Firstly, the roads are windy and hilly and promise to make you feeel like you wanna chuck if you are that way inclined when it comes to long car rides. The roads often double back right on themselves or you reach the crests of hills without getting any view of what might be on the other side. They are often perched precariously on the hillsides and the spectactular views are often accompanied with the possibility of death by falling from the steep cliffs.
Secondly, each tiny bay of the Whangarei Heads is littered with little (and some not little) holiday houses that are probably worth millions of dollars but have been passed through their family's generations for years. Northland is a very popular spot for holidaying New Zealanders in the summer months and the quaint beach houses (or bach's as they are known to the Kiwis) dot each bay, each boasting a better view the further you drive around.
The best way to the tackle the Whangarei Heads is to make the journey through Paura Bay, Macleods Bay, Urqhuarts Bay and then down to Ocean Beach. The beach is beautiful and with reasonably surf conditions, it makes a great practicing ground for surfers of any skill. Please note though: don't lose your car keys in the sand like one poor guy did.... there is not a lot mechanic facilities around that way and an awful lot of sand to sift through!!! There are toilet facilities at the beach which is handy and a large carpark with room for caravan and bigger vans. Before you decide to camp there, check first - you do not want a large Maori police officer shining a torch into your window in the middle of the night!
This part of the Heads in shadowed under the great Mt Manaia, a steep cliff with a funny jagged top that looms over everything in the area. Apparently you can climb it, but after learning of a family friend who had tragically fallen to his death from there, and that it is a uphill climb for an hour and a half, we decided against it. To be honest, it was probably more because of the workout... I mean c'mon I am on holidays!
In terms of places to grab a drink or a nibble I would defintely recommend The Deck Cafe in Macleods Bay. The small cafe has a perfect view over the turquoise bay and offers indoor and deck dining, accommodating for all needs. The homemade pies are huge with loads of flaky pastry and come in a variety of flavours. They also offer the best in New Zealand ice cream, which I think is some of the best in world, and even though you know the extra cream in it will go straight to your hips, you really couldn't give a crap and eat it anyway.
If you are heading to the Whangarei Heads I would allow a good couple of hours to get to all of the little bays and beaches and have something to eat along the way.
Does the Whangarei Heads offer some of the best views in the North Island?
Definitely
Will I say this until I see some of the other amazing sites in the North Island?
Maybe
Will I remember that picturesque afternoon slowly gliding our way around the bays?
Probably Not!
Much love
Sez x
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