Whangaparaoa is a small town on the south-west shore of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, about twenty-five kilometres north of Auckland.
Whangaparaoa means “bay of whales” in Maori, and groups of whales, particularly orca, still visit the area regularly, along with pods of dolphins. They come for, among other things, the plentiful fish. In Whangaparaoa you can hire a guided fishing or exploring trip, or hire your own boat or jet-ski and make your own itinerary.
Not far from Whangaparaoa is Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of New Zealand’s most famous and important conservation islands. Now predator-free, the island is being repopulated with native birds from the mainland. After a short boat ride, you can walk through the forest and across the tussock left for species like Takahe, and see and hear native birds in astonishing numbers.
Whangaparaoa is also home to the Gulf Harbour Country Club and its world-renowned golf course.
