The Tutukaka Coast's Sandy Bay is a great beach to visit after a trip to the Ngunguru Gala or after a hike. Photo / Michael Cunningham
The Tutukaka Coast's Sandy Bay is a great beach to visit after a trip to the Ngunguru Gala or after a hike. Photo / Michael Cunningham
It might be a daunting thought, entertaining the kids over the summer holidays but sometimes the best option is going back to the basics. Here are some ideas for Northlanders or those visiting to make the break a little easier and create some memories along the way.
Get crafty
Crafts are a great low-budget way to pass the time. You could get the kids treasure hunting through the garden or local bush for some leaves, twigs, and feathers to make a nature mandala.
It’s the festive season so maybe they could make some Christmas decorations for their bedroom. Or get them decorating some plain craft paper to wrap pressies in.
When it comes to craft ideas Pinterest is my best friend, so try it out!
It's easy to make Christmas gifts more sentimental if the kids have decorated the wrapping paper. Whether it's with paint or stickers they can make it their own for their favourite people. Photo / 123rf
Family picnic
You can’t beat a good ol' picnic. Sift through the cupboards and make some yummy sandwiches - get the kids involved in the food-making process too. This is a low-cost activity that offers up some quality time.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are those last-minute after-school picnics at the beach. If you’re near the beach get the kids making some sand art - can they make a mermaid out of driftwood, shells and leaves?
If travelling isn’t an option just have a picnic at home and do some cloud-gazing. What shapes can you see in the sky?
A family picnic doesn't have to be expensive - a simple sandwhich goes a long way if the kids are keeping busy with a book, swimming, or cloud-watching. Photo / 123rf
Peruse the local galleries
Northland is chocka full of artistic talent and galleries aren’t exactly in short supply.
Whatever district you’re in, you can pretty much guarantee there’s one or two nearby.
It’s a nice way to spend an hour - get the kids looking out for their favourite piece, they might even leave feeling inspired and become the new Picasso.
Don’t be surprised if you bump into an artist. More often than not, they spend time at the galleries their art features in.
Some of my favourite galleries are the Mangōnui Courthouse Gallery, No.1 Parnell in Rawene, and Grinter Glass in Whangārei.
Mangōnui Courthouse Gallery / Exhibit A overlooks the Mangōnui Harbour. Photo / Petrina Hodgson
Explore Northland’s backyard
There’s nothing worse than being stuck inside on a hot summer’s day so why not explore a local bushwalk?
Plenty of waterfalls or trails along the coast are readily available to explore. It can be tough affording the fuel to get to these places but luckily for you, I’ve compiled a walk by each district so you can find the closest to you:
Kaipara
The Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Track located 17km south of Dargaville is a steep 20-minute climb up the distinctive landmark which overlooks the vast and beautiful Kaipara district.
There is a steep 20m section at the top but it is worth it for 360-degree views of Dargaville and Ruawai. You may even be able to spot Bream Head and the Tangihua range towards the east on a clear day.
Whichever route you take, you’ll walk alongside a bubbling stream, find yourself under the cover of native bush and gaze at stunning kauri trees more than 500 years old.
If you’re up for finding another lesser-known falls then veer right on the McKinnon Track via the A.H Reed Memorial Track.
Eventually you will find two lookouts that gaze over the Paranui Falls which reach an equally imposing 24m.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a sight as stunning as Whangārei Falls in the central district. Photo / Tania Whyte
Far North
Mahinepua Peninsula Track overlooks the stunning Whangaroa Harbour as you walk along the ridge top.
Around 200 steps have been installed on the trail to protect Māori pā sites.
The hike takes about one hour one way and all up is around 3km, so it’s worth setting aside three hours if you want to take your time.
Bring your togs as this walk will bring you to stunning secluded bays.
Since you’re in the area you could also scale St Paul’s Rock Track. The prominent rock face sits high above the Whangaroa township and provides stunning views of the harbour.
The track is considered relatively easy and takes around 30 minutes each way. Chains are installed to help you climb the last 30m.
St Paul’s Rock is yet another distinctive landmark but it's one of the easier hikes in the area. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Head to the local market
There’s something for everyone over the summer period if you’re looking for a bite to eat, some last-minute Christmas pressies or free entertainment.
The Mangawhai Tavern Market is on every Saturday from 8.30am until 1pm with an eclectic mix of art, crafts, artisan food, clothing, and more.
The Māngonui Craft Market from 10am until 1pm each Saturday showcases home-made spreads, soaps, and crafts.
The farmers market every Saturday morning from 6am until 10am for the best seasonal produce and artisan goods.
Tikipunga Market at Tikipunga High School from 8am until 11am on Sundays is a car boot-style market with plenty of yummy kai - pancakes or seafood chowder anyone?
Don’t forget also the memorable Ngunguru Gala on December 27 from 10am until 2pm with plenty of locally crafted wares, gala activities, and music - make a day of it and head along to one of the stunning Tutukaka Coast beaches.
Whangārei and Waitangi will also host the infamous Extravaganza Fair on January 18-19 (Waitangi) and 25 -27 (Whangārei), so slip, slop, slap, wrap and head out into the sun!
