Orewa
Orewa’s magnificent stretch of golden sand and clean surf breaks make the beach town an ideal getaway on New Zealand’s Hibiscus Coast. The town’s beach provides perfect conditions for a range of watersports, while its inland area presents plenty of opportunities to follow wine trails, hike, cycle and relax in thermal hot pools.
The first stop in the town is the gorgeous Orewa Beach. Make the most of 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) of sandy coastline and check the weather for your favourite seaside pursuit. If the sun is shining, pick a spot on the warm sands and cast your eyes across the Pacific Ocean. Go for a swim in the clear waters, which are patrolled in some sections by the local surf life-saving club. Rent a surfboard or kayak and hit the breaks that sweep in from the ocean. If the wind is blowing, rent kite surfing or windsurfing equipment and speed along the coastline.
If you want to get a more relaxing perspective of the stunning coastline, go for a walk along the Millennium Walkway, a coastal path that brings you to some of Orewa’s best beach lookouts. Rent a bike and cycle along waterfront paths.
There’s more to Orewa than the beach, however. Visit the local art galleries, events centres and theatre venues. Explore the banks of the Orewa River and the mangrove estuary and walk amid native vegetation at the Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve. Play a round of golf at Gulf Harbour or travel to nearby Waiwera to find thermal hot pools and wine trails.
Orewa is bordered by Orewa River to the south and Hatfields Beach to the north. It is a half-hour drive from Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and can also be reached by bus from the city. The town has a wide selection of accommodation options, including waterfront apartments.
Whether you’re seeking a break from Auckland’s city streets or beginning your adventure on the Hibiscus Coast, Orewa is an idyllic spot to lose track of time.