5 Best Things To Do In Whangaparaoa, New Zealand

1. Birdwatching at Shakespear Regional Park

The park is not named after William Shakespeare with a spelling error, the Shakespear family have owned the land since the 1880s. On a good day, bird-watching is one of the main highlights here at the park. Try to spot some native birds, such as the blue-feathered ‘tui,’ a pigeon lookalike, ‘kereru,’ the large red-faced ‘pukeko’ and other migrated birds like the Californian quail and peacocks at the Te Haruhi Bay. There are also planted native flora and the pohutakawa trees are especially stunning in December.

Alternatively, you can also climb up the Tiri-tiri walking track and see the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island and Tiritiri Matangi Island from the top of the sandstone cliffs. Tourists can also take a picture with its photo frame landmark situated at the entrance of the park. The locals have also recommended to swim, kayak and fish at its nearest beaches; Te Haruhi, Army Bay and Okoramai Bay, as well as to have a barbecue on a hot summer’s day, as the park includes a barbecue facility.

Shakespear Regional Park

Address: 1468 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Auckland 0930

Opening Hours: 6am - 7pm during winter period, 6am - 9pm during summer period. Mondays to Sundays

Access: 45 minute-drive from Auckland’s Central Business District. For a more detailed journey planner from where you are, go to the website, Auckland Transport

Contact: +64 93662000 onsite

Route Planner: Auckland Transport

Website: Shakespear Regional Park

2. Feed the local fish at Gulf Harbour Marina

The Gulf Harbour Marina boasts as one of the biggest marinas in New Zealand. Situated 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, the marina is rich with sea life and home to some of the most luxurious yachts. If you are visiting from Auckland, the best way to arrive to Gulf Harbour Marina is through the Fuller’s Cruise. You will stop at Pier Z of the marina and you will observe that there are various fish species that you can feed, such as snapper, kawaii, kingfish and local-bred stingray. The locals recommend to buy some bait called ‘pilchards,’ from the Ripples Cafe, which is a 2-minute walk south of the pier.

Gulf Harbour Marina

Address: Gulf Harbour Marina, 895 Laurie Southwick Parade, Gulf Harbour, Whangaparaoa 0930

Opening Hours: 12am - 11:30pm, Mondays to Sundays

How to Get there from Auckland: Take the Fuller’s 360 Discovery Cruises from Pier 4, 139 Quay Street at Auckland to Pier Z Gulf Harbour Marina. Approximately 50 minutes journey time. Price is 15 NZD (11 USD) one-way for Adult, 8 NZD (6 USD) one-way for Child.

Book Now:Fuller’s & 360 Discovery Cruises

Website: Gulf Harbour Marina

3. Catch a glimpse of dolphins at Manly Beach

As one of the main beaches off the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Manly Beach is tucked into the most remote areas where you can unwind. There are two sub-regions; Big Manly Beach and Little Manly Beach. Locals have spotted playful dolphins jumping and swimming by the bay during high tides by Little Manly Beach. The sightings of a pod of orcas are rare nowadays from this beach, but recently, they were spotted off the Auckland Harbour in February 2017 and passed through the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. At the Little Manly Beach, you can also check out the tidal pools and sit under the native ‘Pohutukawe,’ which resemble Christmas trees.

Manly Beach

Address: 872 Whangaparaoa Rd, Manly, Whangaparaoa 0930

Website: Go Whangaparaoa

4. Go for a swim at the quiet beach of Matakatia Bay

Whangaparaoais a great place for families who travel together and spending time on the beach for a relaxing time during vacation can sometimes be tricky when traveling with kids. However, one of Whangaparaoais’ beaches, Matakatia Bay is an ideal beach for children as it has shallow waters with less boating and jet skiing activities taking place close to the shore. Spend a great day relaxing at Matakatia Bay and be in one with the waves as you wait for the sun to set; a stunning view to end a spectacular day at the beach.

Swimming at Matakatia Bay

Address: Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand

Opening hours: 24/7 Sundays to Mondays

5. See the rarest native bird species at Tiritiri Matangi Island

The Tiritiri Matangi Island is 30 km (18.6 mi) far from central Auckland and features one of New Zealand’s most renowned, ongoing projects for animal and wildlife conservation at its open bird sanctuary. In contrast to Shakespear Regional Park, the island provides refuge for endangered bird species across the country and is in fact, uninhabited by people. There are a range of rare, native bird species, but you will frequently spot the yellow-bellied, native bellbirds called the ‘korimako,’ the large and flightless 'takahe,’ the blue-chinned 'kokako’ or in English, the wattle birds, and of course, the infamous kiwi bird. You will see a similar resemblance between the 'pukeko’ and 'takahe’ because of their colors, but the main differences are that the takahe is flightless and larger than the 'pukeko.’ Because most of these birds are endangered, please respect them by keeping a good distance while visiting.

As you will discover the abundance of birds that the island will offer you, the 1864 lighthouse is definitely worth a visit. This white, cast iron-made lighthouse is the oldest and most well-maintained in New Zealand. Visitors are welcome to see stunning and panoramic views of the island. Before you embark on your journey to this island, you are advised to bring your own food and beverages as there are no cafes and restaurants.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Address: Army Bay, Whangaparaoa

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays

Access: From Gulf Harbour Marina, take the 360 Discovery Cruise, departing from Pier Z, towards Tiritiri Matangi Island. The first ferry departs at 9:50am and the journey time is 20 minutes. It is 55 NZD (40 USD) for Adult return and 32 NZD (23 USD) for Child return. You can choose the guided walk with it, but additional payments are required.

Book Now: 360 Discovery Cruise

Website: Tiritiri Matangi Island

Whangaparaoa's nature awaits you

New Zealand’s role in wildlife conservation has gone beyond its comfort zone to provide refuge to the most endangered bird species and to educate its citizens about protecting their animals. Whangaparaoa may be known for its whales and dolphins, but very recently, birds have been prominent as well. For a vacation spent in nature, plan your visit to Whangaparaoa soon.