Orewa

Tucked on its own slice of the Hibiscus Coast, the boutique town of Ōrewa has got beachfront bliss down pat. When you’re ready to retire from the sand and surf, just cross the road to find unique shops and eateries lining the coastal village. The café scene is superb, with handcrafted ice creams, Southeast Asian cooking, beachfront eggs bene... Need we go on?  

Beach time is a must, with Ōrewa’s long sandy shore even cherished by the late Sir Edmund Hillary. The Norfolk pines along the shoreline, planted thanks to the mountaineer’s father, are a nod to the Hillary family’s close connection to Ōrewa. Walk in their footsteps atop the soft white sand or take a plunge into the sparkling turquoise water, also favoured by surfers, kayakers and kitesurfers. 

Enjoy a family-friendly jaunt or bike ride along the water's edge, through bush and around Ōrewa estuary. The 7.6km loop, named Te Ara Tahuna, honours the estuary’s history as a significant fishing food-gathering place with Māori carvings and relics. Got a kayak or SUP? Take it down the boat ramp at high tide to explore Ōrewa River. 

Even after all that activity, it pays to leave some time for boutique-browsing. You never know what kind of treasure you’ll find in the village, with fashion boutiques, homewares stores and gift shops dotted around the streets.  

Art afficionados, don’t miss the Estuary Arts Centre near the riverside walkway. Browse the latest exhibitions, take an art class or grab a coffee before your walk. On Saturdays, pop into Valerie's Art Boutique Gallery to find original paintings and prints by Valerie herself.  

Game for glamping? You can camp, glamp, cabin or campervan at Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, a popular accommodation option that sits right on the beach. If a bach is more your style, you’ll find a wide range to choose from, from wee guesthouses to beachside bungalows.