It was not possible to dodge this bullet and it finally happened, we went fishing! A neighbour with a bach in Taurikura took us out, put rods in our hands, and there's no way we wouldn't do it. What a fantastic trip that was! Gorgeous being out on the water, gentle swell, incredible colours, Bream Head as beautiful as the Poor Knights, saw a lazy penguin on the water, chased the schools with GPS and radar. Strangely, they didn't get one thing into the boat. Wendy had one after 2 minutes, then another 4. All too small. Urbi had 2, one snapper being a keeper! First time fishing and won the day! And we fried the poor thing for dinner.
Waitangi Day 2008:
√ Are you interested in New Zealand?
√ Do you want to know more than guide books tell you?
√ Do you want to ask questions and get the big picture?
√ Or are you interested in the detailed side of things?
√ Do you want to learn what makes Whangarei unique?
Whangarei in Northland is a unique place and we offer small scale personal eco-tours with a maximum of flexibility
There is a huge range of activities in the Whangarei region, such as these for good weather days:
over a dozen we highly recommend, visit the local wineries, catch a trout or go big game fishing, horse riding on the beach in the bush or river, explore by bike, sail the harbour or ocean, learn to surf, go caving to see glow worms, take a helicopter or scenic flight, join a working bee in the Subtropical Quarry Garden, take a day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands, go on a day trip to the Bay of Islands, picnic at the impressive Whangarei Falls, have lunch and then stroll the Yacht Harbour, make a historic rivercruise, cheer on a team at a rugby or cricket game, sample local theatre, visit an orchid grower, view the stars at the observatory, test your skill at outdoor or indoor rock climbing, abseil the Whangarei Falls, join a working bee to a Kiwi sanctuary island, pet the animals at a farm park, enjoy the scents of the Rose Garden, place a bet at the horse races, join a fun run or walk or another public sports event, discover a historic pa site, do one of many easy or challenging walks: forest walks, mangrove walks, kauri tree walks, Pa Site walks, lookout and summit walks, four different waterfall walks, hidden bay walks or join in at one of the many 
regular events throughout the year (an A&P show with sheepdog trials, rodeos, concerts etc.).
Refinery Tour, wonder at Clapham’s Clock Museum, peruse art galleries, take in the latest film at the multiplex cinema, shop at the boutiques and galleries, go olive oil tasting, visit a buddhist monestary, have a coffee and read the latest magazines in the modern library, cuddle a white lion at the lion park, go wining and dining at one of the fine restaurants or bars, follow a sculpture tour around town, view the Whangarei Art Museum, combine history and art at Reyburn House Gallery and Museum (the oldest early settler house in Whangarei), learn how to make paper, try your hand at flax weaving, see how kiwis live by visiting an open home, get bowled over at Ten Pin Bowling, drink the local brew at the brewery, get takeaway sushi, pizza, chinese or fish n’ chips....