Attractions

Find your spot on the white sand beach or Whangarei Harbour for relaxing, swimming, fishing, or shell spotting. There are many beach breaks for surfing, boogie boarding, or body surfing. During summer lifeguards patrol the surf club area which is popular for beach activities. The surf club has an adjacent café for food and refreshments. The pipeline track gives access to the back of the dunes.

Enjoy fishing off the beach, from a kayak or a boat at one of the many fishing spots. Snapper is common along with gurnad and kahawai. Boat launching at Princes Rd, One Tree Point and Marsden Cove Marina. A popular fishing and diving destination is the Hen & Chicken Islands. Try your hand at Wilson Dam fly fishing for trout in a stocked lake. Beach access for vehicles from Mair Rd or Tip Rd off Uretiti Rd.

High tide is perfect for paddling up the Ruakaka River on kayaks and paddleboards. Low tide is good for bird watching at the Ruakaka River mouth where New Zealand Dotterel and Variable Oyster Catchers breed.

Explore Waipu Caves for an adventurous outing wading through an underground stream to access the caves. A torch and good footwear will be required.

View the Piroa Falls after a short, pleasant walk. The swimming hole at the base of the falls is popular during summer.