Delve into stories about New Zealand at Waitangi and Kerikeri. From East to West, follow the coastline. Enjoy glorious beaches and Hokianga’s stupendously old kauri trees. You will visit New Zealand’s most significant lighthouse at Cape Reinga, snap a selfie at several glorious waterfalls, and marvel at massive gold sand dunes. Heritage, artisan goods, and farmers markets are a bonus.
Twin Coast Discovery Highway road trip is a journey of contrasts. Loop through sub-tropical Northland, the top of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Northland & Bay of Islands
AUCKLAND city of sails is New Zealand on a plate. Explore Auckland, a must-do destination with three wine districts, beaches and rivers, urban sophistication and a Pasifika vibe.
Auckland to Whangarei route map (see above).
Driving distance: 169 km.
Key towns: Warkworth, Mangawhai Heads, Waipu, Whangarei.
Warkworth is an intriguing mixture of attractions from a heritage museum adjoining a magical kauri reserve to galleries, great eateries and the nearby Matakana wine trail. Warkworth, wrapped around the Mahurangi River has a bustling main street, ducks along its river banks.
Warkworth is part of the Matakana coast communities of Goat Island, Matakana and Leigh. Weekend markets are regular Auckland hot spots especially in the summer months.
Warkworth Parry Kauri Reserve, ponder the life of a 800 year old kauri tree. Parry kauri reserve pocket sized original native forest gem easily located in Warkworth, North Island, NZ.
Take a short relatively flat loop walk around the reserve. You will be surrounded by New Zealand forest magic, just a short detour from state highway one.
Walking trails can be as easy as browsing the goodies at Bennetts Chocolate Shop. Walks offer variety from surging ocean beaches to a tranquil estuary harbour, a sand spit, dramatic dunes and vibrant village community. Ceramics, painting, sculpture, foodie treats and local wineries add depth and favour for visitors.
Even the buildings have got into the act with architectural designs from the Mangawhai Tavern to the Mangawhai Museum references to the ‘stream of the stingray.’
WAIPU, bird watchers have several quiet places to find fairy terns, surfers a memorising length of white sandy beach, a fascinating corner where Scottish settlers forged their identity as New Zealanders (absorbing Waipu Museum has the full story of resourceful Scottish settlers) and a great place for a picnic.
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Turn up on the weekend and the local farmers market is where it all happens in the town hall.
BREAM BAY is over 10 km of sandy coastal beaches and are popular holiday summer spots. The beaches are Langs Beach, Waipu Cove, and Ruakaka. The name of the bay was named by Lieutenant James Cook in 1769, although it is likely the fish was actually snapper.
Bream Bay marks the entrance to Whangarei Harbour. The high bluffs are at the northern edge of the striking Bream Bay coastline.
Delve into the charms of Whangarei. For visitors short on time Waitangi is unmissable. One of New Zealand’s premier destinations showcasing the story of Maori relationships with the Crown. For visitors short on time your journey takes you to Pahia and Waitangi.
Driving distance: all day exploration, less than 20 km
Key towns: Whangarei
Whangarei is a perfect excuse for a stopover on your way to Northland. A day in Whangarei could easily stretch into several with gardens, parks, museums, and weekend markets. The Hundertwasser Art Centre is unmissable.
For waterfall fans the iconic Whangarei Falls are easily accessible for all fitness levels. There is a marina to explore and a riverside Hatea River shared pathway. And do not miss a visit to the Packard Motor Museum, a quirky enormous collection of all sorts of vehicles, not just Packards.
Check out where to take a great selfie in Whangarei and enjoy the outdoors while on one of the TOP FAMILY FRIENDLY WALKS IN WHANGAREI.
Whangarei Waterfall. What a magnificent display of water power and you can view the awesome might from the carpark viewing platform. Whangarei falls have top billing on the list for the best waterfalls in the North Island, New Zealand.
Visitors will be spellbound by the very satisfying curtain of water pouring into a beautiful pool surrounded by native bush. A superb Whangarei attraction with free entry and a great walk around the falls reserve to stretch the legs.
Hundertwasser Art Centre. Where a gold leaf cupola roof, zangy tiles and not a straight line in sight redefines elegance. Aotearoa New Zealand’s major legacy to the artist is the HUNDERTWASSER ART CENTRE. The gallery is mustgo destination on the Northland culture and heritage trail.
The Hundertwasser Art Centre’s gold dome dominates the Whangarei Town Basin cityscape. Beautiful swirling, uneven tiles and geometrical shapes define the building and the art form of Hundertwasser.
The Whangarei town basin is a top visitor destination with restaurants, cafes, galleries, shops and places to visit. Whangarei’s town basin is beautifully choreographed, by the Hatea walkway to capture the best viewpoints.
Visitors can easily navigate themselves to top attractions such as Hundertwasser Art Centre, the kids playground or a nearby cafe on the wide firm pathways.
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Lush sub-tropical climate, fertile soil and plenty of volunteers and enthusiastic town planning has created a gorgeous city packed with gardens and parks to visit. A must go destination for many visitors is AH Reed Memorial park with its mature native trees and canopy boardwalk.
Visitors relish a visit to the Whangarei Quarry Gardens where Quail Cafe entices visitors to linger. The fernery at Whangarei Botanica is a special treat for lovers of filmy delicate ferns.
Claphams Clock Museum has a sci-fi timepiece ready for an insta shot. Listen to ticking clocks at the Whangarei Claphams clock museum and then pop over the Hatea walkway to snap a shot of rolling balls triggering action in the time machine.
Discover quirky clocks that can boil a kettle and make tea. There are ancient timepieces using the sky and sand to navigate time. Whangarei delivers an unusual, fascinating collection of clocks, timepieces and odd facts about time. Clapham’s Clock collection is the largest and most historically significant collection of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whangarei Reyburn House & Gallery, is an art and craft destination as you stroll along the Whangarei river. Art lovers will relish the chance to browse through the well stocked Reyburn House gift store with its extensive collection of emerging and established Northland artists.
Explore the pretty Vistorian colonial Reyburn house now the home of the Northland Society of Arts.
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Want to dive at Poor Knights Island on the Tutukaka Coast? Poor Knights Islands is usually in the top five places to dive in the world. This is due to the proximity of the continental shelf, warm ocean currents and the excellent visibility. There are choices about where to dive from carefully placed shipwrecks to naturally formed caves and coves.
Learn More about Poor Knights Island
A day trip exploring nearby Whanageri. Explore Hikurangi with its quirky museums and Waro Reserve (karst limestone outcrops) and the Tutukaka Coast. Find a turret for spectacular views of Mt Mania and the coastline.
The Hikurangi Lake Waro Reserve wind and rain have shaped vertically carved cliff faces. The reserve is a natural sculptural fantasy.
129-141 King Street, Hikurangi 0114, approximately 5 minutes drive from Hikurangi’s shopping street. There is parking beside the quarry pool.
Find out why visitors want to walk the southern hemisphere’s longest wooden footbridge in Whananaki North. Whananaki Footbridge, odd, unusual and definitely quirky.
Look for stingrays cruising the estuary as you cross the bridge. Enjoy the solitude and peace of the remote settlement. Grab an ice cream from the local grocery store.
Russell and nearby Waitangi are the legal and cultural heart of the country. Depart from Whangarei, explore sandy beaches with the option of cruise to one of the world’s best diving spots, Poor Knights Island. Linger in Helena Bay among local art and nearby wineries.
Driving distance: 142 km.
Key destinations: Whananaki FootBridge, Helena Bay, Pahia (Waitangi)
Helena Bay art gallery, perhaps some more objects for the home in the interests of encouraging local artists to keep on being artists. Lunch and linger in Helena Bay. Wine enthusiasts can visit several of New Zealand’s most northerly vineyards. Helena Bay is the home of Helena Bay Gallery and Artworks.
The extensive garden is packed with outdoor sculpture installations making it a fun place to wander through. And it is a great brunch stop. Opening.
Gallery hours: every day, 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Cafe hours: every day from 10.00am – closing, depending on visitor numbers.
Paihia is an ideal location for visitors wishing to experience a Waitangi immersive experience where the Treaty of Waitangi and the relationship between the Crown (government) and traditional owners is explained.
Location, location, location! Paihia is ideally situated to visit several New Zealand top attractions from Waitangi Treaty Grounds to Russell with its intriguing 19th century stories. The resort town thrives on visitors with cafes, gift shops and businesses catering to the tourist trade.
Driving distance: less than 20 km
Key places: Waitangi, Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri
Waitangi, explore treaty grounds at Waitangi, wander around Russell, once a whaling hellhole of the Pacific now a quaint Victorian era visitor destination. Stroll along Kerikeri’s bustling main street with galleries and cafes.
Spend time delving into the past at Kororipo Heritage Precinct. The Bay of Island is 144 islands between Cape Brett and Purerua Peninsula. Holiday towns include Opua, Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Mangonu at the northern tip.
Pahia, with its extensive visitor centre and the wharf facilities ferrying passengers to Russell is a central location. Paihia is the most popular place to stay in the Bay of Islands. Coming up second is the pretty historic town of Kerikeri with its shops, cafes and galleries.
RUSSELL key sights are a leisurely stroll from each other. Discover the jewel in the Bay of Islands, Russell. You will find a pretty Victorian heritage town facing the harbour that witnessed polynesian Maori arrivals, boisterous whalers, earnest missionaries and settlers. The town now thrives on visitors and is a magnet for people visiting Northland and nearby Waitangi…
There is plenty of choice from tall ship sailing to half day cruises around the Bay of Islands, Northland. Pompallier Mission & Printery is a must-do for heritage buffs.
KERIKERI, BAY OF ISLANDS – well known for oranges, farmers market and heritage sites wrapped around a picturesque inlet. Discover local artisans, wineries specialising in warm climates, the Makana Chocolate Factory, Wineries include Marsden Estate, Ake Ake Vineyard, Cottle Hill Winery and Fat Pig Vineyard.
Ngawha hot pools are a hidden treasure and a great way to finish the day after exploring heritage colonial mission stations. Relish a day indulging the senses. You will soak in geothermal mineral pools curated with you in mind.
Discover the story of the missionaries in Northland through the narrative of Te Waimate homestead and wonder at the life where every action was controlled and monitored for good behaviour. This trip is a great idea for families and kids.
KORORIPO HERITAGE PARK is an outstanding heritage precinct with its picturesque stone buildings. The sense of history is palpable.
Under the umbrella of Rangatira (Chief) Hongi Hika, the Church Mission Society established the church and store. Today boaties sail to Koropio and anchor in the safety of the estuary.
WANT TO KNOW BUDGET ACCOMMODATION PLACES TO STAY NEAR WAITANGI?
Check out 13 camping grounds in Waitangi Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri – Best Bits
There are plenty of things to do nearby Waitangi. Apart from the charming Kerikeri there is:
In the peak summer season it could be difficult to park a motorhome in Russell as there is no dedicated motorhome car park. Leave your transport at your accommodation unless absolutely necessary to have wheels. Motorhome drivers will have issues parking as Paihia is equally stringent on traffic parking violations.
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Catch the passenger ferry in Paihia. Relax, take a break from driving.
From west to east today you are driving to the East Coast of Northland. Departing the Bay of Islands your road trip follows coastal roads with temptations to divert to Matauri Bay and the Rainbow Warrior memorial. Perhaps you’re a fan of abandoned buildings then Totara North is right up your alley. Perhaps a day or two exploring quiet coves and bays is part of your holiday plans.
Bay of Islands (Paihia) to Cape Reinga (Ahipara) touring route:
Driving distance: 131 km
Key towns & places: Mangonui, Lake Ohia
There are plenty of guided tour options from the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga, the tip of New Zealand. The tour is 10 hours.
This will shorten your driving distance by 100 km+
From Paihia, Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour route map:
(This route eliminates stops Mangonui (stop 20), Butler Point Whaling Museum (stop 21), Ahipara (stop 22)
Whatever the time of day it is a kiwi culinary treat awaits in Mangonui with the fish n chip shop open until late. Mangonui is a historic fishing and whaling settlement with cafes, a well known art gallery and a collection of 150 year old buildings.
Mangonui continues its fishing tradition as well as being a hub for holiday makers visiting popular nearby beaches. Mangonui is the main settlement for picturesque Doubtless Bay.
For heritage fans of 19th century whalers visit a restored 1840s homestead housing a museum dedicated to the story of whaling. Read more about Butler Point Whaling Museum – Best Bits.
The museum is part of a recognised Garden of Significance, magnificent pohutukawas and surrounds include a Pa site. The Whaling Museum has a restored fully equipped kauri whaleboat. Here is an opportunity to delve into a forgotten history.
AHIPARA gateway to Cape Reinga is an ideal place to relax, Tours to Cape Reinga depart from this area.
Ahipara is more than a beach, there is a vibrant local art scene, a picturesque golf course with sand dunes offering challenges and the welcoming vibe of a small community.
For visitors taking the slow lane a night in Ahipara before joining a local guided tour to Cape Reinga provides plenty of time to explore the area in depth.
Whisked yourself off to CAPE REINGA from the Bay of Islands, Paihia SKIP to DAY SEVEN
Cape Reinga. The famous landmark sits at the tip of the Te Paki Recreation Reserve. Cape Reinga is a rite of passage for many visitors. The remote location adds to the bucket list appeal. Cape Reinga lighthouse is surrounded by the stunning Parengarenga Harbour, Kokotu spit attractions and how to get there with plenty of things to do and places to visit. Consider the gigantic Te Paki sand dunes or Gumdigger Kauri park. Explore the wide open spaces of Ninety Mile beach, a legal highway only open for traffic at low tide.
Cape Reinga lighthouse is surrounded by stunning remote beaches with plenty of things to do and places to visit. Consider gigantic Te Paki sand dunes or gumdigger kauri park.
Explore the wide open spaces of Ninety Mile beach, a legal highway only open for traffic at low tide.
While the beach is officially a road, the packed sand is not suitable for a motorhome or standard 2WD vehicle. If you want to experience a drive along the beach join a tour. For the peak summer season forward bookings are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Beach driving requires a 4WD, experience in sand driving and an understanding of tidal movements. Relax and join a guided tour to the tip of New Zealand.
GUIDED TOUR OF CAPE REINGA AND NEW ZEALAND’S FAR NORTH
Hokianga is the home of Footsteps of Kupe (Polynesian legendary navigator and explorer). Along with the heritage trails, Hokianga Harbour offers visitors estuary boardwalks, thrilling jet ski trips on the harbour, gigantic ancient kauri forests, sand dunes to explore. Perhaps your ideal holiday is simply soaking the summer away in the rock pools. Hokianga is the place to find your quiet space.
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In a day you can explore Kohukohu, Rawene, Hokianga Harbour and squeeze the WAIPOUA KAURI FOREST. Start early from Paihia with an overnight STAY in the Hokianga.
Kohukohu is a historic settlement on the Hokianga harbour now home to a creative community of artists and craftspeople.
The town buildings are bright, cheerful and festooned with window flower boxes, gardens full of oaks, willows and laden lemon trees. Kohukohu is the gateway to the Hokianga harbour ferry (passenger / vehicles).
Ferry Services, Fullers GreatSights operates the Hokianga vehicle ferry between Rawene and Kohukohu. The short crossing on the Kohu Ra Tuarua ferry links the two sides of the remote Hokianga Harbour on Northland’s west coast. The ferry does not take bookings.
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The ferry, in the summer peak season can have a considerable queue of vehicles wanting to cross at any one time.
Quirky Rawene, departure point for Hokianga ferry and home of The Boat Shed Cafe. Allow several hours to amble around Rawene, popping into the local cafe / art gallery, the puzzle shop and simply walking around the town absorbing the sense of community. There is a wetland walk past Clendon House well worth a detour. Clendon House, check for details as it is not open every day.
Clendon Cottage, a pretty cottage, was built in the bustling 1860s by James Clendon, a trader, shipowner and magistrate. After his death, his 34-year-old Māori widow Jane was left with fourteen children and an enormous debt of £5000. Nothing like determination and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Tour Manea Footprints of Kupe is an interactive centre focused on retelling the story of the East Polynesian navigators and the emergence of Maori culture. Manea: Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings.
Visitor experience starts with a cultural greeting ceremony, the pōwhiri. From there you are escorted into the Manea theatre, where a 20-minute 4D-digital extravaganza and live performance awaits visitors.
Extraordinarily smooth cylindrical boulders nestled on a gold sandy beach of Koutu. Check the tides and take a beach walk to wonder at what nature has wrought.
You can also view the boulders from the harbour. These boulder formations are identical to the well known Moeraki boulders.
Waipoua is home to the kauri, one of the world’s mightiest trees. The largest kauri reach more than 50 metres tall, have trunk girths up to 16 metres, and sprang from seed as long as 2,000 years ago.
RECOMMENDED: Guided tour with Footsteps of Tane Matuha (giant kauri forest trees over 800 years old)
Kauri Museum, Matahoke is a terrific punchline for the final day as you make your way back to Auckland. Listen, hear and explore the story of cultural & environmental genocide of the forest giant, the Kauri at the Matakoke Kauri Museum.
Far more than a museum of timber, the Museum has stories of the Maori of the north eastern Kaipara, of European pioneers, of foresters and sawmillers, gum diggers and farmers, and of business people, fishers and the families who have made this area their home. Kauri forest trees were an economic driver for Northland in the mid 19th – 20th centuries. The forests of the North were decimated and largely destroyed.
Your twin coast discovery journey is nearing completion with Auckland within your sights. You are approximately 2 hours from Auckland driving without stops.
For visitors interested in abandoned industrial buildings, would like to get another glimpse of the magnificent kauri trees and potter around a charming town. Warkworth is a great place to stop on the route to Auckland.
This trip can be completed in reverse – the Twin Coast Discovery Highway touring route starts and finishes in Auckland.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.
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