Julie’s guidebook
Supermarket
New World
580 Whangaparaoa RdSightseeing
Magnificent picnic spot, glorious views and many walking tracks. This is protected and the pukekos are enormous! Perfect family outing - you can even collect cockles on the safe beach, that is very shallow.
126 locals recommend
Shakespear Regional Park
1501 Whangaparaoa RdMagnificent picnic spot, glorious views and many walking tracks. This is protected and the pukekos are enormous! Perfect family outing - you can even collect cockles on the safe beach, that is very shallow.
Day trips to Waiheke, catching the ferry from Gulf Harbour. Fullers do tickets, day tours, e-bike info
407 locals recommend
Waiheke Island
25 Karaka RdDay trips to Waiheke, catching the ferry from Gulf Harbour. Fullers do tickets, day tours, e-bike info
Beautiful picnic spot, loads of parking and the Puhoi river kayaks end here.
55 locals recommend
Wenderholm Regional Park
37 Schischka RdBeautiful picnic spot, loads of parking and the Puhoi river kayaks end here.
Fun things to do
Indoor pool/s suits all ages, plus a gym. Check the timetable for aquarobics, or fitness classes. Walking distance.
17 locals recommend
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre
159 Brightside RdIndoor pool/s suits all ages, plus a gym. Check the timetable for aquarobics, or fitness classes. Walking distance.
For all ability levels, or just to eat their yummy food at the indoor fireside cafe. Get the muscles ready, before you head off to the real mountain!
99 locals recommend
Snowplanet
91 Small RdFor all ability levels, or just to eat their yummy food at the indoor fireside cafe. Get the muscles ready, before you head off to the real mountain!
Matakana Oysters
1217 Leigh RdPerfect gift and fun experience, about 1 hour drive
HOYTS Hibiscus Coast
6 Link CresMovies anyone? Close by.
Tenpin Bowling
14 Link CresClose by, great rainy day activity.
Marina sight-seeing, cafes, fishing trips, ferry from here to Auckland city or out to Waiheke for a day trip
29 locals recommend
Gulf Harbour Marina
895 Laurie Southwick ParadeMarina sight-seeing, cafes, fishing trips, ferry from here to Auckland city or out to Waiheke for a day trip
Beautiful golf course with stunning views, includes a driving range, cafe and restaurant.
29 locals recommend
Gulf Harbour Country Club
180 Gulf Harbour DrBeautiful golf course with stunning views, includes a driving range, cafe and restaurant.
Kids Parks
Stanmore Bay Park
164 Brightside RdBrightside Road
Boat ramps
Weiti Boating Club Inc
1 Fairhaven WalkPerfect boat launching spot, without waves
Food scene
Our personal favourite - yummy food and surroundings, breakfast and brunch/lunch. Lots of parking, and safe for little kids to play, with outdoor seating when it's warm enough. There's even ducks to feed, and across the road from the northern end of Orewa beach, to walk off the yummy fare.
10 locals recommend
Hollywood Bakery and Espresso
4 Hillary SquareOur personal favourite - yummy food and surroundings, breakfast and brunch/lunch. Lots of parking, and safe for little kids to play, with outdoor seating when it's warm enough. There's even ducks to feed, and across the road from the northern end of Orewa beach, to walk off the yummy fare.
A regular family favourite for us. Unbelievable asian fusion fare, with a fascinating menu and reliable and quick service.
23 locals recommend
CHEEK AND CHONG
348 Hibiscus Coast HwyA regular family favourite for us. Unbelievable asian fusion fare, with a fascinating menu and reliable and quick service.
Close by, call to order before pickup will save you over-ride fees and time. Eat in, upstairs, is quite private. These guys just get the flavours right!
Spice & Soda Indian Restaurant
15 Karepiro DriveClose by, call to order before pickup will save you over-ride fees and time. Eat in, upstairs, is quite private. These guys just get the flavours right!
Orewa Beach Farmers market
Orewa SquareSunday mornings
Matakana Village Farmers' Market
2 Matakana Valley RdSaturday mornings