Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Karikari Peninsula
The oddly shaped Karikari Peninsula bends into a near-perfect right angle. The result is
beaches facing north, south, east and west in close proximity, so if the wind's annoying
you or you want to catch some surf, a sunrise or a sunset, just swap beaches. Despite its
natural assets, the sun-baked peninsula is blissfully undeveloped, with farmers well out-
numbering tourist operators. There's no public transport and you won't find a lot of shops
or eateries either.
Sights & Activities
Tokerau Beach
is the long, sandy stretch forming the western edge of Doubtless Bay. Neigh-
bouring
Whatuwhiwhi
is smaller and more built-up, facing back across the bay.
Maitai Bay
,
with its tiny twin coves, is the loveliest of them all, at the lonely end of the peninsula
down an unsealed road. It's a great spot for swimming - the waters sheltered enough for
the kids but with enough swell to body surf.
Rangiputa
faces west at the elbow of the peninsula; the pure white sand and crystal-clear
sheltered waters come straight from a Pacific Island daydream. A turn-off on the road to
Rangiputa takes you to remote
Puheke Beach
, a long, windswept stretch of snow-white sand
dunes forming Karikari's northern edge.
Various local watersports operators can be contacted under the umbrella of
Watersports
Paradise
(
050 872 7234;
www.watersportsparadise.co.nz
)
.
Karikari Estate
(
www.karikariestate.co.nz
;
Maitai Bay Rd; tastings $12; 11am-4pm Nov-Apr)
A sign of creeping gentri-
fication is this luxury golf club and winery on the way to Maitai Bay. Impressive Karikari
Estate produces acclaimed red wines and has a cafe attached - and while the wine tastings
are shamelessly overpriced, at least the sublime views are free.
WINERY
Airzone Kitesurfing School
( 021 202 7949;
www.kitesurfnz.com
; 1-/2-/3-day course $195/350/485)
The unique set-up of Karikari
Peninsula makes it one of the world's premium spots for kitesurfing. Learners get to hone
their skills on flat water before heading to the surf, while the more experienced can chase
the wind around the peninsula.
KITESURFING
