01.
Glow-worms, limestone and a stream underfoot.
A limestone cave on farmland inland from Waipu, with glow-worms on the ceiling once your eyes adjust. Go in with a proper torch and shoes that can get wet, and turn the torch off once you're inside.
02.
A surf beach and a cove on Bream Bay.
The next bay up the coast, facing out across Bream Bay to the Hen and Chickens. Rock pools at one end, surf along the front, and a long beach walk if you want one.
03.
Pōhutukawa, sheltered water, a slower pace.
A short, sheltered beach between Mangawhai and Waipu, lined with pōhutukawa. A good swim when the Heads are too rough, and a pretty stop on the coast road.
01.
Kilometres of white sand and big dunes.
One of the longest stretches of white sand on this coast, backed by dunes and farmland. Walk as far as you like and you'll mostly have it to yourself.
02.
New Zealand's first marine reserve.
The Cape Rodney–Okakari Point Marine Reserve, near Leigh. The fish have been protected long enough that you can see them from the shallows. Snorkel straight off the beach on a calm day.
03.
A regional park, sanctuary and surf beach.
A peninsula park where the native birds are protected behind a predator fence. White-sand Anchor Bay faces north, with farmland walks and nīkau bush behind it.
04.
Saturday market, river and long lunches.
The village south of here, set on a river, with its farmers' market on Saturday mornings. Easy to pair with Goat Island or Tāwharanui on the way home.
05.
Surf, dunes and horses on the sand.
Right next door, but it feels a long way from anywhere: open surf beach, big dunes, and the lakes behind them.
