Just south of Whitianga and backed by pohutukawa trees, this beautiful beach is a 3 kilometre crescent of fine golden sand, ideal for picnics, and water which is free from rips, making it safe for family swimming. The beach resort also has a café and shopping centre. The beach can be reached via Highway 25 or from Whitianga. You can also access it by ferry to Ferry Landing but you will need to take a five minute taxi drive from the landing to the beach.
This attractive, white sandy beach with pohutukawas is one and a half kilometres long. The crystal clear water is home to crayfish and fish. At the eastern end of the beach is the site of an old Maori pa. From the lookout there is access to Cathedral cove and the marine reserve. There are cafes, a beach store, ice cream parlour and gift shop nearby.
Colourful guide, Tony Milne, is accredited by the Department of Conservation. He’ll take you to the best bush or beach locations and keep you entertained and informed on the way. Tony will tailor the adventure round the children so they are guaranteed to be kept happy! Backpacks are preferable to pushchairs, but he can even arrange walks with those too! A portion of Tony’s income contributes to the maintenance and environmental care of New Zealand’s national parks and wildlife habitats. Half day adventures (approx 4 hours) $75 adults, children with two parents half price.
LocationHalfway between Whitianga and Coromandel town
The seaside at Mararangi is perfect for families with its gentle surf and safe swimming and four and a half kilometers of white sandy beaches. There is a store and café nearby.
This family friendly park is being developed by volunteers from a disused quarry into a world class park. There are ponds, tree ferns and other plants plus stone sculptures by local artists. The walking tracks are easy for the moderately fit. Open every day during daylight hours
This walk will take about 40 minutes return and starts near the village of Hahei. Take the signposted road to the lookout car park. The carpark can be full during summer months because this walk is so popular – you may wish to park at an alternative site from the northern end of the Beach car park but you should allow an extra 25 minutes each way.
This growing holiday resort has miles of truly spectacular, white sandy beach stretching from Mount Maunganui to the Kaituna River. Papamoa Beach is just a couple of minutes away from the local shops and restaurant, and a few minutes drive to the Bayfair and Palm Beach Plaza shopping centres.
These gardens are unique with their water features and fountains, some of which include controls to allow visitors to experiment with the designs. This hands on experience is set amongst lakes, trees and flower gardens and even a wobbly bridge. Visit the garden after dark and be entranced by more than 200 lights which transform the gardens and light up the fountains and cascades with coloured lights.
