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"I was very happy with the handling of my Rental car from Pegasus in Whangarei and would certainly recommend them to anyone I know requiring a Rental Car. Evan and his wife are very nice to do business with and will be hiring from them again in the future."
Sharron, Dargaville
Itineraries
West to East Coast Circuit (short version)
From Whangarei head West to Dargaville.Stop off at Blah Blah Blah in Dargaville for a great coffee and a snack.
Continue on your journey heading north.
Visit the amazing Kai Iwi lakes that are the most beautiful blue and green colours.
Travel through the Waipoua Forest and see the biggest Kauri Tree in NZ (Tane Mahuta)
Continue onto Omapere on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour.
Change direction and head East towards Kaikohe.
Visit Kerikeri and Paihia.
You may wish to travel by passenger Ferry to Russell or go on the car Ferry via Opua.
Head home to Whangarei on SH1.
Make a quick detour to Kawakawa to visit the famous Hundertwasser toilets.
Back to Whangarei for breakfast, lunch or tea at the beautiful town basin.
Free things to see and do around Whangarei
Visit the Whangarei Falls in Tikipunga.Visit the Whangarei Quarry Gardens in Russell Road (donation appreciated).
Visit the Quarry Arts Centre.
Visit Abbey Caves.
Go to Botanica Gardens – Fernery Conservatory & Cacti House.
Look at Whangarei from the top of Mt Parihaka lookout.
Visit the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre (donation appreciated).
Take the kids for a play at the amazing play ground at the town basin.
Visit Mair Park. A peaceful native bush area with lots of walks and places for picnics.
Visit the Quay at the town basin and see the amazing galleries and other awesome shops.
Whangarei Activities
Visit the Claphams National Clock Museum, Quayside at the Town basin.Visit the Museum & Kiwi House at Heritage Park in Maunu.
Have an adrenaline rush at the Adventure Park in Glenbervie Forest.
Go to the Marsden Point Oil Refinery Visitor Centre.
Go to the Whangarei Aquatic wave and heated pool Centre at Riverside.
Market Days
Fresh, locally grown produce is available at the Growers Market in Water Street.
Saturday mornings 6am-10.30am
Quarry Market Day
Artwork from local artists.
Food and entertainment.
First Sunday of the month, 10am-3pm at the local Quarry Arts Centre.
Twin Coast Journey
For more information please vist www.gonorthwest.co.nzNorthland’s world-class circular holiday highway makes travelling through the warm and subtropical north an uncomplicated, relaxing and rewarding journey.
Let us take you on a scenic route that encompasses both the glorious east coast, famous for its stunning beaches, inviting harbours and sophisticated lifestyle, and the west coast with miles of rugged windswept coastline, unspoiled beauty and enchanting native forests. The region is rich in history — an amazing place to visit, but also proving to be extraordinarily popular with those seeking a place that provides a quieter lifestyle.
As the birthplace of the nation, Northland was where the first Maori canoes landed, and where the English settlers chose to make their home several years after Captain Cook discovered the country. You will see the sites of many of these historic settlements, along with results of the labours of subsequent generations of New Zealanders who have given Northland its distinctive character.
Rolling farmland is interspersed with forest and native bush. You can walk on the forest floor and enjoy its sub-tropical splendour. You will be awestruck by majestic Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in the world.
Early settlers built New Zealand’s economy on the kauri tree, building humble homes and massive public buildings as well as exporting timber. You’ll admire artworks and jewellery made from the translucent gum from the mighty trunks of these trees.
Two oceans will fulfil your quest for aquatic pursuits, whether to admire seaviews, swim, fish, or go boating. Northland has world-renowned diving locations, thrilling sailing and cruising and many stunning beaches.
The seafood is exceptional, and you’ll find some outstanding restaurants and cafés offering every type of cuisine. The warm climate provides avocados, kiwifruit, citrus fruits and other subtropical delights. Visit vineyards and enjoy top wines, relish handmade chocolates, award-winning cheeses and excellent olive oils.
For more information please vist www.gonorthwest.co.nz
Auckland - Kaiwaka:
Auckland • Muriwai • Parakai • Shelly Beach• Wellsford • Te Hana • Mangawhai • Kaiwaka
Setting off from Auckland central, follow signs for the North Western Motorway — State Highway 16 towards Kumeu....
Matakohe - Paparoa:
Matakohe • Maungaturoto • Whakapirau • Paparoa
...If you are continuing your journey north, driving along State Highway 12 for approximately ten minutes you will arrive at the small village of Paparoa (the Village in the Valley), steeped in olden day charm...
Dargaville, Pouto and Tangowahine:
Dargaville • Te Kopuru • Pouto • Tangowahine
...You’ll see the small but sharply pointed Tokatoka volcano, known locally as the Witch’s Hat. Keep your eye to the left as you run alongside the mighty Northern Wairoa River. Dargaville is the next stop...
Baylys Beach - Waipoua Forest:
Baylys Beach • Kai Iwi Lakes • Kaihu • Waipoua Forest
...After about three kilometres look out on your left for the turn off to Baylys Beach, where you can gain access to Ripiro Beach which, at 107 kilometres long, is New Zealand’s longest driveable beach...
Hokianga:
Waimamakau • Kaitaia • Opononi • Rawene • Kohukohu
...when you get to the delightful little settlement called Waimamakau, plan a food and coffee stop here at Morrell’s Café. This is highly recommended — fabulous food and has a lovely gift shop as well...
Ahipara - Far North:
Ahipara • Kaitaia • Houhora • Waitiki • Cape Reinga
...Ahipara is nestled at the southern end of the famous Ninety Mile Beach on New Zealand’s far northern West Coast...
Karikari - Matauri Bay:
Karikari • Taipa Bay • Matauri Bay
...After returning from your Cape Reinga tour, your journey will continue by heading south down the east coast...Bay of Islands:
Kerikeri • Paihia
...Paihia is known as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands, and is a popular holiday destination...Russell - Hikurangi:
Russell • Hikurangi
...follow State Highway 11 to Opua, to catch the car ferry Okiato to explore the historic and romantic township of Russell...Whangarei:
Whangarei • Kauri
...Whangarei boasts many entertainment facilities and shops, as well as
historic sites and beautiful scenery to explore, so you may be tempted
to stay to stay for a while...
Marsden Point • Bream Bay • Ruakaka • Waipu • Mangawhai
...If you’ve missed out on your golfing, take the opportunity to go out for 18 holes at the Waipu Golf Course which is a links course with magnificent views over Bream Bay...
Leigh - Goat Island - Warkworth
Leigh • Goat Island • Whangateau • Matakana • Warkworth • Snells Beach
..This
part of the coast is well utilised by Aucklanders who can drive here
within an hour to relax in the coastal playground...
Puhoo • Waiwera • Orewa
...You are now on the last leg of your twin coast journey as you travel south towards Auckland. Watch for signs to Puhoi, a village established by Bohemians in 1862...
For more information please vist www.gonorthwest.co.nz
