The Pines Golf Club 10 minutes from Whangarei, a picturesque, challenging course boundaries onto Parua Bay. Easy walking. Whangarei Heads Road, Parua Bay
If you can manage to drag yourself away from your own private beach, a huge array of activites await. Take your pick - whatever your age, there is something for you to do and see in Whangarei, Northland. In Maori, Whangarei means 'cherished Harbour'.
Whangarei Falls
Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand, dropping 25 metres into a beautiful bush-fringed pool.
In 1981, the ocean surrounding the Poor Knights Islands, off the East Coast of Northland was established as New Zealand's second marine reserve. The marine reserve extends for 800 metres offshore around the Poor Knights Islands Marine Environment Beneath the waves at the Poor Knights an ocean of diving has been compressed into a relatively small area. The caves, arches, tunnels and sheer cliffs provide a great variety of habitats to explore. From turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests on the upper reaches of the tumbling "giant staircase," to the dark waters of the islands' many caves, the Poor Knights offer an extraordinary variety of underwater experiences. Sponge gardens and gorgonian fields are inhabited by a myriad of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones, with black coral found in deeper waters. The steep cliffs, which fringe the islands, plunge 100 metres below sea level in places before reaching a sandy seafloor. The arches are some of the most interesting places to explore. A rich nutrient soup is washed through them, feeding the countless animals that compete for space on the walls. Squadrons of stingrays can also be found cruising the waters of the archways during warmer months. Many of the subtropical fishes living in the marine reserve are found nowhere else in New Zealand, having found their way to Poor Knights on the subtropical East Auckland current. Some of the fish include subtropical species such as spotted black groper, mosaic moray and Lord Howe coralfish. They are renowned for their friendly nature and make visiting the marine reserve a truly memorable experience. Nursery Cove, and some of the shallower parts of the South Harbour are the best places for novice divers. Experienced divers can find spectacular and challenging dives all around the islands. If you're diving please take care to avoid damaging underwater features, and no souvenir hunting please.
Golf
Whangarei has a selection of outstanding courses. The 18 Hole Pines Golf Club, only minutes away has magnificant views and nestles on the harbour-side. Clubs are available for hire. Visitors are welcome. the.pines@golf.co.nz
Diving
The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is renowned as one of the worlds top dive locations, offering spectacular water clarity and variety of sea-life. The sunken frigates Tui and Waikat off Tutukaka make for a great dive. Also great coastal and harbour diviing.
Local company receices top PADI award...
Quayside Town Basin
Centrally located in the heart of the city, a popular haven for international yachts, with an award winning waterfront development featuring art galleries, crafts, speciality shops, cafes and restaurants.
Longview Estate - Northland Vineyard & Winery. We produce the finest quality wines using many varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay and Gerwurztraminer right here in Whangarei, New Zealand. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Gerwurztraminer, wines, Longview, Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand, fermentation, grapes, vineyards, winery, wineries, mario, barbara, vuletich, tasting Local Vineyards
Longview Estate was established in 1969 by the Vuletich family. They pioneered winegrowing in Whangarei and Longview is Northland's oldest established vineyard. Longview is open daily for sales & tastings. www.longviewwines.co.nz
Click to see some excursions within easy reach of Jacksons Bay Retreat
Quayside Town Basin Links:
THE NEW ZEALAND FUDGE FARM Whangarei Town Basin is now home of the creamiest fudge made in New Zealand. Made 100% by hand. From farm fresh dairy ingredients comes one of the finest fudges in the world, reminiscent of days gone by. Ann and Larry Johnstone established the NZ Fudge Farm in 1992 on their farm at Tangiteroria, perfecting the guarded recipes passed down by previous generations. The laborious techniques involved in making the fudge holds the secrets to their products success . The list of flavours is growing all the time. Popular flavours are Russian Caramel and Chocolate Supreme. The other many flavours available have found a place in the discerning tastebuds of many a "Fudge a holic." Store fudge in fridge during summer. This will give it several months shelf life. This creamy mouthwatering fudge is available to the door by courier week days only.
Other activities
• Horse trekking
• Sailing
• Caving
• Sea Kayaking
• Dolphin and Whale Watch
• Safaris and Adventure Treks
• Wildlife and Animal Parks
• Harbour Cruise
• Absailing
• Theatre
• Parks & Walkways
• Beaches
• Museum
• Shopping
• Restaurants
• Night Clubs & Bars
• Rockclimbing
• Vineyards
• Vintage & Classic Car Museum

BIG ROCK SPRINGS TRAIL RIDING TRAIL RIDING IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS Explore one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations on horse back... Ideal for the adventurous, or seeking tranquil    relaxation amongst magnificent scenery. Experienced guides will provide a short riding lesson at the start of the day to determine ability and help beginners. Explore underground glow-worm caves. Experience the thrill of swimming your horse at the end of the day. BYO Lunch, or we will supply at a charge of $10pp (please book in advance). Riders are requested to wear jeans/long trousers, and boots or suitable shoes. Bring swimming togs and towel. Helmets are supplied. Courtesy van pick-up. Season: October - May Trail Rides (In Five Stages): $80 per person Ginny 09 401 9923 mobile: 021 167 4878 or Jenny 09 401 9303 mobile: 021 136 1716 jennyking@xtra.co.nz Dolphin Discoveries - the original dolphin swimming company in the North Island of New ZealandThe Bay of Islands is a unique area in New Zealand and is a popular location for marine mammals as it provides them with an important food source and resting area due to the protection offered by the surrounding landscape. Dolphin Discoveries have been conducting Swimming with Dolphins tours since 1991 introducing thousands of visitors and residents to the fascinating world of wild dolphins and whales. Join us for the ultimate marine mammal experience.  Swim with the dolphins (conditions permitting) and sometimes see the magnificent semi-resident baleen whales, penguins, and other wildlife amidst the spectacular marine environment of the Bay of Islands. Also Experience our Discover the Bay Eco Tour in the spectacular, historic Bay of Islands Maritime Park. Cruise amongst the 144 islands, see the 'Hole in the Rock', Cathedral Cave, Cape Brett Lighthouse and basalt lava flows forming the Black Rocks. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat.
Sea kayaking in northern New Zealand in the Bay of Islands. You will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and there's no better way to enjoy this sub-tropical paradise than by sea kayak. Explore the outer islands with lagoons, natural rock caves and quiet sandy beaches, or relax amongst the mangrove forest and challenge the Haruru Falls. We look forward to sharing all this and more with you on our popular New Zealand kayaking / canoeing tours. Sea kayaking in northern New Zealand in the Bay of Islands. You will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and there's no better way to enjoy this sub-tropical paradise than by sea kayak. Explore the outer islands with lagoons, natural rock caves and quiet sandy beaches, or relax amongst the mangrove forest and challenge the Haruru Falls. We look forward to sharing all this and more with you on our popular New Zealand kayaking / canoeing tours. View further information about our ptions. Sea kayaking in northern New Zealand in the Bay of Islands. You will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and there's no better way to enjoy this sub-tropical paradise than by sea kayak. Explore the outer islands with lagoons, natural rock caves and quiet sandy beaches, or relax amongst the mangrove forest and challenge the Haruru Falls. We look forward to sharing all this and more with you on our popular New Zealand kayaking / canoeing tours. View further information about our ptions. WHANGAREI HEADS Enjoy the stunning beauty of Whangarei Heads. A amazing 35 - kilometre drive leads by the beautiful bays and beaches ending at Ocean beach. Enjoy great beaches and walking tracks right beside the city of Whangarei.
Nestled amidst the charm of the Quay overlooking the Marina at the Whangarei Town Basin, the Gybe Restaurant and Bar adds a new and exciting dimension to the Whangarei dining scene. Gybe offers dining and bars on two levels, as well as sheltered dining on the mezzanine balcony. A European style brasserie and bar, perfect for social gatherings, is situated on the lower level and is complimented by a stylish fireside lounge for relaxing over cocktails. The more formal ambience of the upper level and outdoor balcony lends itself to that special dining occasion. Gybe's professional chefs have created a modern menu with something to suit everyone's taste. The service team has been in training to provide a first class dining experience. Whether you choose to dine on the balcony and bask in the glorious views over the Whangarei Town Basin and Marina or prefer the polished and sleek nautical interior, the Gybe Restaurant & Bar promises to give you an elegant yet relaxed dining experience of lasting impression.
Recent local news:
• Whales spotted nearby...
Dan Hawthorn was sitting quietly in his kayak off the coast of Northland when he was suddenly confronted with a whale that came so close he could smell its breath. It was among a pod of either Bryde's or minke whales, swimming and circling near Bream Head which made a "hrooosh" sound as they approached him. For two hours, the 57-year-old computer science lecturer sat in his kayak taking photos and enjoying the sight of the creatures splashing in the water. Sometimes they were close enough for him to smell "whale breath", he said. Their breath smelt like "animal and shrimp and some indefinable spice that is not cinnamon but akin". He saw one of the distant whales "tailwalk", its upper body riding out of the water for half a minute. Mr Hawthorn, of Morningside, Auckland, saw the whales around 10am on Saturday while kayaking around the coast. He was taking photographs of the Bream Head area with his brand new digital camera. Twice he saw "violent flurries" on the surface as a whale seemed to want to dive immediately and change direction, leaving him with a "sense of my fragility and smallness". One whale almost 25m ahead dived quietly. The next thing he knew, its nose appeared 3m from the front of the kayak. It kept rising until it was 2m in the air, overhanging the kayak. In an email to the Herald, Mr Hawthorn wrote: "I am partly watching this through the viewfinder, saying to the camera, 'hurry up for Christ's sake, take the bloody picture'. "The auto-focus has never seemed so slow. The camera finally clicks and I shove it back in the bag." In the moments before the whales disappeared, Mr Hawthorn said one of the pod rose from the water to inspect him. It did this three times before dropping back into the water. "There is a moderate splash and surging water comes over the nose of the kayak but it is soon gone. I am alone in the ocean again, awed and shaken." Mr Hawthorn described the whales as long and slender with pleated throats and pointed heads. They were around 9m, he said.
Other Links:
Northland today is a place to indulge the senses, rejuvenate body and soul. You’ll find luxury lodges, secluded retreats, or gourmet treats all wrapped up in a sub tropical climate and unspoiled setting. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is the way to get around Northland. Starting and finishing in Auckland it is a journey along two shorelines of vastly different perfection - more of an exploration of the spirit of a region and its people. Northland is the Birthplace of a Nation. From the arrival of the first canoes on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. Whether your desire is to ‘hook the big one’, swim with dolphins, charter a yacht or dive the Poor Knights, you will be well catered for in Northland. Landlubbers can visit ancient Kauri forests, visit glow worm caves or horseride along a deserted beach. Northland Regional Museum, Whangarei The three easiest methods of discovering if there are Kiwi in your area is by finding their burrows, seeing their tracks, or by hearing their calls. Kiwi Calls The easiest way to discover if there are Kiwis in your area is to listen for them on a still night. During the night, as they are out foraging for food or patrolling their territory, they will perform duets, calling to each other. The female has a lower hoarser call than the male, although it is the males call that can be heard and identified the easiest. The call of the female morepork is often mistaken for that of the male kiwi because the sound is very similar. The difference is that the Kiwi will repeat its call at least 10 times, so when you hear a call that sounds like a male Kiwi just count them and you will know if you have Kiwi in your area. Kiwi Burrows Another way of finding if you have Kiwi neighbours is to look for their burrows. These are found in banks and in roots under trees, often the fresh dirt gives them away, although a Kiwi will spread the dirt over a large area in an attempt to hide the nest Kiwi Tracks The Kiwi footprint is another way to find Kiwi. If you look in soft dirt or clay you can quite often see the footprint which is different than most bush dwelling birds, because they are quite large and deep. A careful look in the area of the footprints will usually show holes in the ground where the Kiwis beak has been probing for food. For those people who arent lucky enough to be able to see a Kiwi in the wild, here is a list of places where you can see them in captivity.
http://www.tourism.net.nz
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