Day # 107 & 108

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Let’s do it again……….that’s the Largest footbridge in the Southern Hemisphere. As we said goodbye to Otamure and headed for Ngunguru we decided to stop and walk the South Whananki Reserve Track. Back over the famous footbridge at North Whananaki then over to South Whananaki Beach. What a beautiful expansive beach, with nobody on itJ. As it was low tide we were able to walk around the beach perimeter of the reserve. It takes you in a loop from the beach around the end of the peninsula and entrance of the Whananaki Inlet, then back to the footbridge. All flat easy walking, can get a little wet underfoot on the inlet side, but you won’t melt😊. Lance found a Kontiki kite floating in the surf on the beach side, I'm sure he will dream up something to do with it!

Sandy Bay (South of Whananki). As we pulled into carpark there was a Surf School in progress, with lots of newbie surfers giving it a go. This beach is lovely and sandy and obviously a place where the surfers go when the swell rolls in. (Is this when I say the best wind is from the Southwest and waves tend to peel to the right…..?)

At Woolleys Bay the cloud was starting to build but we spend some time talking to a couple of locals on the beach who have their Kontiki out. So this is the place where the locals put their Kontikis out. Obviously no rocks out there to get the line caught. This is another nice sandy beach..

Whale Bay/Matapouri Bay Track. Now this is a must do if you are in the area. The walk sits on a peninsula between Sandy Bay and Matapouri Bay. We did not do the full loop which takes you from carpark at the top to Whale Bay – Lookout – Matapouri Bay then back to carpark. Opting to do Whale Bay then out to the Lookout. Spectacular views along the track and out at the Lookout. We then drove down to the beautiful Matapouri beach before heading further South.

Tutukaka Marina………..surprise surprise lots of boats. Not sure why but I always find Marinas so peaceful. You feel like you need to whisper. A good lookout on the main road between Tutukaka and Ngunguru will give you some awesome views along the coast.

Running out of daylight we did a slight detour to look at the peninsula out towards Whangaumu Bay a nice area but quite built up around here. It’s been a big day and I'm knackered, so pleased to be parked up at Ngunguru for the night.



Day # 108

Off on our bikes this morning for a poke around Ngunguru. The tide was out as we biked up and down the river taking in the scenery and the awesome little baches sitting on the waters edge.

Packed up we head to Whangarei to re stock and do the laundromat thing. Stopping via the Whangarei Falls. Another must do for your bucket list if you are here. There is a track that loops around from the top of the falls then down to the bottom of the falls. From here the mist leaves a slight sheen of water on everything (including yourself).

Last stop for the night is Manganese Point NZMCA park. What a great spot looking across to Marsden Point, Whangarei Heads and back up the harbour. Shame its pouring with rain and we can’t really see 😊.

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Comments

[Mumtraveller]

Marinas
I like them too, there's that clanking clinking sound as the wind whistles round the masts. Whangerai Falls seems familiar , I probably went there on my trip. All so beautiful , lovely photos. Cheers