Guidebook for Whangaparaoa

Sam (& Renée)
Sam (& Renée)
Guidebook for Whangaparaoa

Food Scene

Modern, upmarket pub in Stanmore Bay which has interesting decor and nice atmosphere.
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The Good Home
570 Whangaparaoa Rd
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Modern, upmarket pub in Stanmore Bay which has interesting decor and nice atmosphere.
Casual dining (not a restaurant) in a group of shops near the plaza in Whangaparaoa. We recommend getting takeaways from here and eating nearby at Arkles Bay or Manly. Very tasty and decent portions. Affordable meal.
Ephesus Turkish Kitchen
741 Whangaparaoa Rd
Casual dining (not a restaurant) in a group of shops near the plaza in Whangaparaoa. We recommend getting takeaways from here and eating nearby at Arkles Bay or Manly. Very tasty and decent portions. Affordable meal.
Stop in Silverdale for the best fish n chips. This place has the freshest fish - whether you want to buy some fish to cook for yourself or for the nicest, tastiest fish n chips you can find in the area. I wouldn't get fish from anywhere else. I recommend terakihi or snapper.
Oceanz Seafood Silverdale
17 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
Stop in Silverdale for the best fish n chips. This place has the freshest fish - whether you want to buy some fish to cook for yourself or for the nicest, tastiest fish n chips you can find in the area. I wouldn't get fish from anywhere else. I recommend terakihi or snapper.
Mediterranean cafe/bar/restaurant with nice dining atmosphere. Indoor/outdoor seating on the main road in Orewa, just across from the beach. Serves lunch and dinner (opens from 11am weekdays and 9am weekends). Favourite for dinner in Orewa among my friends. I highly recommend the lamb cutlets.
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Casablanca
336 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
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Mediterranean cafe/bar/restaurant with nice dining atmosphere. Indoor/outdoor seating on the main road in Orewa, just across from the beach. Serves lunch and dinner (opens from 11am weekdays and 9am weekends). Favourite for dinner in Orewa among my friends. I highly recommend the lamb cutlets.
A bit further afield but this place makes tasty cheese and dairy products if that interests you. I recommend the Puhoi Valley chocolate milk - you might see this at the supermarket too. This cafe does brunch/lunch and you can check out all their cheeses. They do platters with cheese and food options which look nice and they have very tasty icecreams (try the hokey). Nice cafe atmosphere with lots of outdoor seating. Puhoi is a cute place to check out - make sure you stop at their library on the way past.
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Pūhoi Valley Cheese Co
275 Ahuroa Rd
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A bit further afield but this place makes tasty cheese and dairy products if that interests you. I recommend the Puhoi Valley chocolate milk - you might see this at the supermarket too. This cafe does brunch/lunch and you can check out all their cheeses. They do platters with cheese and food options which look nice and they have very tasty icecreams (try the hokey). Nice cafe atmosphere with lots of outdoor seating. Puhoi is a cute place to check out - make sure you stop at their library on the way past.
Restaurant tucked away in Manly village. Open for dinner 5-10pm each day. Southern American style - fried chicken, cornbread, ribs, crab cakes, buffalo wings, etc. If that sounds like your type of food then this place will be worth checking out as it gets good reviews.
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Jambalaya Eatery
49 Rawhiti Rd
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Restaurant tucked away in Manly village. Open for dinner 5-10pm each day. Southern American style - fried chicken, cornbread, ribs, crab cakes, buffalo wings, etc. If that sounds like your type of food then this place will be worth checking out as it gets good reviews.
Modern pub in Silverdale with a nice atmosphere and decor. Open 11 am to late. There are dierent dinner deals each day. Monday $15 ribs, Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza and pasta, Wednesday $20 burgers come with beer or wine, Thursday $20 steak, Friday $17.50 sh and chips. Pub quiz is on Tuesdays. Check their website for up-to-date details.
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Northern Union Gastro Pub
23 Wainui Rd
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Modern pub in Silverdale with a nice atmosphere and decor. Open 11 am to late. There are dierent dinner deals each day. Monday $15 ribs, Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza and pasta, Wednesday $20 burgers come with beer or wine, Thursday $20 steak, Friday $17.50 sh and chips. Pub quiz is on Tuesdays. Check their website for up-to-date details.
Tastiest thai food in the hibiscus coast area
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Thai Orewa Restaurant
328 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
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Tastiest thai food in the hibiscus coast area
Local indian cuisine which is situated in the local Gulf Harbour Marina shops. We recommend sitting outside and enjoying the atmosphere as the sun sets. They also do takeaway food.
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Chaits Tapas & Bar
162 Harbour Village Drive
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Local indian cuisine which is situated in the local Gulf Harbour Marina shops. We recommend sitting outside and enjoying the atmosphere as the sun sets. They also do takeaway food.
A recommended brunch spot
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Cafe Hibiscus
639 Whangaparaoa Rd
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A recommended brunch spot
Very low key, casual dining atmosphere. Cheerful decor.
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Ripples Cafe on the Marina
621 Laurie Southwick Parade
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Very low key, casual dining atmosphere. Cheerful decor.
Cafe located in the beautiful Gulf Harbour Marina
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Cherry Cafe
154 Harbour Village Dr
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Cafe located in the beautiful Gulf Harbour Marina
This has the BEST view of Orewa Beach if you go upstairs and find a seat outside on the deck. Go for lunch on a summer day.
Beach House Eatery
275 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
This has the BEST view of Orewa Beach if you go upstairs and find a seat outside on the deck. Go for lunch on a summer day.
Go here for a yummy dinner - I highly recommend the lamb.
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Manly Bar & Grill
49 Rawhiti Rd
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Go here for a yummy dinner - I highly recommend the lamb.
Modern bar/restaurant located at the local shopping centre in Stanmore Bay which has pizzas themed by the local beaches. It has daily food specials - see their website for up-to-date details
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JAC's Trading
6 Main St
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Modern bar/restaurant located at the local shopping centre in Stanmore Bay which has pizzas themed by the local beaches. It has daily food specials - see their website for up-to-date details
This is a budget friendly Thai restaurant which is very closeby and has a lovely decor and cosy environment. We highly recommend the curry puffs. Eat in or take out.
Ma Rew Thai Cuisine
69B Gulf Harbour Dr
This is a budget friendly Thai restaurant which is very closeby and has a lovely decor and cosy environment. We highly recommend the curry puffs. Eat in or take out.
Go here for beer and tapas - sit upstairs so you can enjoy the view from the centre of Orewa out to the beach
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Coast - Bites & Brews
342 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
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Go here for beer and tapas - sit upstairs so you can enjoy the view from the centre of Orewa out to the beach
Greek/mediterranean restaurant in Orewa. This place has yummy food. Check to see if they will have live Greek music and book to go that night.
Kuzina Mediterranean Cafe & Bar
316 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
Greek/mediterranean restaurant in Orewa. This place has yummy food. Check to see if they will have live Greek music and book to go that night.
Go here for a gelato. Also has yummy pie breads, meats, salads, etc.
Frankie's Gelato & Deli
60 Rawhiti Rd
Go here for a gelato. Also has yummy pie breads, meats, salads, etc.
Great local Indian restaurant. Highly recommend. Great decor too.
6 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Big Tikka
458 Lake Rd
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Great local Indian restaurant. Highly recommend. Great decor too.

Essentials

The closest convenience store.
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Four Square Gulf Harbour
160 Harbour Village Dr
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The closest convenience store.
Best local liquor store with specialty beers and wine. We recommend Brave Bikkie beer by Behemoth Brewery. They often have tastings at the store.
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Manly Liquor Store
Shop 62 Rawhiti Rd
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Best local liquor store with specialty beers and wine. We recommend Brave Bikkie beer by Behemoth Brewery. They often have tastings at the store.
This is our local dairy if you would like to grab an icecream, newspaper, etc. 1 minute walk from our house
Peninsula Dairy & Takeaways
4 Everard Ave
This is our local dairy if you would like to grab an icecream, newspaper, etc. 1 minute walk from our house
Small-ish supermarket off the main road which has nice produce and is in a convenient location. The restaurants Good Home, Cove, and Stans are located in the same complex as New World.
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New World
580 Whangaparaoa Rd
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Small-ish supermarket off the main road which has nice produce and is in a convenient location. The restaurants Good Home, Cove, and Stans are located in the same complex as New World.
Giant supermarket in Silverdale. Good if you are stocking up on lots of supplies. However keep in mind that you pay per plastic bag - take a box or reusable bags for your groceries.
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PAK'nSAVE
20 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
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Giant supermarket in Silverdale. Good if you are stocking up on lots of supplies. However keep in mind that you pay per plastic bag - take a box or reusable bags for your groceries.
Large supermarket in the local shopping centre
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Countdown
Whangaparaoa Road
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Large supermarket in the local shopping centre

Entertainment & Activities

Movies are $10.90 for adults - best price in Auckland
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HOYTS Hibiscus Coast
6 Link Cres
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Movies are $10.90 for adults - best price in Auckland
Have you had a chance to luge while in NZ? The luge was invented in NZ in 1985 and kiwis love it. If you haven't tried it yet, you should try it at Silverdale Adventure Park. See the video on their website - this was filmed by Sam!
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Auckland Adventure Park
2104 E Coast Rd
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Have you had a chance to luge while in NZ? The luge was invented in NZ in 1985 and kiwis love it. If you haven't tried it yet, you should try it at Silverdale Adventure Park. See the video on their website - this was filmed by Sam!
This place hires out stand up paddleboards. You should try it out at Orewa beach
SUPSHED
This place hires out stand up paddleboards. You should try it out at Orewa beach
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Tenpin Bowling
14 Link Cres
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Indoor ski slope with a cafe at the bottom to witness the mayhem
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Snowplanet
91 Small Rd
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Indoor ski slope with a cafe at the bottom to witness the mayhem
Golf course
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Gulf Harbour Country Club
180 Gulf Harbour Dr
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Golf course

Getting Around

Ferries to/from Auckland and Tiritiri Matangi Island depart/arrive here
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Ferry Terminal - Gulf Harbour station
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Ferries to/from Auckland and Tiritiri Matangi Island depart/arrive here

Parks & Nature

This is the closest beach to our house - about a 5 minute walk away. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset here. At low tide you can also walk along the sand to the west and then up stairs which reach Pacific Parade esplanade, a coastal clifftop walk.
Bruce Harvey Drive/Shakespear Regional Park
This is the closest beach to our house - about a 5 minute walk away. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset here. At low tide you can also walk along the sand to the west and then up stairs which reach Pacific Parade esplanade, a coastal clifftop walk.
This bay is shallow and very tidal - it looks dramatically different at low tide vs high tide. At low tide you may see lots of people collecting shellfish (cockles) to eat. At high tide the water is nice and clear - perfect for paddleboarding. There are picnic areas and free BBQs to use here. We recommend doing a loop walk from here to Army Bay or vice versa from our house. Due to the water being very shallow we don't recommend swimming here - Army Bay or Te Haruhi Bay are better.
Okoromai Bay
This bay is shallow and very tidal - it looks dramatically different at low tide vs high tide. At low tide you may see lots of people collecting shellfish (cockles) to eat. At high tide the water is nice and clear - perfect for paddleboarding. There are picnic areas and free BBQs to use here. We recommend doing a loop walk from here to Army Bay or vice versa from our house. Due to the water being very shallow we don't recommend swimming here - Army Bay or Te Haruhi Bay are better.
Our favourite of the beaches in Shakespear Regional Park. We recommend taking a picnic and perhaps something to cook on the free BBQs provided in the picnic area. Good place to enjoy a swim and soak up the sun.
Te Haruhi Bay
Our favourite of the beaches in Shakespear Regional Park. We recommend taking a picnic and perhaps something to cook on the free BBQs provided in the picnic area. Good place to enjoy a swim and soak up the sun.
Manly Beach is one of the nicest beaches on the peninsula.
Manly Park
Manly Beach is one of the nicest beaches on the peninsula.
Shakespear Regional Park is a pest-free haven for native species. It has predator fences surrounding the park, to stop stoats, rats, and cats entering, allowing the native bird populations to flourish. This park has sheltered bays, pastureland, regenerating native forest, clis and a lookout with beautiful views to Auckland city and over the Hauraki Gulf. There are many walks to enjoy in the park and we love visiting the beautiful Te Haruhi Bay for a day relaxing at the beach. There is no entry fee and there are free BBQs in the picnic area at Te Haruhi Bay for anyone to use - definitely take advantage of this!
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Shakespear Regional Park
1501 Whangaparaoa Rd
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Shakespear Regional Park is a pest-free haven for native species. It has predator fences surrounding the park, to stop stoats, rats, and cats entering, allowing the native bird populations to flourish. This park has sheltered bays, pastureland, regenerating native forest, clis and a lookout with beautiful views to Auckland city and over the Hauraki Gulf. There are many walks to enjoy in the park and we love visiting the beautiful Te Haruhi Bay for a day relaxing at the beach. There is no entry fee and there are free BBQs in the picnic area at Te Haruhi Bay for anyone to use - definitely take advantage of this!
This unique island is located just o the Whangaparaoa Peninsula - out from Shakespear Park. It is a nature reserve that is great for NZ native bird watching (including kiwis, kokakos and takahe). There are many walks on the island and you can pay $10 for a guided walk along the Wattle track. An enjoyable day trip while staying at our place. $55 Ferry ride (return) from Gulf Harbour Marina.
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Tiritiri Matangi Island
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This unique island is located just o the Whangaparaoa Peninsula - out from Shakespear Park. It is a nature reserve that is great for NZ native bird watching (including kiwis, kokakos and takahe). There are many walks on the island and you can pay $10 for a guided walk along the Wattle track. An enjoyable day trip while staying at our place. $55 Ferry ride (return) from Gulf Harbour Marina.

Arts & Culture

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Estuary Arts Centre
214 Hibiscus Coast Hwy
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Shopping

Local shopping mall with a wide range of stores. Countdown supermarket, Whitcoulls bookstore, banks, post office, pharmacy, optometrist, food court and The Warehouse for discounted clothing and nearly everything else.
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Kiwi Car Wash
719 Whangaparaoa Rd
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Local shopping mall with a wide range of stores. Countdown supermarket, Whitcoulls bookstore, banks, post office, pharmacy, optometrist, food court and The Warehouse for discounted clothing and nearly everything else.