With a population of nearly 10,000, Orewa is perfectly-suited for families and couples who need some quiet and quality-time with one another. This small town is renowned for its golden beaches and azure waters on a clear day. Drive up 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Central Auckland and enjoy these five action-packed activities that Orewa has to offer.
How to travel to Orewa
It normally takes half an hour to drive from Auckland’s Central Business District to Orewa, but this well depends on the traffic. For those without a car, another convenient way for travellers to get there is to take Intercity, the largest national bus network in New Zealand. The standard one-way ticket to Orewa from Auckland is 20 NZD (14 USD), but fees vary and are slightly cheaper for students, backpackers, children below 12 and seniors.
Intercity New Zealand
Address: Sky City Travel Centre, 102 Hobson Street, Auckland City
Standard Price: 20 NZD (14 USD)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am-7.50pm
Contact: +6493006130
1. Swim and have a picnic at Orewa Beach
As the main entry point to the Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa Beach is a 3 km (1.8 mi.) stretch from Arundel Reserve, an ideal spot for camper vans to park overnight, towards Orewa River, which flows to the north of Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The beach waves are usually calm during the summer period, especially in December. Parents can expect the waters to be safer for their children to swim. Spend half a day, with a packed picnic, at Orewa Beach for a relaxing time.
Orewa Beach
Address: 350 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa 0931, New Zealand
Contact: +6434262638
Website: Orewa Beach NZ
2. Cycle or walk within Te Ara Tahuna Estuary
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Opened since 2011, this special reserve is also ideal for those who are interested to see Maori heritage. You can either cycle or walk past totems of Maori carvings, which continue to hold cultural significance at Orewa. The cycle way and walkway are approximately 8 km (5 mi.), but there are also numerous exit points if you decide to cut the trip short. The paths have fairly flat surfaces, which are suitable for anyone no matter what fitness level you have. The word of advice is to have drinking water before you begin your walk or bike rides, as well as to use the toilets at the main entrance prior to the journey.
Te Ara Tahuna Estuary
Address: 214E Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa 0931
Opening Hours: 24/7
Duration: As long as you want
Access: Start from the Western Reserve entrance, off the Hibiscus Coast Highway near Orewa Beach
Contact: +64800103080
Website: Te Ara Tahuna Estuary
3. Explore the Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A natural habitat with 16 hectares (39.5 acre) of forest, trekking at Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve is a gratifying experience to appreciate the best of New Zealand’s nature. You will see the native Kauri trees, an abundance of ferns and some of the tallest, oldest trees that are around 300 years old. Another highlight is a bird’s eye view from the reserve’s lookout over Orewa Beach. The trek is quite easy so it is suitable for anyone of all ages. Alternatively, you can also cycle around this reserve but you will go on a separate trail from the walking track and can kick your bicycle into high gear. There are two different entrance points to the reserve: the Eaves Reserve entrance and the Kensington Park Entrance. Visitors are recommended to start walking from the Kensington Park Entrance and end with the Eaves Reserve entrance.
Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve
Address: 2 Old N Rd, Orewa 0931
Opening Hours: 24/7
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Contact: +6493010101
4. Watch the sunrise or sunset at Orewa Beach Lookout
If you want a more scenic view of Orewa Beach than the lookout at Eaves Reserve, then climb up to Orewa Beach Lookout. It holds a breathtaking vista when the sun sets, but you can also stop by early in the morning as it is open 24 hours. The best approach to arrive there is by walking. From the northern part of Orewa Beach, it takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the top. If you decide to drive, please be sure to park your car at the base of the hill as it can be challenging to drive up the hill. Park your car in the carpark by the area, ‘Scout Hut’. It takes approximately 5 minutes from the car park to walk to the view point.
Orewa Beach Lookout
Address: 485/499 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Stanmore Bay, Orewa 0931
5. Visit the Estuary Arts Centre
To have a more educational and artistic experience at Orewa, the Estuary Arts Centre is a must-visit. Showcasing the best of local artistry, this non-profit cultural hub comprises vibrant gallery rooms and ever-changing art exhibitions. The centre also arranges a different daily activity for families to enjoy their time together such as fabric-making, clay-sculpting and some various painting activities. It is open to everyone, from beginners to advanced levels.
Estuary Arts Centre
Address: 214 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa 0931, New Zealand
Opening Hours: 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +6494265570
Website: Estuary Arts Centre
6. Explore unique birds and species at the Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary
It’s no surprise to every traveler to New Zealand that the country is filled with buzzing wildlife. From exotic animals to lush tropical gardens, the Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary is the perfect place to see if you’re the type of traveler or tourist who enjoys wildlife and natural attractions. This open garden spans 220 hectares (544 acres) wide and is located just a mere 4 km (2.5 miles) from the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. This natural sanctuary has been cultivated from 1984 to 1994, with continuous developments throughout the landscape, having planted 250,000 to 300,000 trees. Today, this wildlife and nature sanctuary brings forth a stunning birdlife many people and avid bird watchers come visit. Some of these include beautiful species like the fantail, silvereye, grey warbler, and bellbird to name a few. Visitors can also learn more about the plant life that has been propagated throughout the landscape, via the sanctuary tours that they can book. Learn more about preservation tactic and habitat restoration through their Biodiversity Plan.
Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary
Address: Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Website: Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary
Price: 78 USD
7. Explore local goods and products at the Orewa Markets
Those who enjoy window shopping and exploring local cuisine in dining establishments, local cafes, and artisanal coffee shops, then a visit to the Orewa Markets is highly recommended. Several shops, small bazaars and local produce and products can be found here. A variety of musical performers, local artisans, and entrepreneurs all turn up to showcase what they have to offer, from paintings, art, sculptures, and figurines, to local juices, baked goods, vinyl records, musical instruments; indeed, there’s a little bit of something for everyone at the Orewa Markets. Be sure to make a pitstop to this local market fair on a Sunday and see what unique souvenirs you can take home with you for you or your loved ones.
Orewa Markets
Address: Orewa Community Centre 368 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 0931, New Zealand
Opening hours: 8 am to 11:30 pm, Sundays
Treasure your time with your dearest and closest ones
Here at Orewa, you are bound to feel that time is of the essence while you are spending it with the most important people in your life. So make lifelong and cheerful memories through these energetic activities at the real gem of New Zealand’s north island. As the saying goes, “the way we spend our time defines who we are” and Orewa will certainly reconnect you to your loved ones.
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