Whangaroa Harbour
Whangaroa Harbour
5
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5.0
92 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
13
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
523sally
Auckland Central, New Zealand25 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We thought it was too windy to go boating but there is always a sheltered spot on that Harbour. You have to see it-dynamic history, dramatic scenery and stunning nature. The crew were friendly, obliging and very knowledgeable. Loved it! Certainly the highlight of our stay at Whangaroa
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony K
Oaxaca, Mexico202 contributions
Feb 2022
A great harbour to stay in. Lots of choices of bays. Great fishing club for meals and drinks. Fuel - that’s diesel not petrol at the wharf., no fuel at the marina. Totora North fuel station opposite side of harbour from the Whangaroa marina.
Written 4 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Platoz
Auckland, New Zealand18 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
I have been to the Bay of Islands many times and seen all of the typical tourist locations. This time I wanted I wanted to experience something a little different on my visit. Searching on the website for things to do, I came across the Department of Conservation website describing the walk to Dukes Nose. Do not be put off by the length of the walk or final climb as this will be one of your most enjoyable days ever. See the website for the walk for access and car parking details. The walk is 5.6km one way. It only requires a reasonable degree of fitness. It took us around 2 hours of easy pace walking to the base of Duke Nose. The walk is beautiful with thick native bush, stream to cross which also has a swimming hole and a number of waterfalls and smaller streams to cross. The final walk to the top of the Dukes Nose is a 500 metre, steep climb which took us around 40 minutes. We rested at the base of the rock by a DOC hut and small beach area prior to making the final climb to the top of Dukes Nose. The final ascent near the top of Duke Nose requires pulling yourself up with the aid of a chain, which is fixed into the rock. This is around 20 metres long. But the effort is worth it as the views from the top are some of the most stunning I have seen. Panoramic views down to the inlet and bays of Whangaroa Harbour. We sat for around 30 minutes on the top and just soaked up the views, it was amazing.
The walk back to our car was quicker, around 2 hours not counting the stop at the stream. We stopped for a swim in the stream on the way back. To complete our day we had a cold beer at the local old pub, near the village of Totara North. A day that leaves you satisfied and with a great feeling of accomplishment.
The walk back to our car was quicker, around 2 hours not counting the stop at the stream. We stopped for a swim in the stream on the way back. To complete our day we had a cold beer at the local old pub, near the village of Totara North. A day that leaves you satisfied and with a great feeling of accomplishment.
Written 4 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaylene H
Northallerton, England, United Kingdom34 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
We lived in Kaeo and Waitaruke and I have not visited anywhere quite as beautiful as Whangaroa. It may not be the most 'happening' place in the World but for natural beauty it is hard to beat. There are amazing outcrops of interesting rock formations amongst the lush green bush that grows right down to the water's edge. The harbour is deep and was once a busy shipping and logging port so has some very interesting history. Near the entrance to the harbour there are the remains of a Navy Station with look outs and gun emplacements.
A walk up St Paul's Rock is a must while here if you are into walking and the Lane's Bay Walk is also very worthwhile, taking you through beautiful bush and past an amazing waterfall. There is a Department of Conservation Cabin that can be booked (from Doc Office) at the end of this walk that is situated in a very beautiful location just below the Dukes Nose Rock which can also be climbed. If you would like a more relaxing holiday there is a house boat that can be hired where you can spend your time soaking in the scenery and enjoying the beautiful bays.
There are many beautiful bays where fresh seafood can be gathered and eaten. Because it is so deep it is great for fishing and the harbour is very safe. Skiing and diving are great around this area also. Gamefishing is popular and there are boats that can be chartered for those wanting to catch a big fish.
Everyone that know how to make their own entertainment and enjoys the outdoors will find something to do in Whangaroa. It truly is a magical place that you will want to return to.
A walk up St Paul's Rock is a must while here if you are into walking and the Lane's Bay Walk is also very worthwhile, taking you through beautiful bush and past an amazing waterfall. There is a Department of Conservation Cabin that can be booked (from Doc Office) at the end of this walk that is situated in a very beautiful location just below the Dukes Nose Rock which can also be climbed. If you would like a more relaxing holiday there is a house boat that can be hired where you can spend your time soaking in the scenery and enjoying the beautiful bays.
There are many beautiful bays where fresh seafood can be gathered and eaten. Because it is so deep it is great for fishing and the harbour is very safe. Skiing and diving are great around this area also. Gamefishing is popular and there are boats that can be chartered for those wanting to catch a big fish.
Everyone that know how to make their own entertainment and enjoys the outdoors will find something to do in Whangaroa. It truly is a magical place that you will want to return to.
Written 4 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Port Stephens NSW. Australia156 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
Skipper owner is Alastair Smith & you couldnt find a better guy . He does bay discovery & history tours for small parties , 6 would be tops but very comfortable for 4 .Fairly priced his knowledge of the area is first class. Next day he took us out fishing in The Sea Fever & again his pricing & attention was great , the full day rate is excellent value & gives you good opportunity to catch fish. He cleans & fillets them & provides morning/afternoon teas.
Written 30 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OliverMiko
Auckland Central, New Zealand19 contributions
Dec 2015
I spent a weekend on the Maple Leaf Houseboat at the end of last year and it was great. It really is the way to see the harbour in all it beauty. There was some great fishing,Tony who run's the Housebaorting was very helpful in showing us the good spots to catch some snapper. The House boat also has a BBQ on board to cook the catch which is fantastic. The Harbour is well sheltered and the western bay was a particular highlight with some dramatic scenery in all directions. The House boat has some canoes to explore some of the peaceful beaches and bays of the harbour. I had very little boating expertise but the house boat is easy to use and Tony gave a great walkthrough all you need to know at the start of the trip. I would highly reccomed this as a great weekend getaway in Northland.
Written 3 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blondjuno
Albany, Australia18 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We have just returned from a week on the Maple Leaf - a beautiful little houseboat run by Whangaroa Houseboats from Totara North which is part of the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour. We had a spectacular week, on board a very comfortable and most importantly, easy to operate vessel. Everything was easy from making the booking (from Australia), getting on board and being shown around the workings of the boat. Even the weather was spectacular, and made spending time in this beautiful harbour one of the most relaxing and special holidays we have had. Being an expat kiwi I enjoyed the "NZ bach but on water" experience even more - it was so comfortable, everything worked well and nothing was over the top posh! We went on the walks around Lane Cove, fished like crazy and caught fresh snapper for tea 3 nights out of the 6. We swam, trawled for fish and used the canoes on board too, at night we played scrabble and read. We were just 2 adults, I would be mindful of too many adults on board as Maple Leaf isn't huge, just right for families or maybe two couples. Thank you Judy and Matt for a superb holiday.
Written 7 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel B
Auckland Central, New Zealand4 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
I just spent a weekend in Whangaroa Harbour with some friends on the Maple Leaf Houseboat. It was seriously amazing. Great fishing, kayaking and walks in the hills so cabin fever was nigh. Bombs off the top of the boat were alot of fun too.
The harbour itself was quiet, calm and the locals were a very friendly bunch.
We spent the bulk of out time devising schemes about how we could quit our day jobs and move up there!
The harbour itself was quiet, calm and the locals were a very friendly bunch.
We spent the bulk of out time devising schemes about how we could quit our day jobs and move up there!
Written 8 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sap55koala
Kerikeri, New Zealand93 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
We have been several times and been out in the harbour on their boat, but this is the first time I have actually written a review. The whole area is stunningly beautiful and we have a yearly picnic on one of the small islands. Lovely for swimming and walking along the beach. Always a treat.
Written 19 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NuWal
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
Just stayed for one night but will definitely be back. Stayed at Whangaroa Lodge on hill overlooking the harbour. Beautiful views and the lodge has been renovated to a high standard, with one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in. Dont go straight into Whangaroa Harbour from the SH 10, turn off before Kaeo towards Matauri Bay and travel north around the coast to Whangaroa Harbour, on a sunny day the little coves have the clearest, blue/green water to be seen and the most gorgeous sandy beaches.
Written 21 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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