Debbie's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Stunning scenery and if you time it right you can see the baby Gannets. You will also see lots of paragliders and surfers.
Time your trip with sunset, grab some fish and chips and either park your car on the hill carpark or set yourself up on a blanket and watch the stunning sunset on this west coast surf beach.
Warning, please don’t go in the sea if you are not confident in strong surf, there are very strong rips here. If you do go in swimming make sure it is between the flags.
76 locals recommend
Muriwai Gannet Colony
428 Motutara RdStunning scenery and if you time it right you can see the baby Gannets. You will also see lots of paragliders and surfers.
Time your trip with sunset, grab some fish and chips and either park your car on the hill carpark or set yourself up on a blanket and watch the stunning sunset on this west coast surf beach.
Warning, please don’t go in the sea if you are not confident in strong surf, there are very strong rips here. If you do go in swimming make sure it is between the flags.
Beaches
Best beaches within 15-30 minute drive away.
Great beach/regional park for picnics, swimming (East Coast Beach so safer than the West Coast for swimming but still swim between the flags).
There are lots of great spots with BBQ’s, picnic tables, playgrounds and loads of trees for shade.
45 locals recommend
Long Bay Beach
Great beach/regional park for picnics, swimming (East Coast Beach so safer than the West Coast for swimming but still swim between the flags).
There are lots of great spots with BBQ’s, picnic tables, playgrounds and loads of trees for shade.
City advice
Getting around
Ferry to the city a short walk away
Although it is a 30-40 minute ride into town on the Ferry it does mean you get to see the city from the water and travel under the Harbour Bridge. You also don’t have to worry about parking and potential traffic delays with rush hour.