The water around Poor Knights Islands arguably provides some of the best diving and snorkelling to be had in New Zealand. If you’re around Northland and want to get a taste for what lies beneath, Perfect Day Ocean Cruises come highly recommended as being great for families. With tours meeting…
If you think of a typical lighthouse, this one on the Tutukaka Headlands probably isn’t one that comes to mind but this is a functioning beacon (solar powered) that still warns boats about the surrounding rocks. To get to this lighthouse, you’ll need to check the tide times here and aim…
The Grounds at Waitangi include the Treaty House, the Carved Meeting House, The Ceremonial War Canoe, The Museum of Waitangi and outside locations of The Flagstaff, Te Ana o Maikuku/Hobson Beach and the path leading from the beach to the lawn known as Nias Track. Altogether the Waitangi Treaty Grounds…
It’s 12km along a mostly gravel road that at times twists and turns – not ideal for anyone who gets car sick but what awaits you at the end of the drive, is an amazing cave that’s easily accessible. Parking is just off the road next to a grassy reserve.…
This cafe gets well reviewed by locals and visitors alike as being a friendly place to enjoy a good breakfast, lunch or sweet treat. While the menu isn’t huge, there’s also cabinet food and both provide fresh and tasty options that together should mean there’s something for everyone to choose.…
Matapouri Beach is a huge white sand beach in a natural cove that is very sheltered and great for kids. Rock pools and fishing from the rocks available from both ends of the beach. You can also walk over to Whale Bay which has a beautiful beach only accessible on…
This is a sheltered, beautiful white sanded beach. Good for kids paddling in the water. There’s a look out and small cove only accessible on foot at the end of Whangaumu St following the Ngunguru Walkway path which is narrow and high up in places, so watch little kids. Not…
There aren’t many playgrounds in the Tutukaka area but there is a fully fenced one in Ngunguru with a good range of equipment and a shade sail over part of it. There’s a grassy area outside of the fenced playground area which is good for running around, ball games etc…
Apparently ‘world famous’ there is often a queue for these fish and chips during peak periods! The view over the water is lovely when you’re waiting or if you’re eating at one of the outdoor tables (protected by roll up blinds if the weather isn’t so great). There’s a full…
