Kawau Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, close to the north-eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. At its closest point it lies 1.4 km off the coast of the North Auckland Peninsula, just south of Tawharanui Peninsula, and about 8 km by sea journey from Sandspit Wharf, and shelters Kawau Bay to the north-east of Warkworth. It is 40 km north of Auckland. Mansion House in the Kawau Island Historic Reserve is an important historic tourist attraction. 

There are many native birds on the Island and as you wander around you will hear and see Tui, Fantail, Kereru, Kingfisher, Silver-eye, Grey warblers, the cheeky flightless Weka and many different sea birds. The Kawau shag nest in mighty Pohutukawa in the bays and little blue penguins are occasionally spotted around the shoreline. You may also see and hear bright-coloured Rosella and Kookaburras, native to Australia but settled on the Island. As dusk approaches the sound of Morepork can be heard in the bush and if you are lucky, you may even hear or see a Kiwi, as sightings are becoming more frequent as the population grows on the Island.

You usually arrive into Mansion Bay, from there you can walk over to the oldcopper mine and  smelting house. A manganese mine was established on the island in the 1840s; shortly after, copper was discovered by accident. Fascinating ruins of the underground seashore copper mine, a pumping engine house and a small smelter remain today. See the copper mine from the lookout at Lady’s Bay or the more active can relive history by following the Miners Track from the Mansion House through the bush and along the foreshore to the copper mine itself (fun for the kids).

Once a large private farm, the Tawharanui Regional Park covers the end of a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean just north of Kawau Island. The long, sandy beach on the northern side is considered to be one of the best swimming and surfing venues in the Auckland region. There are grassed areas above the beach furnished with shady pohutukawa trees - a picnic paradise.

With stunning rock pools and caves to explore, this is really a family activity that no one will soon forget. 

Only 15 minutes north of Albany and 30 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, this growing beach-side town continues to create new experiences for relaxation and adventure – you can eat, shop and play – all in one beautiful location.

Quickly becoming known as the most vibrant ‘hospitality precinct’ in the area, you can eat at a different place every day for a month and never visit the same place twice, with cuisine options from across the globe, to suit all tastes.

When there is even a hint of wind, sails of both kite and wind surfers line the waters edge of the pristine 3km long beach.  Summer brings families to enjoy boogie boarding, beach volleyball, cycle the 7km long Te Area Tahuna track, kayak the estuary, walk through Eaves Bush Scenic Reserve, meander through the Estuary Arts Centre, enjoy some boutique shopping or enjoy the competition standard skate park.

The surprise jewel is the spectacular arthouse cinema complex, featuring three dramatic theatres: the Paradiso, with a ceiling of 10,000 paper roses; the Roxy, draped in romantic fabrics from ceiling to floor; and the Tivoli, with a stunning centrepiece of an 800kg chandelier.

Downstairs, the village square hosts an intriguing selection of independent specialty shops. You won’t find chain stores in Matakana Village; our strores are passionate about their carefully curated collections of art, homewares, fashion, jewellery and gifts. With food stores, beauty therapy, a chemist and eateries-a-plenty, Matakana Village has everything you need for your perfect weekend escape.

There is also a farmers market every Saturday! From award-winning coffee, to mouth-watering brunch dishes, there’s plenty to sample and savour. Relax by the riverside to live local music, while the kids explore the rustic treehouse and natural playground.

We’re proud to say the Matakana Market is zero waste – so bring your baskets or bags and stock up on fresh produce, flowers, breads, deli treats and sweets.

Perfect for a gourmet picnic, a special celebration or a weekend at the bach with friends.

Omaha Beach, New Zealand, is located just an hour’s drive north of Auckland and 15 minutes east of Warkworth. Omaha Beach is on the edge of ‘Matakana Wine Country’ and 15 vineyards can be reached within 15 minutes drive. The attractions of Goat Island marine reserve, Pakiri beach and the Tawharanui Regional Park are at our doorstep.

A beautiful white sandy beach, clean air, crystal clear waters and uninterrupted gulf and island views greet the intrepid wanderer. Surfers and windsurfers appreciate Omaha Beach which is carefully monitored by lifeguards. Omaha Beach is a great location for water-skiers, the recreational fisher or diver with good boat-launching facilities and a protected all-tides harbour that provides safe swimming for children.  A championship 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, bowling greens, kids’ playgrounds, reserves and walking tracks complete the family activities that round out this idyllic coastal playground.

Only minutes away from Omaha Beach there are cafes, restaurants, galleries, vineyards, farmers’ markets and the charming town of Matakana.

While Omaha Beach started as a beach resort, many families now call Omaha Beach their permanent home. Residents and weekenders alike enjoy the collective sense of our community in a relaxed and stylish manner. Omaha Beach benefits from its own microclimate quite different from that of Auckland.

Also known as Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, Goat Island reserve boasts clear water, spectacular views and amazing snorkelling experiences. 

The beast way to experience Goat Island is to get into the water to see and swim with the huge variety of fish living around this area. You can either snorkel and explore the area close to the shore or if you’re an experienced diver, you can also visit deeper areas further out. 

Snorkel gear hire and glass bottom boat tours are available, so you don't have to come prepared, just bring your togs, towel and a bite to eat and drink. Don't forget your sunblock!

The Mahurangi Cement Works (near Warkworth) saw New Zealand’s first manufacturing of Portland cement in the 1880s.

Today the whole complex makes a picturesque ruin next to the lake formed by the flooded quarry alongside. As the remains of the first Portland cement works in the southern hemisphere, the ruin is of undoubted historical significance and in terms of industrial archaeology being a testament to the pioneering efforts of Nathaniel Wilson in this field.

There have been many reports of mysterious shadow apparitions moving amongst the stones. Odd lights, screams and the sound of a something like a generator coming from deep within the crumbling ruins.

This hidden gem is a great place to set up for a picnic or do some fishing. With a historical house set back from the beach, and lined with 100 year old trees, makes this the perfect spot for a family afternoon. At low tide, you can walk over to and around casnell island. Climb to the top for spectacular views, or walk around the base and go crab hunting under all the rocks!

In the surrounding areas, there are mussel and oyster farms which provides New Zealand wide famous seafood. The drive down boasts cute little communities, as well as aesthetically pleasing, architecturally designed houses.

Situated at the end of a narrow peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park offers sweeping cliff top views and a beach along either side.

Te Haruhi Bay has the largest and most popular beach. Wide grassed areas studded with large, shady trees lead down to the water's edge It's a perfect place to spread a rug and relax with a book.

If you're feeling more energetic there are several walking trails to discover. The Heritage Trail passes through native forest, wetlands and farmland to reach historic sites including a World War II gun emplacement. The Tiri Tiri Track takes you from Te Haruhi Bay along the beach and past an old Maori settlement before following the cliff line to views of Tiritiri Matangi Island wildlife sanctuary. Native birds from the sanctuary have begun migrating across to the regenerating native forest in the park.

A tent camping ground at Te Haruhi Bay can be booked by contacting the Auckland Regional Council. There are also a few motorhome sites available. Shakespear Regional Park is about 40 minutes drive north of central Auckland.
 

Situated just past Orewa on Auckland's North Shore, Wenderholm is one of the most beautiful regional parks in the area. Located between Puhoi and Waiwera Rivers, the park's headland enjoys picturesque views at every turn. A quiet sandy beach has commanding views of the Hauraki Gulf while the pohutukawa trees overlooking the beach provides welcome shade during the hotter months.

The historic Couldrey House and Gardens is a Victorian-Edwardian family home that is open to the public from 1.00pm to 4.00pm for a modest $5 entrance fee.

A number of walking tracks lead from just past Couldrey House and are the best way to appreciate the setting. If you are short on time the Couldrey House Lookout walk takes fifteen minutes. The Te Akeake walk is a thirty minute trail, the Maungatauhoro Te Hikoi is a ninety minute walk, while the Perimeter walk will take about two and a half hours.

The park includes plenty of picnic tables, barbeque facilities, changing rooms, a boat ramp and a campsite.

Pedestrian access is open 24 hours.

The road to Tawharanui heads east from the riverside town of Warkworth off State Highway 1. You'll soon pass through the rural area of Matakana, with its well-known craft studios, cafes and vineyards. The road continues through farmland and ends with a winding gravel section.

Once a large private farm, the Tawharanui Regional Park covers the end of a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean just north of Kawau Island. The long, sandy beach on the northern side is considered to be one of the best swimming and surfing venues in the Auckland region. There are grassed areas above the beach furnished with shady pohutukawa trees - a picnic paradise.

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a stunning wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand’s native birds, and an important conservation project. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you’ll be serenaded by birdsong. A protected haven for endangered species, the island is a nature lovers' paradise, particularly for avid birdwatchers. Beyond native wildlife, Tiritiri Matangi is home to a 150-year-old lighthouse, a network of trail walks through lush coastal forest, plus pristine beaches and spectacular views.

This loop walk just a short drive or bus ride north of Auckland is perfect for anyone looking to escape the busy city for the day. It is also very popular for cyclist and residents from surrounding suburbs.  The walk itself isn’t particularly long, but combine it with a swim in the river or at the nearby Ōrewa beach and you’ve got a full day ahead of you! The walk is almost entirely along the water’s edge. It winds its way through parks, bush trails and even some residential areas. There are some stunning houses to admire, along with gardens, mangroves and farmland. For nature lovers, you will see kauri trees, pohutukawa trees, cabbage trees and flax, as well as plenty of wetland birdlife. The recommended route is anti-clockwise, starting at the Western Reserve. You’ll find the Estuary Arts Centre here, which is a great way to start or end the walk. The area was a significant food gathering place for Māori. As a tribute to this history, you will find Māori carvings in benches along the path. These also make wonderful picnic spots with the other ones along the way. This walk is best done at high tide.

A series of three waterfalls - Omeru Falls, Waitangi Falls and Waitangi Stream Cascade, is located in Omeru Pā Scenic Reserve on the east side of the Kaipara Coast Highway between Kaukapakapa and the Makarau River. A great BBQ area and multiple swimming spots make these waterfalls and Scenic Reserve a very popular place among the locals.

Omeru Falls is roughly a 45 minutes' drive away from Auckland City. The road surface is always sealed.

From Auckland travel north on the SH-1, then in Silverdale turn left into Kahikatea Flat Rd. Follow it until the intersection with SH-16, where you need to turn right and stay on the SH-16 for the next 9 km. A large well-signposted carpark is on your right (sign 'Omeru Pā Scenic Reserve'). There are toilets (2 min walk from the carpark) and a well-maintained picnic area available there (2-5 min walk).

An easy walking 10-minutes return track leads from the carpark to the waterfalls' base. There is a super swimming spot at the base of the waterfall. In summer time lots of people enjoy swimming in cool water.

From the parking, walk down the hill, then cross the stream via a footbridge, and turn right. Walk along the stream until you reach the cascades. There is a bench with picnic table available here. Continue on to the track (always keep to the right) for 2-3 more minutes to reach Omeru Falls. From the cascades it's an uphill section, so ideally have the right shoes. Return via the same track.

There are two more waterfalls which we highly recommend to visit as well - Waitangi Stream Cascade, which you'll see along the way to Omeru Falls; and Waitangi Falls which requires 20 minutes of further walk.