Northern excursion

Description:

Visitors are able to enjoy this beautiful park area of mature trees and fish-filled lakes around the private industrial estate of the New Zealand Sugar Refinery. There are pleasant walks to be had through regenerating kanuka groves, and tracks connect with Kauri Point Park and Chatswood Reserve. The Refinery has been sited here in Chelsea Bay since 1883, originally chosen for its deep water access and plentiful fresh water supply. It was isolated in the early days, and had to create its own self sufficient little township. Some of the original brick Edwardian houses still stand in excellent restored condition.

Description:

R'Toto has a great atmosphere and ambience and brews excellent beer on site. Lava Lager is the most popular, with a clean crisp taste. Crater Ale is a bit heavier and more colourful, while Black Rat Dark Ale provides the full-bodied taste and texture one would expect from the name. They also brew a Raspberry Rat and a Lava Lite as well as other speciality beers. The bistro-styled food is equally excellent and imaginative, from the seafood pizza to market fresh fish of the day in hollandaise, pesto or apricot dipping sauce.

Our Local Expert Says:

This place is great if you are on the North Shore for the day and are looking for a place that can occupy the interests of your children.

Description:

The Devonport Stone Oven Bakery and Cafe is a well established cafe amongst the many in Devonport. the things that stand out here are firstly, the sourdough for which it is famous, and secondly the kid-friendliness factor. There is lots of seating including a few booths in case you need to contain your little ones. And at the back, there is a decent sized play area complete with toys.

Description:

The route is laid out in 'The Old Devonport Walk' brochure, available from the Information Centre, Windsor Reserve, Devonport. The first Tainui canoe landed on the foreshore about 1350AD, followed by the British Navy in 1840. The route passes historic monuments, churches, fine old houses, the cemetery, the ferry wharf, volcanic cones and lava flows. The Devonport Museum organises regular conducted tours around this route. A number of the buildings are privately owned and not open to the public.

Description:

Having been used time and time again as a strategic lookout all the way up to World War II, you will find many military remnants as you walk round on this dormant volcanic cone. Keep a look out for the big guns and the tunnel entrances which are only open now and then to visitors. You are also likely to see hang gliding as people jump out over the Gulf from the far side of the cone. But the real reason to go up is for the amazing view of Auckland's CBD with the water in front. Serious camera time, especially for that souvenir portrait of the family.

You can walk along the waterfront to the base from the Devonport Ferry Building in about 1/2 an hour to 45 minutes at an average pace.

Description:

Takapuna is considered the CBD of the North Shore with more than 60 bars and restaurants and 400 shops as well as its own assortment of office buildings and major companies. Takapuna Beach is a favorite of the locals and many on the North Shore. It features amazing views of Rangitoto and most of the other Hauraki Gulf islands. The beach features a reserve, picnic area and clean toilets while featureing plenty of parking for those that need to drive. Public transport is also available to and from the beach and it is a simple walk to the shops.

Description:

Devonport is a quaint little, historical village on the North Shore. It features its own beach, many historical sites and prime examples of colonial architecture (it's known for its villas). It is a 10 minute ferry ride from the Auckland CBD and a 20 minute drive across the harbour bridge. It's a walking place with most people catching the ferry, walking the beachside promenade then taking in the atmosphere of the village at a nearby café or in one of the three museums in the village. Alternatively, it's a short stroll to Mount Victoria where you can walk up to the top and admire the view back toward the Auckland city. For a more historical perspective, North Head offers a first-hand look at bunkers and old ammunition storage tunnels that you can roam through.

Description:

This restaurant perched upon the sand dunes overlooks beautiful Long Bay Beach. French doors open onto beachside decks for al fresco dining, or close tight against inclement weather. The restaurant accepts bookings for private parties, including weddings. The restaurant's interior features wooden beams and pitched ceiling; windows dominate the seaward aspect. Tables are simply adorned in white linen. The atmosphere is warm and casual.

Our Local Expert Says:

Investigate the many small beaches tucked away along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Description:

Whangaparaoa is fast becoming urbanised--many residents commute to Auckland central on a daily basis. At the tip of the peninsula is the Shakespear Regional Park with facilities including swimming, bush walks, fishing and camping and the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Meaning "Bay of Whales", Whangaparaoa was initially settled by the Ngati Kahu tribe and did not see European settlement until the 1850s. Today the still undeveloped parts of the peninsula feature regenerating forests of puriri, taraire, kowhai and karaka. Native birds are much in evidence as well. Sandstone cliffs separate sandy beaches (with safe swimming) and make for interesting walks.

Description:

Matakana is a fast-developing region rich in history, wine and recreational activities. Warkworth, a venerable port on the Mahurangi River, has interesting art, craft and antique shops. Northeast, you come to the delightful old river town of Matakana. Here new wineries, olive groves and kiwi fruit farms are developing. Cafés such as the one at Morris and James Pottery Tileworks dot the landscape. At Omaha there is a beautiful white sand beach. Past the fishing village of Leigh, is Goat Island Marine Reserve for snorkelling and scuba diving. During the summer take a Glass Bottom Boat trip.

Description:

Less than 11/2 hours drive north of Auckland is the Goat Island marine reserve. The driest way to see some of the 55 species of marine life which inhabit the area, such as snapper, moki, mao-mao to name but a few, is aboard the Glass Bottom Boat. It operates year-round (weather permitting) and can cater for up to 18 adults, or 25 children at once. The most popular trip,(around the island) takes about 45 minutes, a 30 minute trip is also available. It is recommended to contact them for weather conditions first.

Description:

Morris and James produce beautiful handcrafted and glazed terracotta plant pots for indoor and outdoor use. They are all shapes, sizes and beautiful colors. They also produce gorgeous tiles, plaques and wall art. These pieces make wonderful, lasting souvenirs and shipping can be arranged. Free pottery tours take place on weekdays from 11.30am. Their fully licensed courtyard cafe and bar provides another reason to make the trip. A full selection of local Matakana wines is also available.

Description:

Just a few minutes north of Orewa is the fantastic Waiwera Thermal Resort, a hot springs complex with pools of various temperatures and depths as well as exciting water slides and private pools. Waiwera is a great family destination with good facilities and plenty of food and refreshments available. Water park admission: Adults NZD21; children NZD11; pre-schoolers NZD6; seniors NZD9; family NZD53. Further to the north is the beautiful Wenderholm Regional Park.

Description:

Orewa is a fast-growing tourist destination featuring a beautiful beach, cafés and restaurants and a beach-front holiday park. On windy days watch for sand yachts whizzing up and down the beach. It is officially classified as a public thoroughfare and can be driven upon at low tide. The Orewa Beach Lookout, located just north of Orewa on the eastern side of State Highway One, provides a spellbinding vista of the entire sweep of Orewa Beach as well as the Hauraki Gulf islands.