RARAWA BEACH, NORTHLAND
RARAWA BEACH, NORTHLAND
FRESH SEAFOOD, MONGANUI, NORTHLAND

THINGS TO EXPERIENCE WHILE STAYING AT WHAREKAPUA

Northland is known as “the birthplace of New Zealand”. It offers fascinating Maori cultural experiences, beautiful white sand beaches and places of relaxation. Enjoy local activities such as golf, swimming, sailing, kayaking, surfing, fishing and diving. Take a cruise, soak up the sun or immerse yourself in local culture. Kaitaia’s Beachcomber Restaurant is where you can sample the finest foods in the North. At both Ahipara and Te Paki you can hire boogie boards and quad bikes for play in the giant sand dunes. Make sure you head to the northernmost tip, Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga), and watch the seas of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. On your return trip drive along Ninety Mile Beach. It’s shorter, straighter, quicker and more scenic than the inland highway. See below for more information about the many things you can enjoy while staying at the Wharekapua Beach House. We can also tailor specific ‘experience’ packages to suit your interests.

BUSH WALKS AND TRACKS

TE RERENGA WAIRUA (CAPE REINGA) LIGHTHOUSE WALK

Te Rerenga Wairua is located in the northernmost area of the North Island of New Zealand, 60 km north of Kaitaia, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet in a foaming swell of broken water. See for yourself as the two great oceans merge with eruptions of spray and spume over the Columbia Bank just offshore, to the west of the point.

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Te Rerenga Wairua is located in the northernmost area of the North Island of New Zealand, 60 km north of Kaitaia, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet in a foaming swell of broken water. See for yourself as the two great oceans merge with eruptions of spray and spume over the Columbia Bank just offshore, to the west of the point. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Odit assumenda, id facere? Error aliquam veritatis saepe! Porro blanditiis nisi incidunt! Consequatur voluptates esse laborum veritatis, minima dolore dignissimos adipisci voluptatum.

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TE PAKI COASTAL TRACK

The Te Paki Coastal Track will take you across sand dunes, idyllic beaches, dramatic headlands, through swamps filled with birdlife, and areas of historic and archaeological interest. The entire track will take 3-4 days to traverse between Kapowairua and Te Paki Stream, or if you prefer a smaller excursion, you can choose to walk one, or several, of the track sections to suit your fitness level or area of interest.

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The Te Paki Coastal Track will take you across sand dunes, idyllic beaches, dramatic headlands, through swamps filled with birdlife, and areas of historic and archaeological interest. The entire track will take 3-4 days to traverse between Kapowairua and Te Paki Stream, or if you prefer a smaller excursion, you can choose to walk one, or several, of the track sections to suit your fitness level or area of interest. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Voluptatibus ab dignissimos dicta incidunt, expedita, soluta dolorem voluptates adipisci vitae! Dolorem voluptatum quidem eveniet dolore, nemo! Quis esse voluptates possimus quas!

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PANDORA TRACK

Walk the entire 6 km Pandora Track and you’ll find yourself on the beautiful sandy bay of Pandora in just 2 hours, or take a little more time and explore one of the recommended detours. Simply follow the old vehicle track through low manuka shrub, and after approximately 30 minutes take the sidetrack that leads from Cape Reinga Road to Kauri Bush.

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Walk the entire 6 km Pandora Track and you’ll find yourself on the beautiful sandy bay of Pandora in just 2 hours, or take a little more time and explore one of the recommended detours. Simply follow the old vehicle track through low manuka shrub, and after approximately 30 minutes take the sidetrack that leads from Cape Reinga Road to Kauri Bush. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Voluptatibus ab dignissimos dicta incidunt, expedita, soluta dolorem voluptates adipisci vitae! eveniet dolore, nemo! Quis esse voluptates possimus quas!

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ARA POU (POU TRAIL)

The Pou Trail consists of several pou (large posts) situated in specific areas along the road that heads toward Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). Each pou is uniquely crafted to depict the rich natural and historical kaleidoscope of the Te Paki area. Every pou point marks a place of interest where you can stop and learn of the unique stories and natural beauty of the area.

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The Pou Trail consists of several pou (large posts) situated in specific areas along the road that heads toward Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). Each pou is uniquely crafted to depict the rich natural and historical kaleidoscope of the Te Paki area. Every pou point marks a place of interest where you can stop and learn of the unique stories and natural beauty of the area. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Voluptatibus ab dignissimos dicta incidunt, expedita, soluta dolorem voluptates adipisci vitae! Dolorem voluptatum quidem eveniet dolore, nemo! Quis esse voluptates possimus quas!

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OTHER LOCATIONS TO EXPLORE NEAR WHAREKAPUA

TE PAKI STATION

Located at the northernmost tip of the North Island, on the narrow Aupouri Peninsula, Te Paki Station is one of the most intact and diverse ecosystems in New Zealand. Once an island separated from the rest of New Zealand, Te Paki was isolated long enough that species of animals, flora and fauna evolved differently than their mainland relatives.

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Located at the northernmost tip of the North Island, on the narrow Aupouri Peninsula, Te Paki Station is one of the most intact and diverse ecosystems in New Zealand. Once an island separated from the rest of New Zealand, Te Paki was isolated long enough that species of animals, flora and fauna evolved differently than their mainland relatives.

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TE ONEROA A TOHE (90 MILE BEACH)

Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach) is an area of many contrasts. From the desert sands of the beachfront, to cliff faces drenched in wild surf, the pure white sands of Great Exhibition Bay, to the panoramic views of Cape Reinga and the rolling farmland of its interior landscape, Te Oneroa a Tohe is a wilderness of solitude and magnificence.

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Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach) is an area of many contrasts. From the desert sands of the beachfront, to cliff faces drenched in wild surf, the pure white sands of Great Exhibition Bay, to the panoramic views of Cape Reinga and the rolling farmland of its interior landscape, Te Oneroa a Tohe is a wilderness of solitude and magnificence.

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AHIPARA

Located at the southern end of Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach), Ahipara is characterised by an extensive wild coastline, surrounded by coastal shrublands with diverse vegetation that include many special varieties of endemic plant and wild life. One of Ahipara’s more distinct areas, the historic gumfields, is a significant area for its association with the gum extraction industry of the early pioneers, and at their peak, supported thousands of workers.

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Located at the southern end of Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach), Ahipara is characterised by an extensive wild coastline, surrounded by coastal shrublands with diverse vegetation that include many special varieties of endemic plant and wild life. One of Ahipara’s more distinct areas, the historic gumfields, is a significant area for its association with the gum extraction industry of the early pioneers, and at their peak, supported thousands of workers.

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KAITAIA

Kaitaia is the gateway to the Far North and the last major town at the top of the North Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, scenic lakes, including the Sweetwater Lakes, and unique forest areas, Kaitaia is a popular destination for recreational water sport enthusiasts and trampers alike.

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Kaitaia is the gateway to the Far North and the last major town at the top of the North Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, scenic lakes, including the Sweetwater Lakes, and unique forest areas, Kaitaia is a popular destination for recreational water sport enthusiasts and trampers alike.

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MANGONUI

Once a busy whaling and trading town, the historic fishing village of Mangonui is now a collection of charming 150-year-old buildings that house cafés, art and craft shops and the famous fish and chips shop. Situated next to several popular beach resorts, Mangonui is a popular local attraction and offers a wide range of activities for the water enthusiast, including sailing, fishing and dive trips.

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Once a busy whaling and trading town, the historic fishing village of Mangonui is now a collection of charming 150-year-old buildings that house cafés, art and craft shops and the famous fish and chips shop. Situated next to several popular beach resorts, Mangonui is a popular local attraction and offers a wide range of activities for the water enthusiast, including sailing, fishing and dive trips.

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SPIRITS BAY

Piwhane (Sprits Bay) is a sacred place in Maori culture. According to local legend, it is the place where the spirits of the dead depart from a large old pohutukawa tree above the bay and leave this world, to travel home, to their ancestral home (or afterlife). The bay is also known as Kapowairua, which means to ‘catch the spirit’. This name is derived from words spoken by Tohe – a chief of the Ngati Kahu people.

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Piwhane (Sprits Bay) is a sacred place in Maori culture. According to local legend, it is the place where the spirits of the dead depart from a large old pohutukawa tree above the bay and leave this world, to travel home, to their ancestral home (or afterlife). The bay is also known as Kapowairua, which means to ‘catch the spirit’. This name is derived from words spoken by Tohe – a chief of the Ngati Kahu people.

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KARIKARI BEACH

The idyllic coastal sweep of Karikari beach entices both young and old into its glistening waters to play, swim and fish, or to simply relax in the sun on the bay’s beautiful white sand. For avid birdwatchers, or novices alike, the significant wetland area situated behind Karikari Beach, to the northeast of Ranganu Harbour called the Waimango Swamp, support breeding populations of Australasian bittern, banded rail and the North Island fernbird.

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The idyllic coastal sweep of Karikari beach entices both young and old into its glistening waters to play, swim and fish, or to simply relax in the sun on the bay’s beautiful white sand. For avid birdwatchers, or novices alike, the significant wetland area situated behind Karikari Beach, to the northeast of Ranganu Harbour called the Waimango Swamp, support breeding populations of Australasian bittern, banded rail and the North Island fernbird.

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TE WERAHI BEACH

Along the Te Werahi to Twilight beach track you will experience gorgeous peach-coloured sand dunes, unusual dune grasses, and views of Cape Maria Van Diemen and Motuopao Island. If your walk is a continuation of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway, you will find yourself traversing a vastly different landscape than that of the first section of your trip along the east coast.

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Along the Te Werahi to Twilight beach track you will experience gorgeous peach-coloured sand dunes, unusual dune grasses, and views of Cape Maria Van Diemen and Motuopao Island. If your walk is a continuation of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway, you will find yourself traversing a vastly different landscape than that of the first section of your trip along the east coast.

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DOUBTLES BAY

Doubtless Bay is a stunning natural haven that consists of 26 beaches and 70kms of coastline. The unspoilt coastline ensures an abundance of wildlife such as dolphins and orcas, with excellent fishing opportunities and many other water related activities. With tranquil white and golden sand, the many beaches are perfect for walking and hiking, or simply just relaxing in the sun.

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Doubtless Bay is a stunning natural haven that consists of 26 beaches and 70kms of coastline. The unspoilt coastline ensures an abundance of wildlife such as dolphins and orcas, with excellent fishing opportunities and many other water related activities. With tranquil white and golden sand, the many beaches are perfect for walking and hiking, or simply just relaxing in the sun.

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NORTH CAPE

The North Cape was once an island formed by a marine volcano. Over time, sand deposited by ocean currents eventually formed a tombolo known now as the Waikuku Flat, which joined the island to the rest of the Aupouri Peninsula to form the entire area of the North Cape Peninsula.

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The North Cape was once an island formed by a marine volcano. Over time, sand deposited by ocean currents eventually formed a tombolo known now as the Waikuku Flat, which joined the island to the rest of the Aupouri Peninsula to form the entire area of the North Cape Peninsula.

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FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCES

There are many restaurants and cafe’s throughout Northland from fine dining to simpler cafes and takeaway cooked food, with many opportunities for al fresco dining. Here are our top choices while staying at Wharekapua.

WHAREKAPUA FOOD AND WINE PACKAGES

If you’re planning a day at the beach or a day trip to another location, then we can provide a taste of some of the far north’s finest local food and wine, delivered to your door in a traditional Maori flax woven kiti (bag). There is a range of different options to choose from depending on your tastes and needs. The Wharekapua Beach House guide provides more detailed information about ordering a food and wine package.

BEACHCOMBER RESTAURANT KAITAIA

A must while you are in the north. The Restaurant is situated in the Plaza North on Commerce street Kaitaia. The Beachcomber offers an extensive A la Carte menu, featuring fresh local seafood, venison, ostrich, vegetarian specialties and other delights as well as a deliciously different fresh salad bar. They offer lunch Monday to Friday from 11 am, and dinner Monday to Saturday from 5 pm. The Restaurant is fully licensed with a cozy cocktail bar.

FAMOUS MANGONUI FISH & CHIPS

[DonÕt miss the world-famous Mangonui Fish Shop during your visit. Located over the water in historic Mangonui Village, you can dine in or takeaway some of the best fish and chips in New Zealand. Soak up the festive atmosphere on the all-weather deck looking out over the picturesque Mangonui Harbour and Doubtless Bay. Your fish is cooked to order. Choose from a range of fresh seafood, including crayfish, fish and chips or smoked fish. All fish is caught locally. Mangonui Fish Shop is open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 8.00pm.

VINEYARDS

Northland’s many vineyards can be located anywhere from the Bay of Islands, Kaitaia, Doubtless Bay, right through to Whangarei. The north’s warmer climate is ideal for grape growing, and the region’s vintners consistently produce a wide aray of medal-winning wines because of it. The variety of wines produced range from tropical chardonnay’s, fruity pinot gris, spicy shiraz, to peppery pinotage and vibrant cabernets.

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Northland’s many vineyards can be located anywhere from the Bay of Islands, Kaitaia, Doubtless Bay, right through to Whangarei. The north’s warmer climate is ideal for grape growing, and the region’s vintners consistently produce a wide aray of medal-winning wines because of it. The variety of wines produced range from tropical chardonnay’s, fruity pinot gris, spicy shiraz, to peppery pinotage and vibrant cabernets.

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OTHER ADVENTURES, CULTURAL EXPERIENCES, ARTS AND CRAFTS

Other things to experience while in the Far North include Tours by Waka (Maori Canoe), Maori Guides on vessels, hosting by Maori families for lunch, guided tours into the bush, giant sandunes, Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach), glow worm caves, cultural performances, guided fishing trips, traditional jewellery and basket making. Here are our favourites:

PETRICEVICH DUNE RIDER KAITAIA

Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) via Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile beach) adventure. Departing daily from Kaitaia, Ahipara and Mangonui areas. Tour activities and lunch included in the tour package price. Te Rerenga Wairua is a sacred site for Maori people. It is only there that the souls of the departed undertake their final journey to Hawaiiki-A-Nui, the land of their ancestors.

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Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) via Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile beach) adventure. Departing daily from Kaitaia, Ahipara and Mangonui areas. Tour activities and lunch included in the tour package price. Te Rerenga Wairua is a sacred site for Maori people. It is only there that the souls of the departed undertake their final journey to Hawaiiki-A-Nui, the land of their ancestors.

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TUATUA TOURS

A once in a lifetime chance to experience the exhilarating thrill of riding your own quad bike through one of New Zealand’s most untouched wilderness areas on the southern end of Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile beach) and in the Tauroa Point sand dunes.

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A once in a lifetime chance to experience the exhilarating thrill of riding your own quad bike through one of New Zealand’s most untouched wilderness areas on the southern end of Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile beach) and in the Tauroa Point sand dunes.

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NORTHERN HORSE TREKS

Northern Horse Treks offers exciting 1 Hour Horse Treks along Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile beach). We start at the 90 Mile Beach Holiday Park and venture out through forests, sand dunes and up the beautiful coastline. We cater for all riding experience, riders of all ages and can customise your ride to your requirements. Private half day trips are also available. For an experience that you will never forget call 021 142 1660.

NZ SURF BROS - PRIVATE AND GROUP LESSONS

Learn to Surf in beautiful Ahipara, where you will find consistent surf all year round and is home to the legendary Shipwreck Bay. Or join our Multi Day All Inclusive Surf Camps and we will bring you everyday to the best surf spots. Ahipara is the gateway to a sandy surf saturated coastline that curves its way up the Far North’s west coast toward Cape Reinga, offering access to pristine white-sand beaches and uncrowded surf locations.

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Learn to Surf in beautiful Ahipara, where you will find consistent surf all year round and is home to the legendary Shipwreck Bay. Or join our Multi Day All Inclusive Surf Camps and we will bring you everyday to the best surf spots. Ahipara is the gateway to a sandy surf saturated coastline that curves its way up the Far North’s west coast toward Cape Reinga, offering access to pristine white-sand beaches and uncrowded surf locations.

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FISH FAR NORTH

[Fish Far North specialises in offering personalised fishing tours of the very far north, tours up Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile beach) to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) and surrounding areas. They provide land based surfcasting/fishing plus boat fishing through some of the best operators available. Tours/fishing charters are packaged to the individual customers needs and can be from 3 hours to 5 days. www.fishfarnorth.co.nz

TE WHARE WHIRI TOI GALLERY

Te Whare Whiri Toi Arts Gallery is located within Roma Marae grounds in Ahipara. Exhibitions are held regularly with exhibits from established and emerging artists. The gallery is used to showcase the creations and art by community artists. Te Whare Whiri Toi is a weaving group based in Ahipara, the seaside community in the Far North of New Zealand.

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Te Whare Whiri Toi Arts Gallery is located within Roma Marae grounds in Ahipara. Exhibitions are held regularly with exhibits from established and emerging artists. The gallery is used to showcase the creations and art by community artists. Te Whare Whiri Toi is a weaving group based in Ahipara, the seaside community in the Far North of New Zealand.

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KAITAIA ARTS AND CRAFTS

Explore the arts and crafts stores and stalls in Kaitaia for a range of art prints, pottery, jewellery, paintings, art supplies and Maori arts and crafts. Discover a range of clever kiwi arts and creations with our distinctive Kiwiana style. Find that perfect gift or supplies for your own craft projects in Kaitaia.

WAGENER/SUBRITZKY HISTORIC HOMESTEAD

The Wagener/Subritzky Homestead (1860) is recognised as on of the more significant historic homes in the north. It reeks of historic charm and shouldn’t be missed. Restored in the 1960’s the home has not lost any of its “old” charm and one can still imagine it as the headquarters of a huge estate that stretched from Awanui (just north of Kaitaia) through to Cape Reinga. Regular tours of the homestead are available during the summer season.
www.subritzky.homestead.com

MATTHEWS VINTAGE COLLECTION

[MATTHEWS VINTAGE COLLECTION[This is a unique, comprehensive collection of vintage cars, tractors, stationery engines, historical artefacts and much more. Visit what most would call one of Northlands hidden treasures, Matthews Vintage Collection offers a fantastic stop in on your Northland adventure. This is not just your typical museum.
www.matthewsvintage.com

DILLY DALLY ORCHARD LTD

Dilly Dally Orchard is located in Mangonui, and offers a range of over 16 products including jams, jellies and preserves all made from 100% pure home-grown fruit and vegetables. At their Farmers Markets you can ‘try before you buy’ so you are able to taste the flavours first. All Dilly Dally Orchard products are home-made style using small batch production.
www.dillydally.com