The camp pool is very popular with holidaymakers wanting to cool off on hot summer days. The safe estuary is a great place for kids to learn to sail, fish or kayak. The Whananaki estuary is also a good place to collect pipis, have a sheltered swim or cross the estuary to the Whananaki Ocean Beach and enjoy the waves and open sea or surf the BAR. Kayaking is a 'must do' and we have kayaks and paddle boards available for hire. Other local beaches worth checking out are, Moureeses Bay and Otamure Bay. We have a number of popular surf beaches as well.
Surrounded by beautiful scenery and activities, you won't be short of things to see and do during your escape to Whananaki Holiday Park. Whether it be relaxing on Northland beaches, kayaking on the estuary, hiking the nearby scenic tracks or, fishing for your next big catch, there is something for everyone.
Listed below are some suggestions of what to see and do while you are here.
Tramping/Hiking/Biking
There are numerous walks in the area, including the Whananaki to Sandy Bay Coastal Walkway (2 hours one way). The Captaine Bougainville Memorial (1 hour) is a popular walk, all this being part of the Te Araroa Trail. This is the trail that starts in Cape Reinga and finishes in Bluff (3,000km). It passes Onekaianga Trig station (spectacular views) and through Whananaki. When the trampers reach Whananaki, they tend to crash with us in their tents or in the special 'Naki'd Inn' trampers hut. We are located on the Cycling "Heart of the Octopus Trail" NZ. We are a Cycle Hub holiday park.
Boating/Fishing
If you are keen on fishing, come and explore the bays and islands around our pristine Tutukak coastline. With some of the best beaches on the Northland East coast, numerous bays, islands and reefs all in close proximity to Whananaki Holiday Park your choices are endless. With such a variety of rock/beach angling spots and the open ocean a few minutes boat ride away you are exposed to a wide variety of fishing options. Whananaki Holiday Park is just 400m from a boat ramp. The estuary is sheltered for those learning to sail, wakeboard, ski, fish or explore in a kayak.
Surfing/Swimming/Kiting
With a selection of beaches that face different directions, the chance of getting a wave when there is a swell is really good. The multitude of beaches offers the keen surfers a wide range of option. We have breaks at Sandy Bay, The Bar, Moureeses and Otamure Bay. The choice is there for the choosing. When there is some good wind, get out there and kite surf between the islands and just trash the waves closer to shore.
Photography and Bird Watching
Not sure how to portray this activity. There is just so much beauty available to the naked eye and camera lens it is difficult to explain. With so much natural beauty around the opportunities are endless. There are lush paddocks with sheep and cows, indigenous forests, waterways and pristine beaches and islands. Just come and enjoy the paradise.
With the wide variety of terrain and vegetation options that the area offers, the birding in the area is pretty interesting. With higher than usual Brown Teal (Pateke) numbers counted earlier in the year, the area is a buzz with all sorts. With salt water, fresh water, estuaries, farm lands and forests surrounding Whananaki Holiday Park, your choices of birds are never ending.
Scuba Diving/Snorkling
The Poor Knights Islands are only 22km off our coast and are easily accessible from Whananaki North Holiday Park. The Poor Knights Islands where created by ancient volcanoes and have been weathered above and below the water creating huge archways, magnificent cliffs and caves to explore. World renowned dive adventurer, Jacques Cousteau, rated these islands as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Being a marine reserve since 1981, the abundant sea life and protected land has been kept in pristine condition for all to visit. A true gem that needs to be visited by all nature loving folk.
There are very good snorkeling spots close inshore around the Whananaki coastline. The HMS Waikato and Tui offer shipwreck diving a little down the coast off Tutukaka. There is also excellent spearfishing and snorkeling in and around the islands and reefs around Whananaki Holiday Park.
And Lots Lots More
Explore the stunning Whananaki Coastal Walkway, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and native bush.
For a unique experience, cross the historic Whananaki Footbridge, the longest footbridge in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching across the picturesque Whananaki Estuary.
Relax on the sandy shores of Whananaki North Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with family and friends.
Experience thrilling mountain biking trails in the surrounding forests, offering a mix of challenging terrains and beautiful landscapes.
Go horseback riding along the beach or through the scenic countryside, providing a unique way to explore the area's natural beauty.