Guidebook for Whangaparaoa
Parks & Nature
Shakespear Regional Park is a pest-free haven for native species. It has predator fences surrounding the park, to stop stoats, rats, and cats entering, allowing the native bird populations to flourish. This park has sheltered bays, pastureland, regenerating native forest, cliffs and a lookout with beautiful views to Auckland city and over the Hauraki Gulf. There are many walks to enjoy in the park and we love visiting the beautiful Te Haruhi Bay for a day relaxing at the beach. There is no entry fee and there are free BBQs in the picnic area at Te Haruhi Bay for anyone to use - definitely take advantage of this!
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Περιφερειακό Πάρκο Σαίξπηρ
1501 Whangaparaoa RdShakespear Regional Park is a pest-free haven for native species. It has predator fences surrounding the park, to stop stoats, rats, and cats entering, allowing the native bird populations to flourish. This park has sheltered bays, pastureland, regenerating native forest, cliffs and a lookout with beautiful views to Auckland city and over the Hauraki Gulf. There are many walks to enjoy in the park and we love visiting the beautiful Te Haruhi Bay for a day relaxing at the beach. There is no entry fee and there are free BBQs in the picnic area at Te Haruhi Bay for anyone to use - definitely take advantage of this!
This unique island is located just off the Whangaparaoa Peninsula - out from Shakespear Park. It is a nature reserve that is great for NZ native bird watching (including kiwis, kokakos and takahe). There are many walks on the island and you can pay $10 for a guided walk along the Wattle track. An enjoyable day trip while staying at our place. $55 Ferry ride (return) from Gulf Harbour Marina.
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Tiritiri Matangi Island
This unique island is located just off the Whangaparaoa Peninsula - out from Shakespear Park. It is a nature reserve that is great for NZ native bird watching (including kiwis, kokakos and takahe). There are many walks on the island and you can pay $10 for a guided walk along the Wattle track. An enjoyable day trip while staying at our place. $55 Ferry ride (return) from Gulf Harbour Marina.
This is the closest beach to our house - about a 5 minute walk away. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset here. At low tide you can also walk along the sand to the west and then up stairs which reach Pacific Parade esplanade, a coastal clifftop walk.
Bruce Harvey Drive/Shakespear Regional Park
This is the closest beach to our house - about a 5 minute walk away. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset here. At low tide you can also walk along the sand to the west and then up stairs which reach Pacific Parade esplanade, a coastal clifftop walk.
This bay is shallow and very tidal - it looks dramatically different at low tide vs high tide. At low tide you may see lots of people collecting shellfish (cockles) to eat. At high tide the water is nice and clear - perfect for paddleboarding. There are picnic areas and free BBQs to use here. We recommend doing a loop walk from here to Army Bay or vice versa from our house. Due to the water being very shallow we don't recommend swimming here - Army Bay or Te Haruhi Bay are better.
Okoromai Bay
This bay is shallow and very tidal - it looks dramatically different at low tide vs high tide. At low tide you may see lots of people collecting shellfish (cockles) to eat. At high tide the water is nice and clear - perfect for paddleboarding. There are picnic areas and free BBQs to use here. We recommend doing a loop walk from here to Army Bay or vice versa from our house. Due to the water being very shallow we don't recommend swimming here - Army Bay or Te Haruhi Bay are better.
Our favourite of the beaches in Shakespear Regional Park. We recommend taking a picnic and perhaps something to cook on the free BBQs provided in the picnic area. Good place to enjoy a swim and soak up the sun.
Te Haruhi Bay
Our favourite of the beaches in Shakespear Regional Park. We recommend taking a picnic and perhaps something to cook on the free BBQs provided in the picnic area. Good place to enjoy a swim and soak up the sun.
Manly Park
Manly Beach is one of the nicest beaches on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Food Scene
Tasty tapas in Stanmore Bay. All day eatery and bar. New venue which has nice decor and a cosy atmosphere. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. They often have a special deal on Tuesday and Wednesday nights - 3 tapas for $30.
Stan's All Day Eatery & Bar
570 Whangaparaoa RdTasty tapas in Stanmore Bay. All day eatery and bar. New venue which has nice decor and a cosy atmosphere. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. They often have a special deal on Tuesday and Wednesday nights - 3 tapas for $30.
New cafe/restaurant in Stanmore Bay with nice decor and a beachy, relaxed vibe. Open everyday from 8am for breakfast, lunch and open for dinner Thursday through Saturday evenings. We can recommend the dinner menu - they focus on freshly prepared ingredients and have an emphasis on seafood. Very tasty food.
Cove eatery
570 Whangaparaoa RoadNew cafe/restaurant in Stanmore Bay with nice decor and a beachy, relaxed vibe. Open everyday from 8am for breakfast, lunch and open for dinner Thursday through Saturday evenings. We can recommend the dinner menu - they focus on freshly prepared ingredients and have an emphasis on seafood. Very tasty food.
Modern, upmarket pub in Stanmore Bay which has interesting decor and nice atmosphere. I've heard they do good pizza. They have food deals each day - Two for Tuesdays (2 mains for price of 1 after 5pm), Wednesday Pizza (all day, any regular pizza $15), Thursday Date Night Steak Night (steak and chips $16.90 after 5pm), Friday Burgers and Beers ($20 for burger + beer from 5-9pm), Saturday $5 pizza (11am to 6pm with any jug of tap beer/wine), Sunday roast ($19.90 for adults, 2pm-late). Pub quiz on Monday nights.
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The Good Home
570 Whangaparaoa RdModern, upmarket pub in Stanmore Bay which has interesting decor and nice atmosphere. I've heard they do good pizza. They have food deals each day - Two for Tuesdays (2 mains for price of 1 after 5pm), Wednesday Pizza (all day, any regular pizza $15), Thursday Date Night Steak Night (steak and chips $16.90 after 5pm), Friday Burgers and Beers ($20 for burger + beer from 5-9pm), Saturday $5 pizza (11am to 6pm with any jug of tap beer/wine), Sunday roast ($19.90 for adults, 2pm-late). Pub quiz on Monday nights.
Upmarket restaurant in Stanmore Bay, food with an Indian/European fusion. Nicely renovated villa with lots of outdoor seating and fairy lights which are pretty at night. They do dine in and takeaway.
Paprika
195 Brightside RdUpmarket restaurant in Stanmore Bay, food with an Indian/European fusion. Nicely renovated villa with lots of outdoor seating and fairy lights which are pretty at night. They do dine in and takeaway.
Modern pub with nice decor at the local shopping centre which has pizzas themed by the local beaches. It has daily food specials: Monday rib night $15, Tuesday 2 for 1 meals, Wednesday pizza night $13.50, Thursday rump steak $17.0, Friday fish n chips $13.50. Quiz night on Wednesdays.
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JAC's Trading
6 Main StModern pub with nice decor at the local shopping centre which has pizzas themed by the local beaches. It has daily food specials: Monday rib night $15, Tuesday 2 for 1 meals, Wednesday pizza night $13.50, Thursday rump steak $17.0, Friday fish n chips $13.50. Quiz night on Wednesdays.
Casual dining (not a restaurant) in a group of shops near the plaza in Whangaparaoa. We recommend getting takeaways from here and eating nearby at Arkles Bay or Manly. Very tasty and decent portions. Affordable meal.
Ephesus Turkish Kitchen
741 Whangaparaoa RdCasual dining (not a restaurant) in a group of shops near the plaza in Whangaparaoa. We recommend getting takeaways from here and eating nearby at Arkles Bay or Manly. Very tasty and decent portions. Affordable meal.
Best place in Orewa for a lazy afternoon in the sun. I recommend you sit upstairs (outside if possible) so you can enjoy the view looking out to Orewa Beach. Nice atmosphere and good place to grab a beer. They do local, small batch, craft beers. They don't do large meals, just small plates. I recommend the lamb lollipops, chunky fries and edamame.
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Coast - Bites & Brews
342 Hibiscus Coast HwyBest place in Orewa for a lazy afternoon in the sun. I recommend you sit upstairs (outside if possible) so you can enjoy the view looking out to Orewa Beach. Nice atmosphere and good place to grab a beer. They do local, small batch, craft beers. They don't do large meals, just small plates. I recommend the lamb lollipops, chunky fries and edamame.
Stop in Silverdale for the best fish n chips. This place has the freshest fish - whether you want to buy some fish to cook for yourself or for the nicest, tastiest fish n chips you can find in the area. I wouldn't get fish from anywhere else. I recommend tarakihi or snapper.
Oceanz Seafood Silverdale
17 Hibiscus Coast HwyStop in Silverdale for the best fish n chips. This place has the freshest fish - whether you want to buy some fish to cook for yourself or for the nicest, tastiest fish n chips you can find in the area. I wouldn't get fish from anywhere else. I recommend tarakihi or snapper.
Cheap burger stop in Silverdale. It is a food chain but it does tasty burgers and spud fries with yummy aioli! For burgers Sam typically picks the Ring Burner and I get the Bambina.
BurgerFuel Silverdale
16 Wainui RdCheap burger stop in Silverdale. It is a food chain but it does tasty burgers and spud fries with yummy aioli! For burgers Sam typically picks the Ring Burner and I get the Bambina.
Mediterranean cafe/bar/restaurant with nice dining atmosphere. Indoor/outdoor seating on the main road in Orewa, just across from the beach. Serves lunch and dinner (opens from 11am weekdays and 9am weekends). Favourite for dinner in Orewa among my friends.
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Casablanca
336 Hibiscus Coast HwyMediterranean cafe/bar/restaurant with nice dining atmosphere. Indoor/outdoor seating on the main road in Orewa, just across from the beach. Serves lunch and dinner (opens from 11am weekdays and 9am weekends). Favourite for dinner in Orewa among my friends.
A bit further afield but this place makes tasty cheese and dairy products if that interests you. I recommend the Puhoi Valley chocolate milk - you might see this at the supermarket too. This cafe does brunch/lunch and you can check out all their cheeses. They do platters with cheese and food options which look nice but we haven't tried for ourselves yet. Nice cafe atmosphere with lots of outdoor seating. Puhoi is a cute place to check out - make sure you stop at their library on the way past.
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Pūhoi Valley Cheese Co
275 Ahuroa RdA bit further afield but this place makes tasty cheese and dairy products if that interests you. I recommend the Puhoi Valley chocolate milk - you might see this at the supermarket too. This cafe does brunch/lunch and you can check out all their cheeses. They do platters with cheese and food options which look nice but we haven't tried for ourselves yet. Nice cafe atmosphere with lots of outdoor seating. Puhoi is a cute place to check out - make sure you stop at their library on the way past.
Restaurant tucked away in Manly village. Open for dinner 5-10pm each day. Not really my choice of food but some people rave about the dinner here. Southern American style - fried chicken, cornbread, ribs, crab cakes, buffalo wings, etc. If that sounds like your type of food then this place will be worth checking out.
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Jambalaya Eatery
49 Rawhiti RdRestaurant tucked away in Manly village. Open for dinner 5-10pm each day. Not really my choice of food but some people rave about the dinner here. Southern American style - fried chicken, cornbread, ribs, crab cakes, buffalo wings, etc. If that sounds like your type of food then this place will be worth checking out.
Modern pub in Silverdale with a nice atmosphere and decor. Open 11 am to late. There are different dinner deals each day. Monday $15 ribs, Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza and pasta, Wednesday $20 burgers come with beer or wine, Thursday $20 steak, Friday $17.50 fish and chips. Pub quiz is on Tuesdays
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Northern Union Gastro Pub
23 Wainui RdModern pub in Silverdale with a nice atmosphere and decor. Open 11 am to late. There are different dinner deals each day. Monday $15 ribs, Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza and pasta, Wednesday $20 burgers come with beer or wine, Thursday $20 steak, Friday $17.50 fish and chips. Pub quiz is on Tuesdays
Tiny little cafe which I've heard makes the best coffee in Orewa. Worth a stop to check out.
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Puff Cafe
Tiny little cafe which I've heard makes the best coffee in Orewa. Worth a stop to check out.
Thai Orewa Restaurant
328 Hibiscus Coast HwyTastiest Thai food in the Hibiscus Coast area.
Local indian cuisine which is situated in the local Gulf Harbour Marina shops. We recommend sitting outside and enjoying the atmosphere as the sun sets. They also do takeaway food.
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Chaits Tapas & Bar
162 Harbour Village DriveLocal indian cuisine which is situated in the local Gulf Harbour Marina shops. We recommend sitting outside and enjoying the atmosphere as the sun sets. They also do takeaway food.
Restaurant located close to us in the Gulf Harbour Marina. Beautiful location and they often have live music on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Check it out
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Maison Thai Restaurant
54 Rawhiti RoadRestaurant located close to us in the Gulf Harbour Marina. Beautiful location and they often have live music on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Check it out
Cafe Hibiscus
639 Whangaparaoa RdA recommended brunch spot
This popular cafe has recently changed owners and we hope that it keeps its high standards. A favourite of ours.
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Local Café
49 Rawhiti RdThis popular cafe has recently changed owners and we hope that it keeps its high standards. A favourite of ours.
This convenience store also makes pizza which Sam highly recommends. Order by phone and pick up to takeaway
Black Box Pizza
15 Rishworth AvenueThis convenience store also makes pizza which Sam highly recommends. Order by phone and pick up to takeaway
Very low key, casual dining atmosphere. Cheerful decor.
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Ripples Cafe on the Marina
621 Laurie Southwick ParadeVery low key, casual dining atmosphere. Cheerful decor.
Cherry Cafe
154 Harbour Village DrCafe located in the beautiful Gulf Harbour Marina
Drunken Crayfish
Local fish n chip shop
Maison Thai Restaurant
54 Rawhiti RoadLocal thai restaurant. Nice decor and location.
MENOPA
400 Whangaparaoa RdItalian restaurant with an interesting children's railway beside it.
Essentials
Four Square Gulf Harbour
160 Harbour Village DrThe closest convenience store.
Best local liquor store with specialty beers and wine. We recommend Brave Bikkie beer by Behemoth Brewery. They often have tastings at the store.
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Manly Liquor Store
Shop 62 Rawhiti RdBest local liquor store with specialty beers and wine. We recommend Brave Bikkie beer by Behemoth Brewery. They often have tastings at the store.
This is our local dairy if you would like to grab an icecream or snack on your walk to the beach. 1 min walk away from our house.
Peninsula Dairy & Takeaways
4 Everard AveThis is our local dairy if you would like to grab an icecream or snack on your walk to the beach. 1 min walk away from our house.
Small-ish supermarket but has nice produce and is in a convenient location. Considered to be a bit pricier than the other supermarkets.
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New World
580 Whangaparaoa RdSmall-ish supermarket but has nice produce and is in a convenient location. Considered to be a bit pricier than the other supermarkets.
This is a giant supermarket and will have the cheapest prices out of all the supermarkets in the area. Nice produce too. But you need to take your own bags or pay per bag/grab a box to take your groceries away which can sometimes be a bit of a hassle.
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PAK'nSAVE
20 Hibiscus Coast HwyThis is a giant supermarket and will have the cheapest prices out of all the supermarkets in the area. Nice produce too. But you need to take your own bags or pay per bag/grab a box to take your groceries away which can sometimes be a bit of a hassle.
Countdown
Whangaparaoa RoadLarge supermarket with everything you need.
Entertainment & Activities
HOYTS Hibiscus Coast
6 Link CresMovies are $10.90 for adults - best price in Auckland
Have you had a chance to luge while in NZ? The luge was invented in NZ in 1985 and kiwis love it. If you haven't tried it yet, you should try it at Silverdale Adventure Park. See the video on their website - this was filmed by Sam!
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Auckland Adventure Park
2104 E Coast RdHave you had a chance to luge while in NZ? The luge was invented in NZ in 1985 and kiwis love it. If you haven't tried it yet, you should try it at Silverdale Adventure Park. See the video on their website - this was filmed by Sam!
Tenpin Bowling
14 Link CresSnowplanet
91 Small RdIndoor ski slope with a cafe at the bottom to witness the mayhem
Gulf Harbour Country Club
180 Gulf Harbour DrGolf course
Everything Else
SUPSHED
This place hires out stand up paddleboards. You should have a go at Orewa Beach!
Getting Around
Ferries to/from Auckland and Tiritiri Matangi Island depart/arrive here
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Ferry Terminal - Gulf Harbour station
Ferries to/from Auckland and Tiritiri Matangi Island depart/arrive here
Arts & Culture
Estuary Arts Centre
214 Hibiscus Coast Hwy