Northern Bays Touring Route

Only a short drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the Northern Bays Touring Route takes in North Shore City and the Rodney District. Both areas are known for their coastal and lifestyle attractions.

North Shore City has pohutukawa-lined white sand beaches and an unbroken 140 kilometre urban coastline. It is home to 400 parks and walkways that lead through native forest and reserves. Takapuna and Devonport are two of the main centres in this area. Both are located on the waterfront and offer a superb selection of dining and shopping experiences. This route also encompasses parts of the Rodney District, as it winds past the beachside towns on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula through to Orewa Beach.

Suggested Itinerary

Day One

Cheltenham Beach Drive over the harbour bridge to visit the seaside village of Devonport. Spend the morning strolling around the cafes, boutique shops, art galleries and antique stores. While in Devonport, make a trip up North Head for stunning 360 degree views and a glimpse of military history - North Head has all kinds of fortifications, including a maze of underground tunnels buried within the volcanic slopes. Nearby is the vibrant suburb of Takapuna. The main shopping area is set just back off Takapuna Beach, a long stretch of white sand that is popular for a range of water activities. There are many excellent cafes and restaurants, a shopping mall and the bustling Sunday Takapuna market. Further north, the Whangaparaoa Peninsula has a wealth of golden beaches and bays. Shakespear Regional Park, at the tip of the peninsula, has stunning beaches and an expansive rural pastoral setting.

Day Two

Shakespear Regional Park The township of Orewa, located just back from the long white sands of Orewa Beach, is a laid-back resort destination where you can often watch windsurfers and kite surfers playing in the waves. The township has a variety of cafes and restaurants.

Just over the hill is Waiwera, an area best known for its geothermally heated hot pools and waterslides. Not far away is the picturesque Wenderholm Regional Park, a great area for families. There is a pohutukawa glade picnic area and scenic walks set on the mouth of the Puhoi and Waiwera Rivers. At this point it is possible to begin the North of Auckland Touring Route. Otherwise continue along the Northern Bays route. It will take you back to Auckland via Silverdale, a township known for its collection of factory shops, and then through the developing area of Albany, home to North Harbour Stadium.

Highlights

Visit the Art Gallery at Lake House Arts Centre, Takapuna
Grab a coffee or icecrean and stroll along Takapuna Beach
Discover the park lands of the Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Birkenhead
Explore the military tunnels and check out the views at North Head, Devonport
Take a picnic to Cheltenham Beach
Enjoy a coastal walk from Milford to Takapuna
Play a round of golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club, Whangaparaoa

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