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Local and Surrounding Attractions

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Hikurangi Township & Community

  • Description: A charming rural town known for its friendly community, local cafes, and historic mining heritage. It’s a great base for exploring Northland’s countryside.

  • Location: Hikurangi Township, about 17 km north of Whangārei CBD.

Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve & Lake

  • Description: Explore dramatic limestone formations and historic coal tramline remnants. A family-friendly 1–2 km loop walk with picnic spots and interpretive signage.

  • Location: SH1 north of Hikurangi (approx. 5 min drive; King Street entrance)

  • Website: Department of Conservation – Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve Walk

Whananaki Footbridge & Coastal Walks

  • Description: Walk the Southern Hemisphere’s longest footbridge (395 m), enjoy coastal views, spot sea life, and follow a scenic track to Sandy Bay.

  • Location: Whananaki North to South, ~15 min northeast of Hikurangi off SH1

  • Website: Whangārei District Council – Whananaki Coastal Walkway

Tutukaka Coast & Beaches

  • Description: A stunning coastal loop featuring scenic beaches—Matapouri, Whale Bay, Sandy Bay, Woolley’s Bay—plus walking tracks, surfing, fishing, diving access.

  • Location: East of Hikurangi on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway

  • Website: New Zealand Tourism Board – Tutukaka Coast

Tutukaka Marina

  • Description: Marina gateway for diving, boating, fishing, yacht berths, fuel, showers—ideal base for Poor Knights charters.

  • Location: Tutukaka Harbour, east of Hikurangi

  • Website: Tutukaka Marina

Otamure Bay Campsite (Whananaki)

  • Description: Beachfront DOC campsite with pōhutukawa shade, coastal walking, non-powered tent sites, booking required.

  • Location: Whananaki area, coastal Northland

  • Website: DOC – Otamure Bay Campsite 

Whananaki Area & Motutara Recreation Reserve

  • Description: Coastal village, estuary, scenic walks including Motutara hill with 360° views, and DOC tracks.

  • Location: Whananaki North/South, ~15 min drive from Hikurangi

  • Website: DOC – Whananaki Area

Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Scenic Walking Trails 

  • Description: Numerous family-friendly and longer hikes: Waro Limestone Reserve Walk, Whananaki Footbridge Walk, Motutara Reserve, Tutukaka Lighthouse Walk, Helena Ridge, Mimiwhangata.

  • Location: Around Hikurangi, Whananaki & Tutukaka region

  • Website: AllTrails & Whangārei tourism overview

Hikurangi Historical Museum

  • Description: Community-run museum showcasing local coalmining history, community artifacts, photos & memorabilia.

  • Location: Alfred Street, Hikurangi

  • Website: Hikurangi Museum 

Jack Morgan Museum

  • Description: Local history displays featuring early settler memorabilia and regional heritage.

  • Location: Hukerenui, ~15 min north on SH1

  • Website: Jack Morgan Museum

Bay of Islands & Moturua Island

  • Description: Historic scenery, beaches, wildlife viewing, archaeological sites on Moturua Island.

  • Location: ~60 km north, Bay of Islands near Paihia & Russell

  • Website: Tourism NZ Bay of Islands overview

Hokianga Region

  • Description: Western shore attractions: sand dunes for board-sands (Opononi), giant kauri (Tāne Mahuta), Wairere Boulders, Mangungu Mission House.

  • Location: West coast, ~1.5 hr drive

  • Website: NZ tourism highlights

Whangarei Falls

  • Description: One of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls — a spectacular 26m drop surrounded by native bush, walking tracks, and picnic areas.

  • Location: 6 km northeast of Whangārei CBD (about a 15–20 min drive from Hikurangi).

  • Website: Whangārei Falls Info

Hokianga Region

  • Description: Western shore attractions: sand dunes for board-sands (Opononi), giant kauri (Tāne Mahuta), Wairere Boulders, Mangungu Mission House.

  • Location: West coast, ~1.5 hr drive

  • Website: NZ tourism highlights

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