• Hiking & Bush Tracks:
  Walk the magnificent Whangarei Heads track, climb Mt Manaia or Mt Aubrey, stroll the beach-front
• Magnificent Beaches:
  Surf, fish, swim or relax on a Pohutukawa fringed Northland beach
• Kayaking:
  Kayak to Motukiore Island with a packed lunch, enjoy the harbour and mountain views
• Bird Watching:
  Abundant bird life is close by and for keen bird watchers, we can arrange a trip (& guide) to Matakohe Limestone Island, home to Kiwi, fern birds and grey faced petrels

Mt Manaia Track:
Length 3.5 km - time to summit 1 hour 30 minutes, return to car park 2 hours 30 minutes. The views from 420m high Mt Manaia are among the best in Northland, overlooking Bream Head, the Hen (Taranga) & Chicken Islands & Whangarei harbour. This track requires a moderate fitness level & walking shoes. The track starts at a carpark next to the Manaia club & rises quickly - you need to stay on the formed track & follow the orange markers.

Matakohe Limestone Island:
A 93-acre scenic reserve this island is now a haven for threatened wildlife & a sanctuary for native birds uniquely close to the centre of the city. It is a recreational, historical, ecological treasure where visitors can wander & enjoy. We can arrange guided trips to this island

Motukiore Island
This island is in the middle of Parua bay and can be accessed via the causeway on foot at low tide. The island has a well preserved pa site, secluded beaches and mature pohutukawa trees. It is a pleasant 1-hour walk or kayak from the cottage.

Pines golf course:
Visitors are welcome to enjoy this friendly picturesque seaside golf course on the northern shores of the Whangarei harbour. An easy walk with streams, trees, shoreline & abundant birdlife, the course is 18 holes plus practice fairway with special rates for juniors & nine holers. Golf carts, clubs & trundlers are all available for hire at reasonable rates.