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Surrounding Districts
If you’re looking for your Scottish heritage take a trip 30
kms south of Whangarei to the township of Waipu. Even if
you can’t trace your heritage back to the Nova Scotian
settlers, you will find it fascinating to visit the "House
of Memories" museum. Open daily from 9.30 am - 4.00 pm, they
can also give you information about driving around the newly
developed Heritage Trail. Along the road take a look at the Waipu
Tile Co. The great artwork on these tiles have seen them selling
well nationwide.
The Caledonian Society hold their popular Highland Games here
annually on New Years Day. A great chance to check out Highland
dancing, the bagpipes, or traditional events such as
‘tossing the caber’.
If you want to catch the surf, grab your board and head five
minutes out of town to Waipu Cove. A well known beach
great for surfing, swimming, or just checking out the talent. It
offers a large camping ground, cabins and motel for
accommodation.
A further ten minutes around the corner is picturesque Lang Cove.
With beautiful Pohutukawa trees, rolling surf and hills it is
safe for family swimming, and you may even spy some dolphins.
Ten minutes north of here through Ruakaka is the often talked
about Marsden Pt Oil Refinery. Take a stroll along the
wharf and spy the massive red and white chimneys or take a
fishing rod and the kids will love throwing a line over the side.
If you’re lucky the Northland Racing Club could be holding a
meeting at the Ruakaka racetrack. A great afternoon for
horse lovers and punters alike.
If you head to the West Coast for about an hour from Whangarei,
you’ll come to the town of Dargaville. Set on the
Wairoa River you can head north from here and visit the famous Waipoua
Forest. Here you’ll find extensive bush walks and
rediscover the world’s largest kauri tree named, Tane
Mahuta. A picture here is essential as it’s a magnificent
piece of nature.
Another picturesque spot in this area further south is Kai Iwi
Lakes. Against a backdrop of native bush, you can camp here
where there is beautiful white sand, clear blue waters and the
offer of great swimming, water skiing and canoeing for families.
Overall, you’ll enjoy the leisurely pace of life in
Whangarei, which really is the gateway to fun in the sun.
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