For things to do in Northland ...

Things to do in Northland

Looking for things to do in the Northland area near us?

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1. Sandy Bay is on our doorstep and is a picturesque beach with clear blue water and large pōhutukawa trees that provide shade. It's an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, swimming, and sunbathing.  There is no life-guard service, so it always pays to be cautious with children and those without strong swimming abilities.

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2. Matapouri Bay is just a 7-minute drive from our accommodation.  The horseshoe-shaped bay itself, again, has clear blue waters and is listed among the top coastlines in the world (National Geographic Traveller) and is worth the coastal detour if you are heading to Cape Reinga.

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For those who like to do more than beach it, there is a 20-minute Grade-3 walk over the hill to Whale Bay.  There are some steep steps, but is worth the effort.  

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The small township of Matapouri has a small general store with takeaways.  

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3. Matauri Bay & the Rainbow Warrior Memorial is a 2-hour drive north of Sandy Bay.  The white-sand bay has crystal-clear waters and is popular with surfers, divers, and fishermen.  To get to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial , there is a steep 10-minute walk.  It leads to a 360-degree view of the coastal area.  The Memorial has sculptures and plaques where you can read more about the events surrounding the bombing of the ship.   Certified deep-sea divers can take the 27-metre dive to the underwater wreckage.  

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4. Whangārei is the closest Northland city.  It is a 40-minute drive south-west of Sandy Bay.  Retail and restaurant-wise, it has everything you'd expect of a city.  Highlights if you're planning a day trip, would be:

• Whangārei Falls.  You can view the falls from a viewing deck not far from the parking lot, but there is a 20-30 minute round walk that takes you on a loop track to the base of the falls. 

• Visit the town basin.  Built on the marina, it is worth taking a leisurely stroll along the vibrant waterfront marina that is brimming with restaurants, cafes, galleries, and has a great playground for families. 

• Whangārei Quarry Gardens is a sub-tropical oasis, that has been established now for more that 17 years.  Admission is by gold coin donation, but you can book a guided walking or golf cart tour.  There is a gift shop and cafe on-site too. 

• Whangārei also hosts largest collection of works by painter, ecologist, and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser outside Vienna.  Discover his art, architecture, and passion for nature on a self-guided or guided tour of the Hundertwasser Art Centre  and while you are there you can also explore the Wairau Māori Art Gallery.

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