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What to do in Ruakaka
There are a wonderful range of activities in and around Bream Bay. Swimming, fishing, gathering shellfish, tramping, visiting the caves or the Refinery Visitor Centre are all free activities.
Here are a small handful of other things but if you want to know what there is to do in Whangarei, Bream Bay and surrounding areas then log on to http://www.whangareinz.com for a complete range of arts, sporting, wine tasting, eating, fishing, cultural and natural activities as well as a list of upcoming events. Please join us and don't be afraid to stop by and say hello.
Bream Bay / Waipu / Ruakaka
Bream Bay stretches from from Langs Beach in the south to Marsden Point to the north in a sweeping arc of surf and sand. Many of its estuaries are wildlife refuges and a plentiful supply of kai moana.
The cafes and bars, local art and crafts and wide range of leisure activities make the area a popular summer destination.
Some of our favourite spots are:
Langs Beach and Waipu Cove for swimming, fishing, surfing and strolling.
Waipu Township and Heritage Centre
Waipu is steeped Scottish Heritage, and hosts the Caledonian Highland Games every New Year, the oldest running highland event in the southern hemisphere. There is a market on the first Saturday of the month in the Coronation Hall and extra Street Markets on the Saturday of long weekends (See me there sometimes). Those of you with an interest in history can stop by the House of Memories.
Uretiti Beach
A Department of Conservation campsite nestles in sand dunes, right beside the beach. Be aware though that Uretiti has long been a favourite for nudist bathing.
Ruakaka Beach
Ahh home sweet home. 13 km of white sand and surf between the Ruakaka and Waipu River outlets. A popular destination for simmers, kayakers, kite surfers and fishers (hmm that's not right) and fisherpersons? The Ruakaka Surf Life Saving Club patrols between Labour Weekend and Easter every year. In recent years it has hosted some major surf lifesaving competitions which are a real blast to watch. The Ruakaka Racecourse is also close by and holds several summer meets if that takes your fancy
Marsden Point Oil Refinery
New Zealand’s only oil refinery began operating at Marsden Point in 1964. The Visitor Centre is open to the public every day and has a working scale model of the refinery, with sound and light show. Did you know that the fizz in your soda is a byproduct of the petrol making process !!
One Tree Point and Marsden Cove
A very safe shallow area for children to swim and for everyone to gather cockles and pipi. Launch your boat from here or from the newly developed Marsden Cove Marina. Marsden Cove has been developed by Hoppers along the lines of the Pauanui waterways. Further development is expected to include tourism ventnures, retail shops and cafe/restaurants. Last year the Bream bay Fishing Contest was based here and despite the weather was a howling success.
Wildlife Refuges
Wildlife refuges for shore birds and waders are found at the Ruakaka and Waipu Rivers. mouths. Keep your bird watching eyes open for rare and protected species such as the NZ dotterel, variable oyster catcher and NZ fairy tern as well as wrybill, reef heron and banded dotterel.
Waipu Caves
These caves are so cool - make the most of visiting them while they are still free. Stalactites and stalagmites (that's the stuff that grows up and down in points) with lots of glowworms. Although there is plenty of head room inside the cave entrance it is wet and slippery so you will need good footwear and torch. As the main cave is 175 meters long there is the potential for more serious cavers who can hire local guides for a deeper underground experience. What's that? Afraid of the dark? Feeling a little claustraphobic? Then you can do the following while others explore.
Waipu Caves Walkway
The 2km walkway is signposted from Ormiston Road. It climbs a leading ridge through farmland offering some awesome views. Continue through a scenic reserve to the valley and cave area.
Piroa Falls
Signposted from SH1 just south of Waipu, the waterfall is a 10 minute walk on a short, steep, zigzag track through beautiful bush, to excellent swimming holes. If you are lucky you get to watch the nutcases jump from the cliffs into the pools.
More Stuff To Do........
Ruakaka Kite Sports
Kitesports is the collective term used for all forms of traction kiting. You do not need to be strong to do this sport, because your equipment is determined by your size, weight and level of ability. Kite-mountainboarding or also referred to as KiteATBing is similar to kitesurfing, but you surf the earth instead of the water. You can go out KiteATBing with a smaller kite or in less wind than required for kitesurfing. There are endless possibilities and more being invented every year – so get into it now! http://www.ruakakakitesports.co.nz/
Ruakaka Kayaking
Paddle in the sheltered waters of the Ruakaka Wildlife Refuge.
Experience the dynamics of this unique waterway in Ruakaka and the see the life it brings. Guided Eco tours and independent hire available.
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Location |
8 Princes Rd, Ruakaka |
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Phone |
09 432 8668 or 021 233 6748 |
Waipu Horse Rides
Self Hire, Guided Tours, Eco-Tours, Bush Walk and Paddle, groups of up to 16 people welcome!Our horse trekking business is run from our 100 acre farm in Waipu, where we live and run cattle and horses. The rides consist of 1 hour, 2 hour, half day, full day and overnight rides along both farm and beach. Lunches are provided for half day and full day rides, and a barbeque dinner for overnight rides. The scenery is magical and so are the horses. Your seasoned host and his friendly horses will make it a ride to remember. We will customize the ride to suit you and we cater for the novice through to the experienced rider. Safety is paramount and good suitable footwear essential. Hard hats are provided. Come and have a great day out. http://www.breambay.com/waipuhorserides
Bream Bay Charters
For luxury, comfort, safety and style come fishing aboard the Cara * J
The 12 metre CARA * J offers these great trips-
Line fishing
Diving/ snorkelling
Big Game Fishing
Family FishingTrips
Corporate Trips
Social Club Outings and BBQs
Departs Marsden Cove Marina,Whangarei Harbour The 12 metre CARA * J offers these great trips-
Line fishing
Diving/ snorkelling
Big Game Fishing
Family FishingTrips
Corporate Trips
Social Club Outings and BBQs
Departs Marsden Cove Marina,Whangarei Harbour http://sites.yellow.co.nz/site/breambaycharters/
Waipu Golf Club
An enjoyable challenge on the main road north.18 hole all weather links course adjacent to Bream Bay. Easy walking, fast and true greens and testing layout. Visitors Welcome.
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