Thing To Do In The Area
PEREHIPE BEACH
Just a hop, step and a jump from the park is the beautiful azure blue water and golden sand of Perehipe Beach. Dolphins and Orcas often come close to shore and chase the stingrays along the beach – an awe-inspiring sight to see. Enjoy a picnic under the shade of huge Pohutukawa trees, enjoy laying in the summer sun with a good book, splash about in the calm bay to cool off and watch the kids enjoying themselves at this very safe beach.
Boats can be launched right here at Perehipe Beach, 4WD recommended, and if your are feeling energetic, take a walk along this stretch of coastline –Tokerau Beach has 18km of uninterrupted sandy beach to walk along. Get yourself some Tuatua at low tide.
FISHING AND DIVING
Facilities for Fishos
The waters surrounding Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park are a fishos paradise, offering some of New Zealand’s best game, deep sea and land-based fishing. Most of the world records for striped marlin of varying classes have been established off the tip of the Kari Kari Peninsula.
Whether you head out for a day on the boat or surf cast from the beach or rocks right here at Perehipe Beach, you’re bound to bring home some fresh fish for tea!
Guests and locals enjoy collecting Tuatua from right here at Tokerau beach – yum! Lots and lots of big beautiful fish are caught here every day, so we have built specific areas for the sport. There is a hose in the fishing area for you to wash down your boat, and a separate fish filleting station where you can clean and fillet your fish. Please do not fillet fish in your accommodation or in the communal kitchen. In this area you will find fridges and freezers specifically for keeping your bait. There is an official Weigh station on the peninsula at Reel Rods, on Inland Road. so, if you’ve caught a real big one get it put on record! Scales are also available from park office
Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park is a registered dive tank filling facility.
More fun in the water
Water-ski around one of the nearby beaches, feel the adrenaline rush of jet-skiing, or jump in a kayak and explore Kari Kari Peninsula to find your ‘own’ secluded cove and amazingly beautiful coastline. Snorkel around the calm Perehipe Beach bay or just float in the clean clear water and get lost in relaxation – bliss! One of the best surf spots on the Kari Kari Peninsula (Puheke Reserve Beach) is just a short drive from Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10
Kayak and Paddle Boarding
Come & experience the excitement that is surfing and paddle boarding on the awesome beaches around Doubtless Bay in the Far North.
WALKS AND HIKES
Mt Puheke:
A 20-minute climb up Mt Puheke gives you a superb view of Doubtless Bay.
Taumarumaru D.O.C Reserve, Coopers Beach:
This reserve land included three sacred defended pa sites and related archaeological features. The walking track around the site gives access to those sites and offers stunning views
Mangonui Heritage Trail:
Beginning and ending at the Mangonui Courthouse, the Mangonui Heritage Trail provides a glimpse into the rich early Maori and European history of this area. You will see original homesteads, old hotels, early colonial villas, sailor’s graves, spectacular views and much more on this very interesting 1.5-hour trail
Coca Cola Lake:
There is an easy walk around the shoreline of Coca Cola Lake which can be found at the end of Ramp Road, off Inland Road, near Tokerau Beach.
GOLF
Carrington Estate is the northern most golf club in New Zealand and is just a 2-minute drive from Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park. There are also plenty of other golf courses all within a one or two hour drive away. A unique feature of the Carrington Golf Course is that, although it has an ocean side location, it looks and plays like an 'inland golf' course, complete with rolling hills, vales, and natural water hazards. It is a tournament-quality, 18-hole golf course, designed by Matt Dye. Rated in the top 15 in NZ.
The Club is sited between a 4 km private, white sandy beach and the hillside vineyards of the Karikari Estate Winery. The sweeping ocean vistas provide a spectacular foreground for the Club's activities. Carrington also has a clubhouse, bar and a billiard table, a skeet and trap (clay targets) shooting range; tennis courts; and a heated swimming pool with an ocean view.
Spectacular views of the golf course, wetlands, beach, and ocean beyond are visible from the clubhouse and Restaurant. The clubhouse is sited on a high ridge in the middle of the golf course to take full advantage of the unique combination of vistas.
WINERY & CAFE
Karikari Estate Winery
Carrington Estate Winery is just 2 minutes from Whatuwhiwhi Holiday Park and is a ‘must-visit’ if you enjoy the finest of wine and gourmet cuisine. Northland is the birthplace of New Zealand wine, with Reverend Samuel Marsden having planted the first vines in Northland in 1819. Just under 200 years later Carrington Estate Vineyard opened its doors to become New Zealand's northern-most winery located here on the beautiful Karikari Peninsula at Doubtless Bay.
The first vines were planted in 1998 and with the production of its first vintage in 2003 Carrington Estate boasts some 25 hectares of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chardonnay and Viognier. Café is licensed. Hours are seasonal.
Carrington Restaurant
Casual Diners are welcome, but reservations are essential.
ART & STYLE
Beautiful Northland inspires many artists here, and small galleries and craft stores. You will also find many quality souvenirs shops who stock all things New Zealand as well as fine giftware. Every Saturday locals hold a great market in Kaitaia, 8am to Midday. Buy delicious healthy local produce, unique crafts or see the works of local artists on display.
Mangonui has a local craft market in the Mangonui Hall.
NEARBY TOWNS
Taipa
Just 20 minutes from Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park is the small town of Taipa. There is a local Tavern, a public boat ramp, Pipis and Cockles in the harbour at low tide. Enjoy a snack or meal overlooking Taipa Beach from the cafe/restaurant at the Ramada Taipa Resort.
Mangonui
Once a bustling whaling and trading port, this scenic historic village is home to some truly exquisite heritage buildings now housing cafe's and craft shops.
Mangonui Wharf is a picturesque place to see the fishing boats bring in their day’s catch – dine over the water, feast on fresh battered fish and crispy hot chips at the world-famous fish and chip shop. They have a market on a Saturday Morning 9am to 2pm
MATTHEW’S MUSEUM
Spend a few hours back in time at Matthew’s Vintage Collection – a unique collection of antiques and curios. See classic cars, tractors, ancient gum-digging tools, farming memorabilia, antique radios and more. A 20-minute drive from Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park, Matthew’s is a great place to visit for young and old. Spend some time at the large bird aviary or feed the friendly ostriches. (Need to Book in Winter hours.)
GUMDIGGERS PARK
Explore the mystery which caused the demise of these Kauri forests & discover why these events led to one of the biggest industrial booms in New Zealand.
ANCIENT KAURI KINGDOM
Come & experience this multi award winning visitor attraction, a timeless kingdom of the oldest workable timber in the world. Walk to the top floor through this world famous 45,000-year-old tree trunk (staircase), it is a 25-minute drive from our park.
BUTLER POINT WHALING MUSEUM HOUSE & GARDENS
Butler Point is approximately a 35-minute drive from our park. Butler house dates to the 1840’s it is the home of retired whaling captain William Butler & his family. The whaling museum displays a full range of authentic harpoons & fully equipped whale boat as used from whale ships. They have the largest Pohutukawa tree in NZ it is 10.9m in circumference around the tree trunk. Bookings essential. There is also an 1840’s Victorian house (Butler House) with beautiful gardens. You will also sample and then purchase delicious macadamia nuts from the on-site macadamia orchard.