Things To Do In Bream Bay

1. Whangarei Falls

Close by to Bream Bay, Whangarei Falls is possibly the most visited natural feature in Whangarei, is a must-see on any Northland itinerary! This 26m waterfall, which is only a few minutes' walk from the car lot, is difficult to ignore. Extend your visit by taking a 30-minute circular walk to see different perspectives of the falls, or follow the Hatea River walking pathways for a relaxing bushwalk.

2. Abbey Caves

The Abbey Caves are only a 10-minute drive from Whangarei's city center! A 2-hour circular hike takes you through farmland and natural forest, passing by intriguing limestone outcroppings and three free caves to explore. Take a look at the glowworm clusters and little stalactites.

3. Mt Manaia

Climb to the top of Mt Manaia for some of the best views in the Whangarei area! This 2-hour return hike is strenuous, but the vistas of the Whangarei Heads and Whangarei Harbor are well worth the effort. You'll also take a walk through a kauri forest and observe the mountain's massive craggy pinnacles.

4. Bream Head Scenic Reserve

The Bream Head Scenic Reserve, located in Whangarei, offers views of some of New Zealand's most spectacular coasts.

The area's towering ridgeline provides a wonderful view from afar, and it's just as stunning up close. It's fascinating from a historical perspective, as well as from the perspective of an area that was once occupied by Maori, remains of which can still be seen today. The three hikes range in length from 90 minutes to 6 hours and cater to various degrees of physical effort.

5. Waipu Cove

Bream Bay is home to many beautiful beaches, one of the nicest being Waipu Cove! Swimming, surfing, and fishing are all popular activities on this white-sand beach. In the small settlement that backs up to the beach, there's also a campground, a convenience shop, and a cafe. Swimming is best done near the south end of the beach!

6. Waipu Caves

Waipu Caves is one of New Zealand's top free glowworm caves, and it's not to be missed! The caverns are accessible by a short walk across farmland to a cave set among natural trees. Explore the main cavern, which is 175m long, and see magnificent limestone formations including stalactites and stalagmites. Prepare to get your feet wet because the cave has a tiny creek running through it.

7. Langs Beach

Langs Beach is another fantastic beach in the Bream Bay area, with stunning white sand, rugged headlands, and gnarly pohutukawa trees. It's a terrific place to do anything from swimming to surfing at the beach.

8. Ruakaka Beach

Ruakaka Beach, which stretches for 13 kilometers, is a wonderful area to take a stroll and feel the sand between your toes. This beach is more pristine than the rest of Bream Bay's beaches, and it changes with the tide. It's a famous site for surfing and kitesurfing, but even a morning walk down the beach is breathtaking! Ruakaka is a beach you will never forget.

9. Piroa Falls

There are plenty of waterfalls in New Zealand, but Piroa Falls is one of the most beautiful! A 10-minute stroll through the forest and along the Ahuroa River leads to the waterfall. At any time of the year, the river by the waterfall is a fantastic swimming spot to easily waste away half a day.

10. Waipu Pancake Rocks

Similar to those seen in Punakaiki, South Island. The limestone rocks that appear in a stacked structure can be found throughout Waipu, but the Waipu Coastal Trail is the greatest place to see them.

Cove Road is 9 kilometers south of Waipu. Waipu Coastal Trail starts from the southern end of Waipu Cove beach. Start at Waterman Drive or Ding Bay to prevent getting wet feet if the tide is in.