Things To Do

Taupo Bay is in the Northland region of New Zealand’s North Island. There are plenty of things to do in Taupo Bay and beautiful places to see.

This region is bordered by two coastlines offering spectacular scenery. The west coast is wild and rugged with the mighty Tasman Sea, the east coast enjoys the waters of the Pacific Ocean, and is dotted with islands and harbours. Both coasts contain some of New Zealand’s finest beaches, offering all types of water based activities. The region is also rich in cultural heritage, offering a truly diverse holiday experience.

There are a number possible day trips from Taupo Bay. It is the perfect central location to explore the whole region, from the Bay of Islands to the furthest northern tip of New Zealand at Cape Reinga.

• Karikari Estate Vineyard

  

  Karikari Estate is New Zealand’s northernmost winery and vineyard.

  It is a superb place to enjoy some delicious wine and food while you soak in the sunny weather and look out over the hills of the Karikari Peninsula.

• Waitangi Treaty Grounds

  

  Waitangi is home to the historic Treaty of Waitangi grounds, museum and meeting house and only a short 5 min drive from Paihia.

  Gain a deeper understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi during a guided tour with a professional guide and enjoy a high quality cultural performance in the beautiful carved meeting house (Whare Runanga).

  Explore the Treaty House and marvel at the scale of Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the world’s largest carved war canoes (waka taua). Take time to wander through the beautiful grounds of the Waitangi estate, complete with extensive gardens, bush tracks, beaches, and fabulous views over the Bay of Islands and beyond.

  To make the most of your visit you should to allow at least three hours for your Treaty Grounds experience.

• Carrington Golf Course

  

  The Northland golf course at Peppers Carrington Resort is located between sweeping ocean views to the north and east, and hill side vineyards of Karikari Estate to the south.

  The championship standard 18 hole Carrington golf course was designed by American golf course designer Matt Dye and is 6417 metres (7267 yards) in length, par 72, and encompasses a variety of terrains from rolling vales to challenging water holes.

  The course is completely irrigated. The course is designed to accommodate golfers of all abilities and offers a great variety of hole play, from one of the longest par 5′s in New Zealand 569 metres (599 yards), to one of the shortest par 3′s at 113 metres (132 yards) over water.

  Spectacular views of the golf course, wetlands, Northland beach and ocean beyond are visible from the clubhouse and lounge complex. The clubhouse is sited on a high ridge in the middle of the golf course in order to take full advantage of the unique combination of vistas.

• Kayaking in Whangaroa Harbour

  

  Help yourself to a kayak and hit the water to check out the area from the sea.

• Visit the Cape Reinga Lighthouse

  
  Travelling directly north on Highway 10 leads to Kaitaia, Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

  On route is the famed Ninety Mile Beach, an endless expanse of coastline with powerful surf. Go dune surfing, horse riding or 4 wheel biking along on the beach (it’s a registered highway!). Many guided tours and excursions are on offer.

  Further day trip brochures and tourist information is available at the lodge.

  Allow a few hours to venture through this gorgeous, remote landscape to the Lighthouse at Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand. An often windswept opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean meet the Tasman Sea.

  Cape Reinga is located at the northernmost area of New Zealand, approximately 60 km north of Kaitaia.

  Follow State Highway 1 north to Waitiki Landing, continuing another 20 km to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga).

  It is a short stroll from the Cape Reinga car park down to the lighthouse.

  From there you can get outstanding views of the ocean and the Three Kings Islands (Manawatawhi) on the distant horizon, and Cape Maria Van Diemen to the west. In clear weather, you can see the most northern point (known as Surville Cliffs) of New Zealand to the east, as well as Motuopao Island, North Cape, and Sandy Bay.

  Offshore, you can witness the immense power of two mighty oceans merging. The currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet in a foaming swell of broken water over the Columbia Bank just west of Cape Reinga. At times, the churning waves erupt in explosions of spray and spume.

• Spend the day on Taipa and Coopers Beach

  

  Further north from Mangonui the road winds through more beautiful beachside towns including Taipa and Coopers Beach.

  Here you will find a larger supermarket and petrol station, plus facilities such as boat & car repairs, gas bottles re-filled, and medical aid.

• Visit Karikari Peninsula & Matai Bay

  

  From Taipa, if you travel a further 15mins you will reach a turnoff to the spectacular Karikari Peninsula. This is home to the prestigious Carrington Club Golf Course and the Karikari winery. The vineyard offers wine tastings and tapas in a Tuscan style setting.

  At the tip of the Karikari Pennisula you will find one of New Zealands most beautiful wineglass beaches, Matai Bay. A perfect place for a days picnic and swim in a gorgeous sheltered setting.

• Take a Day Trip to Kerikeri

  

  The historic Village of Kerikeri is a 45mins drive and is set on a picturesque harbour inlet.

  Kerikeri has many shops, restaurants, galleries, a movie theatre, artisan craft stores, sports facilities, and historic sites.

  Visit the Stone Store to learn the history of the area and see how early settlers lived. With its warm climate the area has an abundance of local produce, including citrus fruits, kiwifruit, and avocados.

  Local orchardists and growers often sell their produce from roadside stalls. For the real foodies, the famous Kerikeri Growers Markets are a must do!

  Around Kerikeri many wineries offer tastings.

  The ‘hard to find’ Mahoe dairy farm produces a wonderful array of yoghurts and cheeses.

• Explore the Bay of Islands

  

  The spectacular Bay of Islands can be explored by sea via the historic towns of Paihia, Waitangi and Russell. Each town is rich in cultural history and beautifully scenic.

• Visit the seaside town of Manganui

  

  15 mins north from the main highway is the peaceful seaside town of Mangonui.

  The charming town features a range of gifts stores, cafes, restaurants and the famous Mangonui Fish shop, voted one of New Zealand’s best. The Mangonui Fish Shop is famous in Northland – they offer an array of fresh seafood for you to select from which they will cook for you on the premises. Situated in a picturesque harbour, you can sit on the deck and enjoy a nice cold beer while you wait for your fresh fish to be cooked to your liking. They also do takeaways and while they charge slightly more than your standard takeaway shop, their reputation puts them tops. If you want to enjoy some good old fashioned fish and chips, take a trip to the Mangonui Fish Shop. It’s a 20 minute drive from Taupo Bay.

  There is also a grocery store and post shop for general provisions. Mangonui is a town rich in history and an ideal place to stroll & explore or just relax in a cafe overlooking the water.