea side golf course ranked #7 in New Zealand.
Bennetts of Mangawhai – a French inspired chocolatery, café, charming courtyard and makers of award-winning chocolates.
Mangawhai Bar – a renowned surf break on the south side of the harbour mouth.
Mangawhai Tavern Market – a fantastic blend of local produce, fabulous food, live music and arts and crafts products.

Baylys Beach

Experience New Zealand’s beautiful wild west coast from the small seaside community of Baylys Beach. The gateway to Ripiro Beach, Baylys Beach is a village of colourful baches, seaside cottages and fresh breeze from the Tasman Sea. Only 10 minutes from Dargaville and 35 minutes from the famous Kai Iwi lakes, this sleepy holiday haven is the perfect spot to start your adventure. The drivable 100km beach offers endless occupation from surfing, motorbiking, boating, surf casting or simply watching the sun set into the sea with the waves crashing onto the shoreline.

Key highlights of the area:

Kai Iwi Lakes – a jewel of Northland, spectacular natural dune lakes fringed with white sand and shallow swimming areas.
Pouto Peninsula – a true west coast kiwiana experience of rugged cliffs, tall dunes, wetlands and pounding surf, home to the Pouto Lighthouse that guards the Kaipara Harbour entrance.
Ripiro Beach – a 100km drivable shoreline and entrance to Kaipara Harbour.