Whananaki for Visitors
Congratulations! You've decided to come visit Whananaki... you absolutely won't regret it.
Here are some tips for your journey to the place we call "paradise".
Getting to Whananaki
Whananaki is around 20-minutes off State Highway 1, the turnoff being around 3km north of Hikurangi (on the right-hand-side if you are heading towards Cape Reinga).
There is no public transport to (or around) Whananaki, so the only way to get here is by car, boat or by walking the 27km from SH1 which is not recommended unless you're a well-prepared tramper, such as those using the Te Araroa trail.
There is no petrol station in Whananaki. While a quarter tank can usually get you out to Whananaki and then back into the main road to fill up again, the nearest fuel is at BP Whakapara, two minutes north of the turnoff to Whananaki on State Highway 1, and to save drama it's probably the best idea to fill your car up before you head out.
The road to Whananaki North is fully sealed, however a steep 3km "cutting" snakes around hilly terrain in the final stretch of the trip, it can be challenging for nervous drivers.
The 6km road to Whananaki South comes off the road to Whananaki North and is not sealed. This is not recommended for inexperienced campervan drivers or those towing a caravan.
Hailes Road, around 10 minutes into your trip to or from Whananaki, will take you to the fine beaches of Sandy Bay, Ngunguru and Tutukaka. Again, this road is unsealed for a good portion.
Staying in Whananaki
Whananaki boasts numerous first-class camping grounds, right on the water, with stunning views of the beach and estuary.
Motutara Farm
Many generations of families have grown up spending summer at Motutara Farm, or "Barron's" as it is colloquially called. This 75 acre farm is set across two jaw-dropping beaches - "King's" and "Barron's". It's large open spaces and proximity to the surf give a unique feeling of privacy. It's the iconic kiwi camping experience, hosted by Bruce & Helen Barron, Motutara Farm has been in the Barron family since 1915. Visit their website to find out more and to enquire.
Whananaki Holiday Park
There's something for everyone at Whananaki Holiday Park, which offer motel units, family units, cabins, backpacker rooms and campsites (powered and non-powered) all year round. There's also an awesome pool and adventure playground for the kids, alongside a covered dining area and wood fired pizza oven for family dinners. Better yet, it's located right next door to the shop! Craig, Greta and Marshall are great hosts, check out their site for more details on the Holiday Park.
Otamure DOC Campsite
Nestled right on the beach at the picturesque Otamure Bay, this campgrounds is one of the jewels of the DOC estate. Open all year round, Otamure is bustling with holidaymakers over the Christmas season, but you'll find it peaceful and relaxing outside of peak times. You can't get any closer to the water than this, with the white sands of Otamure beach right at your footstep. Email the team at otamure@xtra.co.nz to book, or call them on 027OTAMURE.