FURTHER NORTH TOUR – 8th-13th MARCH 2024
This will be a leisurely adventure up the East coast to the Cape and then down the West coast taking in some roads less travelled. You will enjoy magnificent scenery, fascinating histories ,places of interest and the company of intrepid like-minded adventurers.
There is no cost for joining the tour, apart from your own personal costs. You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation, although suggestions for each night’s stop are provided below. We will also nominate suggested eating places in the itinerary.
Detailed instructions and notes will be provided at the start of the tour.
Itinerary as follows:
Day One Friday 8th March
Meet at Morris and James Pottery/Cafe Matakana at 9.00am for a departure at 10.00am. Head via back roads to Mangawhai to visit Bennett’s chocolate factory and cafe, then through Waipu Cove and north via back roads to Maungatapere for lunch at The Office cafe. Time to visit the Packard Museum next door before heading into Whangarei to see the many attractions ending with dinner at the Town Basin. There are several centrally located motels in Whangarei.
Day Two Saturday 9th March
Meet at Cafe Botannix, cnr Walton and Central Ave at 9.30 for 10.30 departure up State Highway 1. Turn right into Puna Rere Drive to head out to the coast, Tutukaka and Matapouri Bay. Time for a swim. It’s then inland and northwards taking more back roads to arrive for lunch at Helena Bay where the Cafe has stunning coastal views. After our relax its an easy drive to Russell or Kororāreka where there is a Top 10 campground with cabins. Plenty to see and do in Russell.
Day Three Sunday 10th March
Meet in Russell for breakfast 9ish to leave for the car ferry to Opua at 10.00, then stopping at Paihia briefly before heading on to Waimate North for morning tea at Paul and Melean’s, 372B Waikaramu Road. We then head to Mangonui by way of the Pukeiti Forest boardwalk and the Whangaroa Harbour. Lunch at the famous Fish & Chip restaurant in Mangonui. The day’s last leg is round Doubtless Bay to the Karikari Peninsula and Tokorau Beach with a campground and cabins at Whatuwhiwhi. Casual meals and takeaways on the beach.
Day Four Monday 11th March
This day offers alternatives. Some may wish to drive up to the Cape while others may want to explore the local area. Gum Diggers Park is a good introduction to the historic gum digging industry and features a Kauri forest which was inundated twice in the past. There is also some very interesting geology in the area. Arrange accommodation in Kaitaia for the night
Day Five Tuesday 12th March
Meet at local eatery for breakfast/coffee then head off at 10.00am for Ahipara and Shipwreck Bay with views of 90 Mile Beach. Sealed road to Herekino then Broadwood, turning off to go to Kohukohu where it will probably be lunchtime for us. We catch the car ferry to Rawene and have a brief look at the Masonic Hotel restoration, then on to view the Koutu boulders. Next through Opononi and Omapere before going south through the Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta. We then continue on to take a left to Donnellys Crossing which brings us to Trounson Kauri Park which has many very impressive Kauri trees. It’s then a short drive to Whatoro Top10 Motor Camp and Cabins where we will stay the night.
Day Six Wednesday 13th March
Leave at 9.30 am to head down SH12 to Dargaville. There is an excellent museum in Dargaville, well worth a visit. After some looking around we will adjourn to a selected restaurant for a farewell lunch. We can then depart for our various destinations.
For further information contact: Paul Absolum 021 217 3532 or email Paul (absoland@gmail.com)
