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Day 23 : Auckland to Whangarei

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Auckland - Warkworth	1 hr	68	43
Warkworth - Whangarei	1.25 hrs	99	62
Totals for Day	2.25 hrs	167	104

Auckland - Warkworth

68 km (43 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway/Motorway

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It's a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge sweeps you onto the motorway for a fast trip north. Before you reach the beach town of Orewa, you have the option of taking an exit that leads down the Whangaparaoa Peninsula to the Gulf Harbour marina and golf course.

Further north is Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Māori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small, seaside village. The next place of interest is Puhoi, where cheese is the local claim to fame—buy some for your next picnic.

Enjoy native forest and farmland scenery all the way to Warkworth, a pretty town located on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it's easy to explore the many attractions of the district—surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

Warkworth - Whangarei

99 km (62 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Warkworth is a pretty town on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it's easy to explore the attractions of the district—surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

A drive through the Dome Forest will lead you into the rural service town of Wellsford. From here you can take a side trip to Pakiri—a great beach for surfing and horse treks.

Kaiwaka is the next town on the map—pause here if you like Dutch cheese. At this point consider an eastern detour past the spectacular beaches of Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach and Waipu Cove.

Just before Whangarei a right turn will take you to the Marsden Point oil refinery. The visitors' centre has an interesting display that explains the refining process.

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you'll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.