At 160km north of Auckland, Whangarei
is the principal town of the Northland district. Surprisingly pronounced “Phon-ga-ray”, we
noticed that the strapline “Love It Here!” appears on all marketing material.
Our chosen base was the Whangarei
Top 10 site which is close to the Hatea River and Mair Park. Our riverside walk towards the A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park led us through sun dabbled native bush and across numerous
boardwalks, with the constant babble of running water from the river
below. Clearly popular with runners,
each one cheerily greeted us as they passed.
With this beautiful trail on their doorstep, we can see why it is
preferred to a gym treadmill.
The Kauri Park features an
elevated boardwalk through the canopy of the bush and amongst the ancient Kauri
trees. There is also the modest Pukenui
waterfall to reward the final climb off the main track through denser bush. The walk continues along the Hatea River and
eventually emerges at the spectacular Whangerei Falls. Without doubt this earned top spot in our
growing inventory of waterfalls visited.
Kauri Canopy Walk
The following morning we set off
in search of the Town Basin and Marina in Whangarei Harbour. On the outward leg we walked down Hatea Road
and returned via the scenic riverside walk.
Wow! The Town Basin and Marina impressed us
greatly. It was immaculately presented
and landscaped with flair and originality. The stone sculpture of a Maori Haka and Wave at the end of the harbour walkway was well worth seeing. There were elements of the Town Basin that reminded us of Disney’s interpretation of
colonial architecture at Paradise Island in Disney World Florida. But the real thing was far more pleasing and
without the crowds too!
Town Basin and Marina
Maori Haka and Wave Sculpture
As we left site to head further
north we both agreed that “We Love It Here!”
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