Orewa - A Slice of Seaside Heaven
Just under 40 kilometres north of Auckland, Orewa is a seaside town that oozes the laid-back beach lifestyle. A beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline on one side, the sparkling Orewa River on another, plus plenty of parklands and reserves, all combine to make it one of the most desirable places to live in the whole of New Zealand! New tower blocks and flash hotels are springing up to cater for the ever-increasing number of people who choose to visit, but development has not rubbed the shine off this charming corner of the world quite yet.
Fun in the Sun and Sea!
A holiday in Orewa generally revolves around the beach, and this fast-growing town is a quintessential seaside resort. Hotels line the road heading into the centre as it runs straight along the coastline. Stores selling inflatables, sun hats and other beach goods are a sure sign you’ve arrived. The stunning stretch of sand at Orewa is three kilometres long, providing plenty of space for all the people who choose to visit and everyone who lives here. All you have to decide is what you’re going to do! Lay down your towel and soak up some rays, take a stroll and enjoy the sea air, or swim in the crystal-clear waters. Water sports are all the rage here, with kiteboarding one of the most popular, along with surfing when the waves come rolling in. Sea kayaking is also a great way to spend the day when the sea is calm. Orewa really does have something for everyone!
Explore the Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve
Orewa has beautiful natural countryside surrounding it on all sides, so if you don’t fancy feeling the sand between your toes then head inland for some equally exciting outdoor pursuits. In the north of Orewa next to Hatfields Beach is the Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve, known locally as Eaves Bush, named after the lady who bequeathed the land to the public in 1960. This 16-hectare forest is home to kauri trees thought to be hundreds of years old, with one ancient 800-year-old tree! You could even spot some rare species of birds like the kereru and kaka. Easy-going walking paths meander through the reserve, leading to a lookout with amazing views over Orewa Beach. There are also dedicated mountain biking tracks for thrill seekers looking to race through this woodland wonderland. The reserve is easily reachable on foot from the town, just ask your hotel receptionist to point you in the right direction!
A Day Trip to Silverdale
Just the other side of the Orewa River along the Hibiscus Highway lies the town of Silverdale, where there are a couple of great attractions to suit both inquisitive minds and adrenaline seekers. First up there is the Silverdale Pioneer Village, where you can step back in time and experience what life was like for the early settlers in this region of New Zealand. Complete with historical buildings, photo exhibitions, and first-hand accounts of daily goings-on during colonial times, this place really is a living museum. For something entirely different, take a trip to Snowplanet, an indoor snow sports complex where you can try skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snow tubing, or even just throw a few snowballs around. There is even a restaurant and bar there too, it’s almost like a mini ski resort minus the hotels! Both of these attractions should take you around ten minutes to reach by car from anywhere in Orewa.
Unwind at Waiwera Thermal Mineral Pools
If all those activities have you worn out and in need of something to soothe those tired muscles then a trip to Waiwera Thermal Mineral Pools is in order. Just north of Orewa, the natural geothermal water is heated directly from the ground and there’s a variety of pools each a different temperature. Some are outdoor, so you can catch a few rays while you relax, and others are covered, for when you’ve had enough sun. The Lava Pool is the hottest, maxing out at 48℃, but if that’s too much for you the Tower Pool brings it down a few notches to 30℃. Children big and small will love it here, with slides like the Twister, Speed Slide and Kids Chute to keep them entertained. For something completely different, the Movie Pool has a cinema screen playing Hollywood blockbusters throughout the day! Ask at your hotel reception to arrange tickets, they might even be able to offer a discount.