Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tracks head through
Coronation Scenic Reserve
, an expanse of bush immediately west
of the centre that includes two
pa
sites and abandoned quarries.
Skydive Ballistic Blondes
SKYDIVING
( 0800 695 867;
www.skydiveballisticblondes.co.nz
; 12,000ft tandem $320)
Not only is this
the oddest-named skydiving outfit in the country, it's also the only one licensed to land
on the beach (Ocean Beach or Paihia).
Pacific Coast Kayaks
KAYAKING
( 09-436 1947;
www.nzseakayaking.co.nz
; hire 4/8hr $60/80, tours $40-130)
Hires kayaks
and offers guided paddles to various Whangarei region locations.
Tours
Pupurangi Hire & Tour
CULTURAL TOUR
( 09-438 8117;
www.hirentour.co.nz
; Jetty 1, Riverside Dr; 9.30am-5.30pm Oct-Apr, weekends
only May-Sep)
Various hour-long tours of Whangarei, all with a Maori flavour, including
waka
(canoe) trips on the river ($35). Also hires kayaks (per hour $17),
waka
($25),
aquacycles ($17) and bikes ($15).
Terenga Paraoa
CULTURAL TOUR
( 09-430 3083; departs Town Basin; adult/child morning $55/30, afternoon $32/20;
9.30am & 1pm)
Guided Maori cultural tours taking in Whangarei Harbour, Mt Manaia
(
Click here
)
, the Kauri Park and, in the mornings, Parihaka
pa
.
Sleeping
Little Earth Lodge
HOSTEL $
( 09-430 6562;
www.littleearthlodge.co.nz
;
85 Abbey Caves Rd; dm/s/d/tr $31/68/72/93;
)
Set on a farm 6km from town and right next to Abbey Caves, Little Earth makes
most other hostels look downright shabby. Forget dorm rooms crammed with nasty,
spongy bunks: settle down in a proper cosy bed with nice linen and a maximum of two
room-mates. Resident critters include miniature horses Tom and Jerry, and the lovable
pooch Muttley.
