Download GPX file for this article
-35.052222173.741944Full screen dynamic map

From Wikivoyage
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Whangaroa harbour

Whangaroa is in the Far Far North of Northland in New Zealand.

Understand

Whangaroa's history goes back to Maori settlement, a mission station, kauri gum digging, and a prodigious boom time when kauri logs were brought from the surrounding hills in enormous quantities, settlements and mills flourished, and busy shipbuilding yards operated around the harbour. In the years between 1850 and 1909 these shipyards produced over 100 ships - schooners, brigantines and ketches - which sailed the high seas and ended up in all corners of the globe.

Those days are past, but the unspoilt beauty remains to delight the traveller. The harbour itself is the jewel in a crown of beautiful bays that encircle Whangaroa's coastline. There are still substantial areas of native bush within the county. The small townships and settlements keep their sense of history and some of their original buildings remain to carry whispers of the past into the 21st century. Whangaroa remains a mecca for the game fisherman. Pristine white sand beaches and clear water create a mecca in summer time for holiday makers. Whangaroa community website

Get in

40 minutes drive north of the Bay of Islands and 20 minutes south of Doubtless Bay; its central location on The Twin Coast Discovery Highway makes Whangaroa County an ideal stopover for travellers searching for that something different, that speaks of authentic Northland, unspoilt and unique.

Get around

See

Itineraries

Do

Fish. An old saying is "If you can't catch a fish in Whangaroa then you can't fish". For all info on fishing and fishing charters check out Whangaroa Big Game fish club

Bushwalk. Whangaroa has a history of economic development through the utilisation of its native timbers. It has a rich plant biodiversity. To experience the flora and fauna a walk in the Puketi forest [1] or a Guided bush walk of the wairakau streamtrack including a boat tour of Whangaroa Harbour [2] are recommended highlights.

Beach and surf. Whangaroa hosts some of New Zealand's most picturesque white sand beaches which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and surfing along with just lazing around. Matauri bay, Tauranga Bay and Taupo bay are popular spots in summertime and offer family campgrounds. More info at the Whangaroa community website [3].

Climb Taratara Rock. A few minutes drive up State Highway 10 and you'll see Taratara Rock on your left. Can be accessed on Otangaroa Road and Taratara road off SH 10. [4]

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Stay safe

Go next

This city travel guide to Whangaroa is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!