Whangarei is the northern most city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland.  June 2008 estimates put the city’s population at over 51,000 and the region continues to show steady increases as many people make the move to “the winterless north”.   With close to 2000 hours of annual sunshine, daily summer temperatures ranging from 22-26°C (seldom exceeding 30°C) and very few frosts, Whangarei has a subtropical climate conducive to the outdoor way of life. 

Living and Working in Whangarei

Whangarei offers many opportunities and has enabled many people to achieve their optimal work/life balance.  Whangarei can offer a less stressed working environment than bigger city centres, while offering the time to enjoy the quality things in life.  In addition to great weather, no part of the Whangarei District is more than 40km from the sea, so water sports and activities tend to be a way of life for many in the region.

Whangarei’s close proximity to Auckland, ideal weather, and employment opportunities have all driven steady population increases in the region.  We have seen strong growth in the health, farming, manufacturing, road transport, retail, and trade sectors as well as the expansion of more established industries such as marine construction and engineering.

History of Whangarei

Whangarei’s translation from Maori is “cherished harbour”.  The sea provided sustenance for the Maori people of the area who were well established when Captain Cook arrived in 1769.  It wasn’t until 1839 that William Caruth, the first settler to the district arrived.  Over the next few years the relations between the settlers and the local Maori were stable and the numbers grew slowly to 50.  However in 1845, warned of impending plunder by Hone Heke’s warriors, the settlers evacuated the township and it was several years later before Whangarei was resettled.  By the mid 1850s a number of farmers and orchardists had settled in the area, and by 1855, driven by the kauri gum trade, a small town had developed.  What we now know as “The Town Basin” on the Hatea River was the town’s first port for exports such as kauri gum and native timbers – followed later by coal.

From then on development was steady with the sea being the only means of transport for many years until the North Auckland railway line reached the town in 1925.  It was not until 1934 that the first all weather road was put through from Whangarei to Auckland.  These changes saw a rapid decline in coastal shipping but stimulated Whangarei to become the service centre for Northland.  In 1945 the population of Whangarei stood at 14,000.  This grew rapidly in the 1960s when incorporating “Kamo” and other outlying areas, and in 1965 Whangarei was officially declared a city.

The second half of the twentieth century brought the establishment and expansion of the oil refinery at Marsden Point on Bream Bay and the adjacent development of timber processing.  Further port developments are imminent.

Famous Faces of Whangarei

·     Jake Adams – Member of Steriogram, attended Whangarei Boys High School, and fellow bandmate Brad Carter attended Kamo High School.

·     Laurence Clark – Cartoonist.

·     Billy T James – Comedian, attended Whangarei Boys' High School.

·     Ian (Kamo) Jones – All Blacks Rugby Player.

·     Jane Mander – Novelist, died in Whangarei in 1949, at the age of 72.

·     Jack Marshall – Prime MInister of New Zealand for part of 1972, attended Whangarei Boys' High School.

·     Suzie Muirhead – Olympian field hockey defender

·     Arthur Parkin – Olympian field hockey player

·     Winston Peters – Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, leader of New Zealand First Party.

·     Alfred Hamish Reed – Publisher, had a farm in the district and donated the A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park of 20 acres (8.1 ha) to the city.

·     Caleb Ross – Actor, most famous for his role as Lex in The Tribe.

·     Rex Roycroft – National champion speedway driver.

·     Ted Salmon – Olympian field hockey player.

·     Tim Southee – Black Caps Cricketer.

·     Keith Urban – Country singer, born in Whangarei, husband of Nicole Kidman.

·     Samantha Warriner – Silver medallist in the Women's Triathlon at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2008 Women’s Triathlete of the Year, lives here and was proudly supported by Allens.

·     Casey Henwood – Olympian field hockey player.

·     Cameron Leslie – Swimmer.  Paralympian and Gold Medallist in the 2008 Paralympics.  One of the first Allens Education Foundation scholarship recipients.

Public Transport in and around Whangarei

CityLink Whangarei operates a public bus service in Whangarei which began operating on Tuesday 1 July 2008, replacing Whangarei Bus Services. The public bus service is funded by the Northland Regional Council.

Full details of routes, fares and timetables for the CityLink services can be found on the Northland Regional Council website, or by clicking here: http://www.nrc.govt.nz/Transport/Getting-around/Whangarei-Bus-Service/

Shopping and Entertainment in Whangarei

Whangarei’s city centre revolves around a very attractive shopping mall, and is only a five minute walk from the picturesque Quayside Town Basin.  Many major retail chains are represented in the city which also takes in the Okara Shopping Centre (a five minute drive from the central mall area).  There are a range of supermarkets including 4 Squares, Pak n Save, New World, Woolworths and Countdown, spread through the various suburbs of Whangarei.  You can buy fresh local produce at the Growers Market held downtown every Saturday morning from 6am.

Whangarei also has a diverse range of locally owned and operated shops displaying the unique crafts and talents of people in the area.  These talents are also showcased in regular Artisan Fairs held monthly at Forum North. 

There are a range of entertainment options in the city – from the popular SkyCity Cinemas, the many cafes, art galleries, and bars featuring live music, to the family favourites such as the new bowling alley, Vertical Playground, and new indoor/outdoor Whangarei aquatic centre.  Keep an eye on the Forum North and Whangarei District Council websites for information on festivals, concerts, and live theatre productions happening in the area.

Restaurants and Cafes in Whangarei

Whangarei offers an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes to suit all variety of tastes and budgets, as well as all the main chain restaurants and fast food outlets.  The Town Basin remains a popular location for a quiet meal where you can dine on the waterfront and watch the yachts moored.

Popular restaurants in the CBD and Town Basin include:

·     Dickens Inn
Cameron Street at Quality Street Mall, Whangarei.  Ph 09 40 0405
Dickins Inn offers a great selection of food from gourmet open and club sandwiches, pizzas, fish and steak dishes, to their full a la cart dinner menu.  There are two alfresco drinking and dining areas, ideal for those balmy summer evenings, a café, function rooms, and an old world style bar with a large selection of New Zealand and imported beers, wines and spirits. Open every day until late for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between. Children are also catered for.

·     Split Bar and Restaurant
15A Rathbone Street, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 0999
For fine food and refreshments.  Open Monday to Saturday for brunch, lunch and dinner with fresh daily specials.

·     Reva’s on the Waterfront
Town Basin – 31 Quayside, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 8969
Indoor/outdoor dining overlooking the yachts in the Town Basin.  Open for brunch, lunch and dinner with bar.  Reva’s serves international cuisine including seafood and pizzas.  Live music many nights.

·     Killer Prawn & Killer Pizza
28 Bank Street, Whangarei.  Ph 09 430 3333
Serving an extensive range of the freshest seafood and more.  Indoor dining by the warmth of an open fire, seating outside, or upstairs in “Killer Pizza” serving wood fired Pizzas.  Open Monday to Saturday from midday to late.

·     Amici Restaurant
Quality Street Mall, Cameron Street, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 2961
Popular licensed Italian style restaurant set in quaint cobbled Quality Street Mall.  Very friendly staff serving delicious food and great coffee.  Dine inside or out on the spacious patio.  Child friendly with toybox provided, plenty of room for the kids to run around without interfering with other diners, and no traffic to worry about.

·     Asahi Japanese Restaurant
Cnr Vine & Quality Streets, Whangarei.  Ph 09 430 3005

·     Bogart’s
Cnr Cameron & Walton Streets, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 3088

·     Butter Factory Bar
8 Butter Factory Lane, Whangarei.  Ph 09 430 0044

·     Cobb and Co Family Restaurant and Bar
117/119 Bank St, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 4303

·     Ezumi Restaurant and Bar
77 Bank Street, Whnagarei.  Ph 09 430 8097

·     Grand Thai Restaurant
2 Bank St, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 0711

·     Pimarn Thai Restaurant
12 Rathbone St, Whnagarei.  Ph 09 430 0718

·     Indian Aroma
23-25 Vine St, whnagarei.  Ph 09 438 5005

·     Shiraz Indian Restaurant & Bar
58 Walton St, Whangarei. Ph 09 438 3112

·     Salut Bar and Brasserie
69 Bank St, Whangarei.  Ph 09 430 8080

There are also many great cafes around town and on the waterfront.  Keep an eye out for Caffeine, Deluca, Bob’s, Nectar and Fresh for your caffeine fix.

Sports and Recreation in Whangarei

Sport and recreation are an important part of life in Whangarei.  With over 500 sporting clubs and organisations in the district and several large and well equipped fitness centres – whatever your sporting and recreational interest it’s bound to be covered.

A new Rugby Stadium is in development along Port Rd, and sits beside Whangarei’s new “Cobham Oval”, a sporting ground newly developed to New Zealand Cricket’s first class playing standard and modelled on the famous Lords Pavilion at the home of Cricket in London.

Some of the main fitness centres are listed below:

·     World of Fitness
125 Bank St, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 8863

·     Curves
10 Butter Factory Lane, Whangarei.  Ph 459 6370

·     Kensington Fitness Centre
Western Hills Drive, Whangarei.  Ph 09 437 4404

·     Ojinos
Cnr Bank & Cameron Streets, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 2244

·     Whangarei Aquatic Centre
Ewing Rd, Whangarei.  Ph 438 7957

Education and Childcare in Whangarei

Each suburb has its own primary school, of which there are 15 in the urban areas, plus rural schools – which usually accommodate students to form 2 level.

There are three intermediate schools within the city at Whangarei; Raumanga and Kamo, and four main secondary schools being Whangarei Girls High, Whangarei Boys High, Kamo High School and Tikipunga High School.  Both Kamo and Tikipunga high schools are coeducational.  Whangarei Girls and Boys High Schools offer boarding accommodation to students from remote areas.  In addition to these public schools, Pompallier College, a Catholic state-integrated school, is coeducational and accepts a small percentage of non-catholic students.  The schools all offer a wide range of subjects and are all equipped with good sporting facilities.

The Northland Polytechnic is the region’s provider of tertiary education, offering a wide range of vocational subjects up to diploma level.  The Polytechnic caters to both local and international students and has an ever growing School of Languages.  Re-training and vocational courses are also offered to adults looking to further their education – through both day and evening classes.  The University of Auckland Faculty of Education also has a regional campus in Whangarei.

For further extensive information on primary, secondary and higher education within Northland please visit Education Northland:  http://www.educationnorthland.org.nz/

Housing in Whangarei

Whangarei is one of the more recently developed provincial centres in New Zealand - with more than 60% of the housing developed since 1965.  Whangarei offers a wide variety of styles of homes – from colonial bungalows, villas, homesteads, deco inspired roughcast homes through to modern brick and architectural masterpieces.  Search our properties for sale for a sample of homes available. 

Another unique feature of Whangarei is the large number of lifestyle properties available within a short distance of the CBD.  These small rural properties ranging from one to ten hectares are popular and can offer bush or sea views, beach frontages, or volcanic soils and stonewalls amongst other features.  Dairy farms, grazing and fattening properties and horticultural blocks also surround Whangarei.  Rural and lifestyle property values vary depending on their use, size and location. 

Housing prices in the area have continued to rise, reflecting the growing demand for lifestyle living in this unique area.  Information on median property prices in the area can be obtained by contacting one of our sales consultants.  Phone our main office on 09 430 3300 if you would like to find out more.

Landmarks & Attractions of Whangarei

The multi-million dollar waterfront development known as the “Town Basin”, with its tranquil harbour setting, is a refuge for international yachters and is the location for a range of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes.  Clapham’s Clocks, also in the town basin, has the largest collection of clocks in the southern hemisphere with more than 1500 timepieces.

Zion Wildlife Gardens, made popular by the TV hit series “The Lion Man” offers people a unique up close and personal encounter with the rare white tigers, lions and other large cats.  Situated on Three Mile Bush Road, this wildlife park is not too far from the city centre.

The Whangarei Museum and Clarke Homestead at Maunu are also well worth a visit, with regular “live days” providing visitors a unique opportunity to view life “the way it once was”.  The popular Kiwi House is also situated with the museum.

Whangarei also offers many natural scenic highlights including the Whangarei Falls, known as the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand.  Located in central Tikipunga they are a visitor must.  Diving the poor Knights Island, “the best sub-tropical diving in the world”, is another must do off the Tutukaka Coast.  Take in superb panoramic views back to Whangarei and the Town Basin from Mt Parihaka.  Towering 242 metres above the city and resting on the city’s skyline the summit can be reached by road or via the Mair Park walkway.  A range of beautiful beaches, all within a 30 minute drive from the city offer sparkling white beaches and tranquil beauty for fishing, surfing, or relaxation.

Tutukaka Coast is situated 25 minutes drive North East of Whangarei City.  Journeying through the fertile farmlands of Glenbervie, featuring orchards and historic stone walls, visitors arrive first in the small village of Ngunguru, then continue through to Tutukaka.  The then road continues through to Matapouri and Whale Bay – with two of the most beautiful beaches in the country (although the latter is accessible only by foot).  “Tutukaka Coast” is often used to refer to the many small bays and villages along the shoreline and across the area – including Ngunguru, Sandy Bay, Pacific Bay, Rocky Bay, Whangaumu Bay and Tutukaka itself.

Known as a pacific playground to ocean and land lovers alike, Tutukaka is renowned for its spectacular natural seascapes, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking scenery.  Diving, swimming, fishing, surfing, hiking and kayaking are but a few of the favourite sporting pursuits of locals and holiday makers, when not relaxing on one of the many beautiful white sandy beaches the area has to offer.  It is not surprising that Tutukaka Coast is fast gaining a reputation as a local, and international, holiday destination. 

Tutukaka Harbour is known as the gateway to the famous Poor Knights Islands, a marine reserve and international diving treasure, located 24km off the mainland.  The reserve has been named as one of the top ten dive sites in the world.  Known for the water clarity and abundance of sea life, visibility of up to 30 metres underwater allows divers and snorkelers to see the rich, highly populated diversity of marine life. 

Living and Working in Tutukaka

The region is home to an estimated 2,000 locals many of whom either work in local tourism and hospitality businesses, the fishing industry, or simply commute to Whangarei daily for work.  With many permanent residents, the area is a mix of residential living, funky kiwi baches, B&Bs, holiday parks and camp grounds - which are often booked out well in advance for the summer season. 

The Tutukaka Coast offers a beautiful environment to live, play, work and indeed retire, with the Ngunguru Retirement Village servicing the area.

History of Tutukaka

The Tutukaka Coast was originally populated by the Maori people of the Ngatiwai Tribe. Descendants of this Tribe still live along the coast today and are regarded as the children of the seas.

Europeans came to Tutukaka via sailing ship Prince Regent in 1820.  In 1837 HMS Buffalo arrived and spent two months on the coast, the passengers aboard cutting Kauri spears that were to be used by the British Admiralty.

Now the Tutukaka Coast is a Safe Haven for mariners and lies at the head of a beautiful natural harbour. The Tutukaka Marina is home to many private launches, international yachties and charter boats used for diving and fishing and also The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club that hosts many displays trophies for some world record catches and has a restaurant and bar overlooking the marina.

Famous Faces of Tutukaka

·     Andrea Mae Miller – Artist at Lesa Gallery

Public Transport in Tutukaka

Ta tour around the Tutukaka Coast with Little Toot Tours.
Little Toot Tours also offers a Thursday bus service to Whangarei.
Ph Sue on 09-4343039 or 027 4547777.

Shopping and Entertainment in Tutukaka

Tutukaka Marina hosts a number of shops and cafes with great views over the boasts and beyond, and recent developments include a new hotel and apartment complex.  The Tutukaka General Store is open daily for items (including fuel), however the closest supermarket is Countdown in Tikipunga (Whangarei).

Restaurants and Cafes in Tutukakak

From cafes to fine dining, to fish an’ chips on the waterfront, Tutukaka offers something for all tastes.  Schnappa Rock is the iconic café & bar of the Tutukaka Coast, open for lunch and dinner. Marina Pizzeria with dinning on the wharf and Moochas at the Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club with a large patio and bar overlooking the marina are a few popular dining choices. In Ngunguru, Salt Air Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor dining available. Greens at the Ngunguru Sports Club offers good dinners and the occasional buffet. Over summer, Havana Cabana (a taste of Cuba) operates at Sandy Bay with a kiosk and picnic tables tucked in beside the sand dunes.

·     Schnappa Rock
Marina Road, Tutukaka.  Ph 09 434 3774

·     Marina Pizzeria
Marine Office Building, Tutukaka.  Ph 09 434 3166

·     Moochas Bistro
Marina Road, Tutukaka.  Ph 09 4343249

·     Greens Restaurant
Ngunguru Sports Complex, Kopipi Crescent, Ngunguru.  Ph 09 434 3997

·     Havanah Cabana
23 McAuslin Road, Sandy Bay.  Ph 09 434 4129

·     Salt Air Café
Main Road, Ngunguru.  Ph 09 434 4422

Sports and Recreation in Tutukaka

There are several tennis courts available in the Tutukaka area – one at Matapouri Bay, and also the Ngunguru Sports Club which has petanque, bowls and a badminton hall.  In addition to the fishing, diving, surfing and various water sports available in the area there is also a nine-hole golf course at Ngunguru, and there are many walking and hiking tracks to explore.

Education and Childcare in Tutukaka

In addition to various play-centres, Ngunguru has a coeducational primary school which services the region and covers up to Year 8/Form 2.  Students must travel to larger regional centres for intermediate and secondary schooling, and there is a daily bus service to transport children to these schools.

·     Ngunguru Primary School
Te Maika Rd, Ngunguru.  Ph 09 434 3805

·     Tutukaka Coast Playcentre
2A Waiotoi Rd, Ngunguru.  Ph 09 434 3492

For further information on primary, secondary and higher education within Northland please visit Educational Northland:  www.educationnorthland.co.nz

Housing of Tutukaka

Tutukaka has everything ranging from the classic Kiwi bach to executive style homes including coastal lifestyle properties, sections, subdivisions and waterfront properties.

Landmarks & Attractions of Tutukaka Coast

The Poor Knights are New Zealand's oldest island reserve, protected by an encompassing marine reserve.  Isolated for one million years, the islands have developed plant and animal life that occur nowhere else on this planet, including New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the tuatara.  With spectacular sea arches, caves so big they swallow a boat, prolific sea and bird life, crystal clear water, dolphins and, seasonally, orcas and whales, the Poor Knights are a marine reserve wonderland.

Dive! Tutukaka are the people to see if you want to explore the Poor Knights Island’s.  Specialising in diving the Poor Knights Islands Dive! Tutukaka is now New Zealand’s premier full-service dive charter operator.  They operate 364 days a year and offer various trips to catering for every level of diver and non-diver alike.  Below or above the water they can provide an experience to remember. 

If surfing’s your thing, check out the renowned surfing beach at Sandy Bay.  Rarely crowded it is an exposed beach break with most of the surf coming from groundswells.  It favours right handers and is best on a rising tide around high tide.  Regular surfing competitions are held at Sandy bay and surfing lessons are also available.

Tutukaka Tag Paint Ball is situated in the heart of Tutukaka in a hectare of native bush, it is an exciting day out to share with workmates and friends.  BBQ facilities are available and it is within walking distance to restaurants and bars.

The Tutukaka Coast offers some spectacular walking tracks for all fitness levels and ages.  With tracks ranging from five minutes to several hours, offering breathtaking panoramic scenery, superb native New Zealand bush and often secluded pristine beaches, you will find something to suit you.

Bream Bay is an area approximately 30km south of Whangarei and takes in the coastal settlements of Ruakaka, One Tree Point, Waipu, Marsden Point and Takahiwai. The areas magnificent expanse of white sand coastline includes the fabulous beaches of Langs Beach, Waipu Cove, Uretiti and Ruakaka.  All just 30 minutes south of Whangarei city they provide great swimming, surfing, sunbathing, fishing and surf casting.  

The area is characterised by miles of white sandy beaches, tranquil scenery, walking tracks, native bush, waterfalls, caves, rural vistas and the quaint village of Waipu.  Bream Bay beaches vary from the wide open spaces of Ruakaka and Uretiti to Waipu Cove, which has a much more village like feel with shops nearby, is ideal for surfers and families and is patrolled in season.  Langs Beach is another favourite with a beautiful safe swimming beach lined with native pohutakawa trees. 

Bream Bay is circled by a series of majestic peaks including The Hen and Chicken Islands, offshore to the East, which are in fact long dead volcanoes, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.  Commonly referred to by locals as “The Hen and Chicks”, these islands were made a scenic reserve in 1908 due to the rarity of the flora and fauna that reside there.  In 1953 the islands became a wildlife refuge and are noted for their bird life with colonies of shearwaters, petrel and forest birds which are now either scarce or extinct on the mainland.

The weather in the area, like Whangarei, is subtropical with very few frosts.  Summer days range from 20-26°C and rarely exceed 30°C.  With plentiful rainfall throughout the year the area truly lives up to the reputation of “the winterless north”.  The relaxed mood of Bream Bay is a by-product of the beautiful environment and the sunny climate.

Living and Working in Bream Bay

Whangarei is an easy commute via State Highway 1, so many people chose to live in Bream Bay to take advantage of the coastal lifestyle and all that the area has to offer.  While many people chose to live in the Bream Bay areas and commute to other centres for work, there are plenty of opportunities to both live and work in Bream Bay.  People who chose to do so may find employment at the Marsden Point oil refinery, in the various retail and trade sectors, marine and farming industries, or various government bodies.  The Bream Bay area is also a refuge for many artists.

History of Bream Bay

Bream Bay was named in 1769 by Captain Cook who, after anchoring in the bay, caught a large haul of what he claimed to be ‘bream’ (probably snapper). 

Today the region is still permeated by the rich history of the Nova Scotian settlement in Waipu in the early 1800s.  The Waipu Heritage Centre recreates this history, and each year thousands of people flock to Waipu’s annual Caledonian Highland Games.

The second half of the twentieth century saw the establishment and expansion of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, and the adjacent development of the timber processing plant which has fuelled the residential growth of the area.

Public Transport around Bream Bay

Although not serviced by CityLink Bus Service, Bream Bay does have a daily bus service to Whangarei.  Full details of routes, fares and timetables for this service can be found at www.intercity.co.nz.

Shopping and Services in Bream Bay

Driving through the Bream Bay area will uncover a variety of shops and galleries.  The area is well catered for with regional supermarkets, including a newly developed Supervalue in Ruakaka and Four Square in Waipu, and various small dairies.

Waipu has a monthly market on the first Saturday of each month, and also holds regular antique and collectable fairs in the Waipu Coronation Hall.

Services in the region include several doctors and dentists; hairdressers, libraries, banks, vets, and other shops. 

The area also has its own regional newspaper, The Bream Bay News.

Restaurants and Cafes in Bream Bay

Bream Bay offers an array of gastronomic delights.  Although you won’t find any chain restaurants here, an array of privately owned and operated restaurants and cafes are sure to delight those tastebuds.  You’ll find these from Waipu, to Ruakaka and in the new development at Marsden Cove.  Visit individual suburb profiles on these areas for more information

Popular restaurants in the Bream Bay Area include:

·     Artform Gallery & Restaurant
1 The Centre, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0280

·     The Waipu Pizza Barn
2 Cove Rd, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 1011
“The” destination for dining in Waipu – the pizza barn is always a buzz with energy and great food.

·     Waipu Clansman Restaurant
30 Cove Rd, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0424

·     Cove Café
910 Cove Rd, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0323
Across the road from Waipu Cove this café serves up great fish and chips to dine in or eat on the beach.

·     Riverview Restaurant & Takeaways
3 Princes Rd, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 432 8023

·     Smackers Café
Ruakaka Shopping Centre, Marsden Pt, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 433 0277

·     Naked Tuatua Café
79 Bream Bay Drv, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 433 0141

·     The Sharing Shed
163 Port Marsden Highway, Marsden Point.  Ph 09 432 7898

·     Food 45
45 The Centre, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0254

·     Waipu Café and Deli
29 The Centre, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0990

·     The Beach House
891 Cove Road, Waipu Cove.  Ph 09 432 0877

Sports and Recreation in Bream Bay

Sport and recreation are an important part of life in Bream Bay.  Whether it be outdoor activities, associated with the beautiful beaches and outdoors, to other ventures, the region has something for everyone with over 80 community groups and clubs.  From soccer, rugby, hockey and other team sports, to tennis, bowls and squash facilities to croquet, yoga, tramping, surf-lifesaving, Girl Guides and Scouts - whatever your sporting and recreational interest it’s bound to be covered.

With easy walking, fast and true greens and a testing layout, the Waipu Golf Club offers year round golfing with magnificent views of Bream Bay.

Some of the more common clubs are listed below.  For a more details list visit www.breambay.info

·     Waipu Golf Club
3229 State Highway 1, Ruakaka
Ph 09 432 0259

·     Ruakaka Recreation Centre
Ph 09 432 7962

·     Bream Bay Club, Ruakaka
Ph 09 432 7807

·     Bream Bay Girl Guides
Ph 09 432 7088

·     Bream Bay Scouts, Ruakaka
Ph 09 432 7483

·     Waipu Rugby Squash Club
Ph 09 432 0525

·     Waipu Surf & Life Club
Ph 09 432 0564

·     Ruakaka Surf Club
Ph 09 432 7002

·     Waipu Boat & Fishing Club
Ph 09 432 0123

·     Marsden Bay Youth Camp, Ruakaka
Ph 09 432 7802

Education and Childcare in Bream Bay

Bream Bay has three primary schools and a secondary school – all of which are coeducational.  There is also a large selection of kindergartens and preschools throughout the district.

·     Bream Bay College
Peter Snell Road, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 432 8226  www.breambaycollege.school.nz

·     Ruakaka Primary School
Sandford Road, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 432 7503

·     Waipu Primary School
6 Argyll Street, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0135

·     One Tree Point Primary School
170 One Tree Point Road, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 432 7891

Further information on primary, secondary and higher education within Northland please visit Education Northland:  www.educationnorthland.org.nz.

Bream Bay Housing

A mix of housing styles punctuates the region – from traditional villas to new build properties and architectural masterpieces set upon lifestyle blocks or within the closer knit residential neighbourhoods.  A search on Allens website will show you a great example of the housing styles available in the area. 

The region sees an influx of friends, family and holiday makers over the summer months, and many of the regions baches and holiday homes come alive.  From basic beachfront cabins to lavish holiday homes, the area is a mix of people from differing socio-economic backgrounds.  Camping, caravan parks and holiday accommodation (including B&Bs) abound in wait for the seasonal summer influx.

Landmarks & Attractions of Bream Bay

Bream Bay’s beaches are certainly a draw card for locals and tourists alike, and the only complication is deciding which one to visit.  The beaches of Bream Bay have sand and surf in common, although each one has slightly different characteristics.  Ruakaka is all wide open spaces, used to great advantage during Whangarei Racing Club's "turf meets the surf" race meetings.  Waipu Cove has more of a village feeling with shops nearby. It's an open surf beach, patrolled in season, but has a lovely river at one end for the children to swim in.  Uretiti is a “clothes optional” alternative, while Langs Beach is a rather exclusive, beautiful, and safe swimming beach, lined with pohutukawa trees.

A tourist destination in itself, Waipu has a rich Scottish heritage, and lays claim to having the best small museum in New Zealand:  Find out more about Waipu’s rich heritage at The Waipu Museum, or follow the Waipu Heritage Trail, recently established in 2002, which will take you back to the early Scottish settlement of Waipu, visiting landmarks and buildings marked by distinctive limestone pillars.  The Scottish heritage and culture comes alive on 1^st January each year with Waipu hosting its annual, internationally renowned, Highland Games – the longest running games in the southern hemisphere.

Ruakaka boasts an all weather horseracing track positioned alongside the beach with expansive ocean views.  The racing surface has a well-earned reputation as New Zealand's finest all weather track.

Also set in stunning surroundings is The New Zealand Refining Company - New Zealand’s only crude oil refinery and the country’s leading supplier of oil products.  There is a visitors centre open 7 days (excluding Good Friday, Christmas day and Boxing Day), and a café also open 7 days (excluding public holidays).

The Waipu Cemetery on Hamon Rd is actually a beautiful spot to stop and explore or swim in the river.

In addition to the many walking and tramping tracks, the Waipu Caves offer 300m of explored passageways.  The main cave is 175m in length and contains impressive limestone formations, glowworms and one of the longest stalagmites in New Zealand.  Walking and tramping tracks in the area range from easy to extreme.   The 2km Waipu Caves walking track offers excellent views and leads through a ridge dotted with native trees and farmlands as it passes through a scenic reserve down to the valley and cave area.

Ruakaka offers an abundance of waterborne activities including kayaking, personalised fishing, whale and dolphin watching tours

The Ruakaka Wildlife Reserve offers the opportunity to admire the amazing birdlife in the area.

·     Kayaking and Bird Watching in Ruakaka Wildlife Reserve
Princes St, Ruakaka.  Ph 09 432 8668

·     Bream Bay Charters
59 Bream Bay Drive, Rauakaka Beach.  Ph 09 432 7484 or 0274 749 751
Provide personalised fishing tours along with dolphin and whale watching in luxury, comfort and style - for groups of 5-6.

Churches in Bream Bay

·     Presbyterian Parish Waipu
50 The Centre, Waipu.  Ph 09 432 0534

·     Bream Bay Anglican Parish
Ph 09 432 7507

·     Bream Bay Assembly of God
Ph 09 432 8299

·     Baptist Church Marsden
Ph 09 432 8174

·     Catholic Church
Ph 09 437 7902

·     Church of the Latter Day Saints
Ph 09 433 0222

A seaside suburb of Whangarei, 9km south-east from the city centre, Onerahi is home to over 2,000 residents. 

Whangarei Airport is located atop a large flat area at the southern end of the suburb.  Despite having the regional airport, Onerahi, which is a large peninsula, remains a preferred suburb to reside in with a range of housing styles and affordability.

Onerahi is well serviced and with an active Community Association, Onerahi has a unique neighbourly feel.

History of Onerahi

The land for Onerahi township was originally purchased in the mid 1860s.  Originally called Kaiwaka Point, it was renamed Grahamtown but again changed in 1912 to “Onerahi” to avoid conflict with another New Zealand town of the same name.

Onerahi was served by a small railway line which branched off the North Auckland Line between 1911 and 1933.  The rail line was built to provide access to the Onerahi Wharf, but closed when coastal shipping declined in the 1930s.  Part of the line has been retained as a walking track.

Public Transport in and around Onerahi

Onerahi is serviced by the CityLink bus service.

Riverside is a central city suburb and is an easy walk to the Town Basin and town centre.  Situated between Onerahi and the Central Business District, Riverside has a population of approximately 1000 residents.  The land is undulating with some properties having wonderful views of the city, Hatea River and Whangarei Harbour.  Riverside backs onto native forest which includes Ross Park and Drummond Park – both of which have some great waking tracks.

Public Transport in and around Riverside

Being so close to the city centre means you have the option of walking or cycling to town if you so desire, however Riverside is also serviced by the CityLink bus service.

Further details can be found on the Northland Regional Council Website, or by clicking here

Shopping and Services in Riverside

There is a small block of shops on Riverside Drive, which include a bakery, takeaway shop, bait shop and petrol station.  The nearby marina is an international yachter’s haven.  There are many chandlers, sail makers and marine providers offering a wide range of services.

Restaurants and Cafes in Riverside

The restaurants and cafes of the city centre are all an easy walk or short drive from Riverside.

Sports and Recreation in Riverside

The Whangarei Public Pool, now known as The Whangarei Aquatic Centre, is located on Ewings Road in Riverside and has recently undergone extensive updates and alterations.  The complex now features a range of heated pools (including a lap pool and wave pool), hydrotherapy facilities, saunas, aquaaerobic classes, wading pools and indoor slide for the kids, as well as gym facilities.

For more information and pool times go to;

http://www.clmnz.co.nz/whangarei

Riverside is also home to a skateboard park and BMX track - located on Riverside Drive.  This modern skater designed park is for beginners to advanced.

There are many great walks through Riverside including that from Mair Park to Mount Parihaka Lookout which boasts superb panoramic views of Whangarei and it's harbour.  Mt Parihaka is crowned with a War Memorial and a red light that glows at night, and a trail leads to the remnants and interpretation of an historic Maori Pa site.  The lookout is also accessible by car from Memorial Drive. Other great walks can be found in Ross Park and Drummond Park, or take a short walk to the Abbey Caves area with its thousands of glow worms, stalactites and stalagmites.

Situated approximately five minutes north of Whangarei, with a population of just over 6,000 (based on data released in 2006), is the small township of Kamo.

History of Kamo

One of Northland’s first railways was established between Kamo and the Whangarei wharf in the early 1880s to support the coal mining industry in the area.  Although the mine closed in 1955 the line still exists today as part of the North Auckland rail line. - Limonite has also been quarried in the Kamo area.

Kamo became a district in 1884 when it had a population of approximately 410 people – only slightly more than Whangarei.  In the 1960s the boundaries of Whangarei City expanded to include Kamo.  Today Kamo remains a very tight knit community.

Famous Faces of Kamo

·     Jeweller, Michael Hill, attended Kamo High School in his earlier years.

·     All Blacks Bunny Finlayson, Bevan Homes and Ian Jones played for the Kamo Rugby Club as did Justin Collins (Auckland Blues player), and Peter Sloane (Coach of the Auckland Blues).

·     Brad Carter, member of rock band Steriogram, attended Kamo High School.

Public Transport in and around Kamo

Kamo is serviced by the CityLink bus service.

Shopping and Services in Kamo

A number of shops service the Kamo area including the Kamo 4-Square supermarket, butchery, bakery several haridressers, variety discounters, a pet store, jewellers and watch repairers, a book store, newsagent, hardware store, and a drycleaners.  There are a variety of takeaway food options including the famous Regency Pies, McDonalds (with a newly installed McCafe) as well as some quaint cafés, and the local Kamo Hotel with restaurant and bar facilities.  Kamo also has its own medical and veterinary centres.  Two Banks service the area.

Sports and Recreation in Kamo

Kamo caters to a range of sporting interests.  The Kamo Sports Park is a centralised facility and home to many clubs including the Kamo Cricket Club, Kamo Soccer Club, Kamo Rugby and Squash Club, and the Kamo Tennis Club to name a few. 

Golf is also well catered to with the nearby Mt Derby Golf Course, as are lawnbowls.  The Kensington Stadium is only a short drive away if you’re after a well-equipped gymnasium.

Education and Childcare in Kamo

Kamo caters to all education levels with:

·     Kamo Intermediate School
Hailes Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 0343  www.kamoint.school.nz

·     Hurupaki Primary School
20 Dip Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 0733

·     Kamo Primary School
Bush Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 1482

·     Kamo High School
1 Wilkinson Avenue, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 1688   www.kamohigh.school.nz

·     Totara Grove School
38 Corks Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 0019

·     Excellere College (formerly Kamo Christian College)
55 Great North Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 2458

·     Smart Start Crescent House Pre-School
63 Station Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 7304

·     ABC Learning Centres.
There are several ABC Learning Centres in the area.

·     Kamo Childcare Centre
7-9 Clark Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 3855

·     Kamo Kohanga Reo
Clarke Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 3379

·     Northland Kindergarten Association
5 Farmer St, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 0378
101 Three Mile Bush Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 3015

Churches in Kamo

·     Alive Church
55 Great North Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 2829

·     Christina Science Church
24 Wakelin St, Kamo.  Ph 435 4556

·     Kamo Baptist Church
452 Kamo Rd, Kamo.  Ph 435 3678

·     St Johns Church Centre
149 Kamo Rd, Kamo.  Ph 437 2624

·     St Pauls Church Centre
PO Box 4118, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 2396

·     Tibetan Buddhist Centre
452 Kamo Rd, Kamo.  Ph 09 435 4444

The suburb of Kensington sits approximately 2 kms north of Whangarei, and has an average population of over 1,200.

Public Transport in and Around Kensington

A regular bus route runs from Whangarei thorough Kensington every day, although many locals choose to walk or cycle in to the town centre each day.

A sunny suburb located on the southern side of Whangarei city, Morningside is handy to the city centre, with many streets within easy walking distance.  A large percentage of the properties are situated on elevated sites, and many properties have lovely views across the city, Hatea River and the harbour.  Morningside is home to approximately 2,000 residents.

Public Transport in and Around Morningside

Morningside is serviced by the CityLink bus service.

·     Christian Renewal School
2 Tarewa Road, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 6471

·     Whangarei Childcare Centre Inc
Porowini Ave, Whangarei.  Ph 09 438 7171