Whangarei, Mangawhai & Matakana Coast

Itinerary

DAY ONE                                                                 L, D   

Embarking on a captivating North Island adventure, the journey kicks off with a morning departure from Tauranga. We’ll take our time and stop along the way in Taupiri for a comfort stop and stretch of the legs before continuing through to Auckland. As the day unfolds and we make our way steadily through Auckland we’ll stop for lunch at the Pretty Puhoi Cottage Tea Rooms. After we feel refueled and refreshed, we’ll continue onto the stage for the exploration of Whangarei. As the sun sets, the comfortable Distinction Whangarei becomes the base for our stay over the nights. Offering a perfect blend of relaxation and anticipation for the days ahead. This evening we’ll enjoy our evenings meal onsite at the hotel’s restaurant. 

DAY TWO                                                                 B, L, D  

As the second day dawns with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the fascinating Hundertwasser Art Centre for a guided tour of this fabulous eccentric museum. Whilst here take the opportunity to visit the retail store which has a lot to offer and enjoy the lovely café onsite or one of many in the town basin. We’ll then visit Clapham’s National Clock Museum located beside the museum in the Whangarei Town Basin. After our minds have been inspired from our creative journey, we’ll take a scenic drive out to Tutukaka, once here we’ll stop for lunch at Schnappa Rock restaurant and bar where we can enjoy one of the local secret spots. Continuing on we'll take a scenic drive through Matapouri to then onto the mesmerizing Whangarei Falls. The evening unfolds with and dinner at the hotel, providing a perfect end to a day filled with exploration.  

DAY THREE                                                              B, L, D  

The third day starts with another lovely breakfast at the hotel. Today promises encounters with wildlife and tranquility of gardens and hidden gems. We’ll immerse ourselves in the Packard Motor Museum the collection encompasses vehicles, machinery and memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries. Then onto the thrilling Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring majestic Big Cats. After this perfect experience we'll head for lunch, today we’ll enjoy the Quail Café. This is nestled in Whangarei Gardens, which sets the stage for our afternoon’s activity a guided walking tour of Whangarei Quarry Gardens. The day concludes with an evening of relaxation and dinner back at the hotel.  

DAY FOUR                                                               B, D  

Day four takes you on a coastal journey, driving through to Ruakaka Beach, then onto Waipu Cove for a quick cup of coffee and an opportunity to stretch your legs. From here our journey continues onto Mangawhai Heads, then time for a stop at indulgent Bennetts of Mangawhai Chocolate Shop and Factory. Next will be a visit to the Mangawhai Museum and we’ll have lunch at its onsite café this offers a delightful cultural interlude. The day culminates with a stay at Matakana Motel, complemented by an evening dinner at the charming Matakana Kitchen.  

DAY FIVE                                                                 B, L, D  

The fifth day is a blend of Matakana delights, starting with breakfast at Matakana Kitchen. First stop will be the Morris & James factory for a talk and tour, you can take the option to pick up a coffee at the Nectar café onsite. From here we’ll continue our scenic drive to Leigh, then onto lunch at Rics Restaurant located in the Te Arai Links Golf Course. This is positioned alongside pristine New Zealand coastline; Te Arai Links promises to be a world class golf destination. After this lovely visit to a fabulous location, we’ll make our way back to Matakana, time dependent stopping in Warkwork. Dinner will be off site at the pretty Matakana Village Pub, a great way to end our final night together.  

DAY SIX                                                                    B, L  

Being our final day, we’ll enjoy breakfast at Matakana Kitchen before setting off on our homeward-bound journey. We’ll make our way to Whitford for comfort stop and casual morning tea before visiting Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands for a guided garden tour. From here we’ll make our way to Clevedon for lunch. Concluding our journey, we’ll continue our way home having another comfort stop along the way. Our adventure then comes to an end as you are returned to your homes in the evening, enriched by the memories of a captivating North Island exploratio