Bay of Islands – Wellington

Day 2: Whangarei to Auckland

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Whangarei - Warkworth 1.25 hrs  99/62 Warkworth - Orewa 0.5 hr  27/17 Orewa - Auckland 0.5 hr  36/23   Totals for Day 2.25 hrs  162/101

Whangarei - Warkworth - Orewa - Auckland

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

Just beyond Whangarei you can take a left turn to the Marsden Point oil refinery. The visitors’ centre has an interesting display that explains the refining process. Another detour is the loop past Waipu Cove, Langs Beach and Mangawhai Heads – spectacular surf beaches all the way.

If you like Dutch cheese, pause in the township of Kaiwaka. Further south is Wellsford, a rural service town with shops of every kind. From Wellsford you can take a side road to Pakiri – a great beach for surfing and horse treks.

A drive through the Dome Forest leads you into Warkworth, a pretty town on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it’s easy to explore the attractions of the district – surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

Scenic Highlights

Tawharanui Regional Park
This regional park is one of north Auckland's best-kept secrets. If a swell is running from the north or east, come ready to play in the surf.

Whangarei - city by the sea
Various scenic options around Whangarei - a leisurely centre for exploring Northland and the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

Poor Knights Islands
The Poor Knights Islands, Northland New Zealand, are often called one of the world’s top dive locations.

Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island Marine Reserve)
So much more than a picnic at the beach, a day at Goat Island Marine Reserve is unforgettable.

Activities

Northland
Arts & Crafts (13), Fishing – Salt Water (22), Museums (8)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Arts & Crafts (2), Fishing – Salt Water (2)

Whangarei - Warkworth - Orewa - Auckland

Warkworth is a pretty town located on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it’s easy to explore the many attractions of the district – surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

The drive south takes you through areas of native forest and farmland. You’ll notice a side road pointing to Puhoi, a town originally settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia. Cheese is the local claim to fame – buy some for your next picnic.

Another place of interest is Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Maori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small seaside village.

A breathtaking view will announce your arrival in Orewa, a town that spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

Scenic Highlights

Wenderholm Regional Park
Swim at the beach, kayak up a river, explore a native forest headland or camp overnight in a seaside regional park just north of Auckland.

Shakespear Regional Park
Flop on the beach with a good book or walk across farmland and through native bush to panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.

Tawharanui Regional Park
This regional park is one of north Auckland's best-kept secrets. If a swell is running from the north or east, come ready to play in the surf.

Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island Marine Reserve)
So much more than a picnic at the beach, a day at Goat Island Marine Reserve is unforgettable.

Long Bay - Okura Marine Reserve, North Auckland
Less than half an hour from Auckland's CBD, this marine reserve runs along the edge of a beautiful sandy beach.

Tiri Tiri Matangi Island
Encounter the entertaining behaviour of rare native birds on this pest-free island sanctuary. These birds have no reason to fear humans, so they're extra friendly.

Activities

Auckland
Boat Cruises (12), Walking/Trekking (9)

Northland
Sailing (15)

Tour and Sightseeing

Auckland
Boat Cruises (3), Walking/Trekking (7)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Sailing (1)

Whangarei - Warkworth - Orewa - Auckland

The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

On your way south, you’ll find more beaches and a world class golf course if you drive along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, which forms the southern arm of the bay. You also have the option of a shopping session in Silverdale – a town famous for its factory and outlet stores.

The newly completed motorway will quickly sweep you towards Auckland’s North Shore, peaceful farmland quickly giving way to suburban scenery. Once you’re over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, you’ll find yourself in New Zealand’s largest population centre.

Auckland city is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

Scenic Highlights

Auckland's volcanic cones
Climb green volcanic cones in the heart of a large city to peer into deep craters and explore ancient Maori earthworks. Look out over the harbours, islands and beyond.

Devonport & North Head
Discover colonial cottages, stately waterfront homes and World War II defences that run deep into a volcanic cone.

Wenderholm Regional Park
Swim at the beach, kayak up a river, explore a native forest headland or camp overnight in a seaside regional park just north of Auckland.

Hunua Ranges
Enjoy nature walks, mountain biking, fishing and camping in the largest mainland forest within the Auckland region.

Auckland Botanic Gardens
Learn about plants from New Zealand and around the world. This beautiful garden offers 64 hectares of cleverly themed displays.

Tamaki Drive and beaches
Enjoy on-street cafes, park-like picnic areas and safe sandy beaches just minutes from Auckland's central business district.

Parnell Historic Walk
Explore the historic houses and buildings of Parnell, New Zealand's first suburb. Be tempted by great cafes and specialty shops along the way.

Shakespear Regional Park
Flop on the beach with a good book or walk across farmland and through native bush to panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.

Coast to Coast Walk
Walk across New Zealand in one day. This 16 kilometre walkway explores parks, volcanic cones and historic suburbs across the Auckland isthmus.

Long Bay Regional Park
Pack a picnic and head for a waterfront park just 20 kilometres from the city centre. Relax on the long sandy beach or hike along the headland.

Auckland Domain
Fly a kite, feed ducks, walk through native forest or follow a trail of outdoor sculptures in this magnificent inner city park.

Auckland's North Shore beaches
Dip your toes into the North Shore's beachy lifestyle. A series of sandy bays stretches from Cheltenham to Torbay.

Long Bay - Okura Marine Reserve, North Auckland
Less than half an hour from Auckland's CBD, this marine reserve runs along the edge of a beautiful sandy beach.

Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve, Waitemata Harbour
A haven for wading and sea birds, you can see this marine reserve from Auckland's northwestern motorway.

Motuihe Island
Visit a picturesque island that is becoming a new wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy walks, beautiful sandy beaches and glimpses of the island's intriguing history.

Rangitoto Island
Cross the harbour on a ferry to step onto an alien volcanic landscape. Explore native forests and lava caves on the way to panoramic views from the edge of the summit crater.

Tiri Tiri Matangi Island
Encounter the entertaining behaviour of rare native birds on this pest-free island sanctuary. These birds have no reason to fear humans, so they're extra friendly.

Waitakere Ranges
In half an hour you can leave the city behind to explore a vast forest park with waterfalls, rivers, giant kauri trees and wild ocean beaches.

Activities

Auckland
Golf (1), Walking/Trekking (9)

Tour and Sightseeing

Auckland
Golf (2), Walking/Trekking (7)