Scenic Short Road Trip - Bay of Islands, Whangarei & Tutukaka Coast

AH Reed Memorial Park is a remnant of the original Northland kauri forest. Visitors are privileged with views of kauri from the canopy walk where the giants of the forest are protected from kauri dieback disease and foot trafficking on their root system.

The canopy walk is over the Waikoromiko stream, is 14 metres above ground and over 70 metres long.  The park is a local favourite with dogs on a leash,  people enjoying the cool bush in the heat of summer. 

There are plaques throughout the park describing the flora and fauna.

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Whangarei Quarry Garden is sheer delight at the conversion of an industrial ugly quarry into a magical garden space with picnic areas, spectacular views of the repurposed gardens and the city beyond.

The deep still waters of the quarry lake are backdropped by the rock face quarry cuts making a dramatic contrast. The garden is supported by the hard work of volunteers and dependent on koha (donations).

Look for the sculptures interpreting the history of the site and the artful use of industrial remains as decorative pieces in the gardens. There is a cafe / restaurant as well as a gift shop.

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Whangarei is also home to Botanica Gardens which specialise in ferns and orchids. The Fernery boasts one of New Zealand’s largest collections of native ferns found in New Zealand and its offshore islands. It has three shade houses and a linking tunnel, ponds and a small waterfall and courtyard area. The central pond is home to three large eels which are fed every second or third day. Within the fernery is the Finn Bruce Filmy Fern House. This is a purpose-built adobe brick house that is home to a small collection of New Zealand native filmy ferns.

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Ngunguru or frying pan lookout is a great place for a photo.

Stop and soak up the views at Ngunguru, a well thought of visitor vantage point. The lookout, known as the Frying Pan, even has an elevated platform for people to climb for an enhanced panoramic view.  You might strike a tour bus stop in which case chill out and wait fifteen minutes for the crowds to get back on their tour bus.

If your timing is right the sunset views are instagram moments.  The views are of the Poor Knights to Mt Manaia. The timber lookout height and ramp are designed to be accessible. There is seating and picnic tables for your recently purchased fish n chips from the local shop in Ngunguru.

What’s So Great about Ngunguru

The Ngunguru sandspit is one of the surviving unmodified sand spits with rare bird species, access is by boat.

A special moment is forged between you and the landscape as the Sandspit is an excellent example of an unmodified sand barrier beach and dune field developed between a tidal estuary and a broad open bay.

Then the road winds its way to Tutukaka marina and access to the Poor Knight Islands, a mecca for divers and deep sea fishing fans.

The 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. And then there are choices about where to dive from artfully placed shipwrecks to naturally formed caves and coves.

Enjoy lingering on the Tutukaka coast and go Eco cruises to Poor Knight Island explore Riko Riko Cave (world’s largest sea cave). This is a great option for visitors who are not interested in getting their toes wet diving. Tour operators will entertain guests with snippets of local history and facts about Poor Knights.

Cruises are often accompanied by dolphins, orca and whales. Usually cruises offer guests the opportunity to swim or kayak in the vicinity of a moored vessel. A river cruise also operates on request along the historic Ngunguru River.

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Another family fun activity is a visit to Whananaki. Check out the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere built to get kids to school.

There are campgrounds for an impromptu picnic, a general store for supplies and a coastal walkway. The Whananaki Coastal Walkway (2 hours one way) has stunning coastal views and quiet shallow bays for a day at the beach.

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Read about Ten reasons to linger in Tutukaka Coast and take the slow lane returning or departing from Auckland.

The Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is considered one of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand. Combining New Zealand’s rugged coastal beauty with spectacular elevated ocean views, it makes for a truly awe-inspiring journey. 

The unique terrain and low difficulty of the 2-3 hour round trip means it’s a walk everyone can enjoy. Starting from the beach, the track begins by climbing its way up to a lookout point. It then weaves along the coastal cliff face, past ancient pohutukawa trees and back down to the beach below.

INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT

Note that some of the return trip (an 8km beach walk) can be cut off at high tide, so make sure to time it right.

More about Mangawhai & Mangawhai Heads Walks

Amazing Auckland, Puhoi, Warkworth, Matakana and beyond, beaches and parks are home to several glorious regional parks as well as sheltered sandy beaches for a summer fix away from the crowds.

From the donkeys of Algiers Bay to Snells Beach esplanade and mangrove boardwalks to walks through bush to quiet beaches where the crowds are few and far between.

From Mahurangi Peninsula to Tawharanui Peninsula and beyond are a series of eastern facing sandy shallow beaches that have been welcoming visitors for over a hundred years. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF MAHURANGI PENINSULA:

• Kawau Island and Mansion House
• Algiers Bay donkeys
• Snells Beach cafes and boardwalk
• Sailing regattas & diving pontoons
• Regional parks and camping grounds
• Wineries and sculpture trails at their backdoor
• Weekend markets in Matakana and Warkworth