North of Auckland there is a wonderful playground of rolling green pastures, attractive beaches and peaceful rural retreats.

Rodney District embraces a fascinating variety of landscapes from the wild west coast surf beaches flanking the Kaipara Harbour to the golden sand beaches of the Hibiscus and Kowhai Coasts.

The district forms the first part of the Twin Coast Discovery touring route, which runs up the west coast to Cape Reinga and returns through the Bay of Islands to Auckland. Visitors will find an abundance of activities and good accommodation throughout the district.

Rodney’s 1000 kms of stunning coastline begins at the Whangaparoa Peninsula with its scenic Shakespear Regional Park. The world-class Gulf Harbour Marina, Village and Country Club offers canal-side dining, live entertainment, shopping and accommodation. Further north are the delightful beach towns of Orewa and Waiwera on the Hibiscus Coast and the Wenderholm and Mahurangi Regional Parks. Waiwera has superb thermal pools in a picturesque setting.

Warkworth is a leisurely boutique style village. It makes the perfect base for exploring the Kowhai Coast and visiting Kawau Island, the historic home of our famous colonial governor, Sir George Grey. The island is accessible by regular ferry departures from Sandspit Wharf.

Leigh boasts New Zealand’s most accessible marine reserve at Goat Island, which has a magical underwater habitat for a variety of marine life just off a lovely sandy beach. Nearby Pakiri Beach offers peaceful beach walks and horse treks in a pristine environment. Don’t miss Tawharanui Beach, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful.

The Kaipara Harbour has a rich history of kauri timber milling and offers cruises on its tranquil waters. It is the largest enclosed harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. The Matakana, Huapai and Kumeu areas have award winning wine makers and wine trails that provide for sampling, cellar door sales and leisurely alfresco lunches.

Visit Rodney District and experience some of the best of what New Zealand has to offer – fine beaches, bush walks, picnic areas, art and craft trails, galleries, vineyards and a host of water sports.