Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tokerau Beach
is the long, sandy stretch forming the western edge of Doubtless Bay.
Neighbouring
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
Waters-
ports Paradise
(
050 872 7234;
www.watersportsparadise.co.nz
)
.
Karikari Estate
WINERY
(
www.karikariestate.co.nz
;
Maitai Bay Rd; tastings $12; 11am-4pm Nov-Apr)
A sign of creeping
gentrification 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.
Airzone Kitesurfing School
KITESURFING
( 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 experien-
ced can chase the wind around the peninsula.
A to Z Diving
DIVING
( 09-408 3336;
www.atozdiving.co.nz
; 13-15 Whatuwhiwhi Rd; 2 dives incl equipment $160-230)
Offers PADI courses and dive trips in Doubtless Bay and to the
Rainbow Warrior
.
Sleeping
Whatuwhiwhi Top
10 Holiday Park
HOLIDAY PARK $
( 09-408 7202;
www.whatuwhiwhitop10.co.nz
;
17 Whatuwhiwhi Rd; sites from $62, units
$82-385)
Sheltered by hills and overlooking the beach, this friendly complex has a
great location, good facilities, free barbecues and kayaks for hire. It also offers dive fills
and PADI diving instruction.
