Things To Do: Whangarei Heads

 

  

There are plenty of options available to you whether you are staying at Whangarei Heads,in nearby Whangarei or simply touring Northland. The following list is  just an indication of what you might choose to do  almost without leaving the peninsula! In some cases you may need to either bring your own, or hire equipment , but the opportunity is certainly here! The cost varies-many options are free, others  have a significant price-the choice is yours!

The sea and the beaches around Whangarei Heads offer wonderful opportunities to:

  

Swim
Snorkel
Sail

Surf-at Ocean Beach or Pataua
Windsurf
Kayak:Your accommodation may provide kayaks, or contact Pacific Coast Kayaks

Hire a boat,
Go out on a Fishing trip. Charters are available locally
Fish from land at a wharf, a jetty, or on the rocks
Dive
Water-ski
Jet ski
Sunbathe
Collect seafood

For sporting enthusiasts:

 Ocean Beach,ideal for surfers (above)

 

Play tennis at Taurikura or at Tamaterau
Play golf at The Pines Golf Club (Telephone 09 436 2246)
Play squash at Manaia Squash Club
Play bowls
Play indoor bowls
Go for a run: The Heads is a great place for anyone training for running events!

'Walk The Walks’:Trampers and Hikers have plenty of options,in fact you are spoilt for choice:

 The Pines Golf Club:beautiful view from the 10th tee! (above)

 

Walk to Smugglers Cove-take the easy short route if you like!
Walk around Busby Head

Walk the Reotahi Coast Walk
Walk the Pataua Estuary Trail
Walk the Taiharuru Estuary
Walk from Kauri Mountain to Ocean Beach
Tramp up Mt Manaia
Tramp up Mt Aubrey
Tramp up and over Kauri Mountain
Tramp to Peach Cove,
Tramp the Te Whara Ridge Track

Visit Motukiore Island from Parua Bay

For more information, see our 'Walks and Other Activities' page

Other possible Visits of interest include:

 The foot of the Mount Manaia Track (above)

Visit/snorkel the Marine reserve at Reotahi
Visit/walk to the WW2 Radar station/lighthouse at Ocean Beach
Visit/walk to the WW2 gun emplacement from Urquharts Bay
Visit the Scottish Settlers Memorial (between McLeod Bay and Taurikura)
Visit the Pioneer Cemetery at McLeod Bay
Visit the Oil Refinery Lookout at Reotahi
Visit Maxis Olives (tour)

Attend a Farmhouse Cheesemaking Day

'Chocolate Lover'? Try Taking a Whangarei Heads ‘Choco Tour' (09 434 0801)

You can view the local art scene at a number of places:
Visit Andries gallery
Visit Douglas Chowns Gallery
Other galleries
 
Early Settlers Memorial and its' view (above)

After all of that, you will probably need some refreshment! How about:

Eating Fish and Chips, grab an ice cream or just enjoy a good coffee at the Deck
Visiting the Historic Parua Bay Tavern for a drink and/or a meal


Just a short journey away at nearby Onerahi you can:


Go Sky diving,
Take a trip to Limestone Island,
Eat at Topsail Restaurant

All of this is available on, or very close to Whangarei Heads.


Then when you have exhausted  the above list,there are more options within easy reach,

Such as:

 

Nearby Whangarei
The Bay of Islands, with all of its’ attractions, just 90 minutes away by road.


 
 Stop and enjoy the view and an iced coffee (or more!) at The Deck, McLeod Bay (above)