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WHANGAPARAOA
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Whangaparaoa
The Whangaparaoa Peninsula is located in the northern North Island of New Zealand, close to the base of the North Auckland Peninsula. Whangaparaoa is Māori for "Bay of Whales", and pods of orca and dolphin are regularly spotted in the waters off the peninsula. The area is part of the Northern Auckland Zone of the Auckland urban area, as defined by Statistics New Zealand. Proposals mooted in 2006 would have seen it absorbed into North Shore City.
Classification of this area as predominantly "Metro 1" by the Auckland Regional Council has caused sharp rates rises recently, causing outcry among residents. The new Penlink project, due to be completed by 2010, will provide a quicker path between Whangaparoa and central Auckland.
Until relatively recently a sparsely inhabited rural area, it is now seen as something of a retreat for the more well-to-do members of Auckland society, the city lying 25 kilometres to the south. This is particularly true of the resort of Gulf Harbour which sits at the tip of the peninsula. Auckland's Northern Motorway (State Highway One) was extended to Orewa at the end of the 1990s, reducing journey time into the city and making it more popular for commuters.
The peninsula stretches east for 11 kilometres into the waters of the Hauraki Gulf to the north of East Coast Bays. The island of Tiritiri Matangi lies three kilometres off its eastern tip. The town of Whangaparaoa sits on the peninsula's southwestern shore, and is regarded as the start of the section of coastline known as the Hibiscus Coast.
Communities along the peninsula include Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, and Manly. At the end of the peninsula is Shakespear Regional Park. The New Zealand Defence Force also owns part of this area, which has been used as a resettlement camp for refugees.
In the past ten years a township has developed on the high land above Stanmore Bay and Big Manly beach. This development has grown to include a thriving shopping center, movie theatres, and a library and community center. While the area was once relatively remote, the shopping facilities, including a large supermarket, have made living on the extremities of the peninsula a much more realistic option, especially considering the central city is now no more than forty minutes from this center during off-peak periods.
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Hotels in Whangaparaoa
 | CityLife Auckland  |
Score 8.5 from 2 reviews | | 171 Queen Street |  |
| Zest Restaurant & Bar is an established bar and restaurant positioned above the heart of Auckland’s Queen Street retail precinct. Here diners can choose to savour a full meal, or simply sip a quiet aperitif after the working day. ... more | | |
| | Kiwi International Queen Street Hotel and Hostel  |
Score 6.8 from 5 reviews | | 411 Queen Street | |
| This early 20th century building is set back from the road, creating a tranquil haven in the city centre for the budget conscious traveller.
Facilities include a house bar, pool table, travel desk and an internet café. Parking is available, and there is a bus stop at the end of the driveway. ... more | | |
 | Arena Hotel |
Score 6.525 from 9 reviews | | 131 Beach Road | |
| Conveniently located in the heart of the City of Auckland, we are the closest budget accommodation to both the Central Business District and the beautiful village of Parnell.
Should you choose to go shopping, go out for a meal, or take part in Auckland's thriving cafe culture, it is all nearby and only a short walk away. Opposite Vector Arena and only 10 minutes walk from Queen Street, we offer competitive, attractive rates to account for our popularity, and be it vacation or business a friendly welcome is extended by our helpful staff to all who choose to stay here. Comfortable accommodation is provided in over 60 en suite rooms with a warm and relaxing ambience. ... more | | |
 | Aspen House |
Score 5.625 from 28 reviews | | 62 Emily Place | |
| All our rooms are clean, quiet and comfortable.
Room with Shared bathroom - Share the bathroom with other guests, the bathroom is at the end of the hallway
Ensuite Rooms were completed 3 years ago, stylish, comfortable have own private bathroom and TV in the room.
A guest lounge is where guests can relax. Tea & coffee is available and watch TV next to the fire.
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 | Best Western President Hotel Auckland  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | 27-35 Victoria Street West | |
| All taxis, shuttle buses, tour and city link buses stop in front of the hotel. Intercity buses are available at Sky City Bus terminal (3minutes walking distance from the hotel). The railway station is approximately a 10minute-walk from the hotel. ... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Whangaparaoa |
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6 hours |
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This tour takes you approximately 30 minutes from the center of Christchurch by road into the heart of Canterbury's farm land. Visit one of three working sheep farms all set in tranquil and picturesque locations. Enjoy the experience of watching sheep dogs work, rounding up the flock and penning them for you to touch, examine and photograph. A shearing demonstration has been arranged and if you wish, you can have a go. There are many other sheep farm activities for you to witness and enjoy, such as feeding the pets or milking the cow. Morning or afternoon tea will be provided. Sheep Farm + Winery Visit:
On your return from the sheep farm, choose to include a visit to one of Canterbury's largest vineyards. A short tour of the winery has been arranged followed by a tasting of the various vintages. Sheep Farm + Jet Boating Tour:
After the sheep farm visit, choose to enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenically spectacular jetboat rides available in New Zealand. Jetboat the Waimakariri River Gorge through the foothills of the Southern Alps with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Ultimate Akaroa Tour and Farm Visit from Christchurch |
9 hours |
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Explore the stunning and picturesque areas of Banks Peninsula, Paua Bay hill-country farm and the historic French and British settlement of Akaroa. This tour has it all! This journey begins with a spectacular scenic tour over the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula and onto Paua Bay hill-country sheep farm. At Paua Bay you will learn about the history of the farm, watch farm dogs in action and try your hand at sheep shearing.
After morning tea with the farmer you will head into Akaroa where you will have time to explore the village and have lunch in one of the many great caf?'s and restaurants. Take the optional two-hour harbor cruise and see penguins, dolphins and seals - highly recommended.
Highlights Include:
- Scenic tour over the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula
- Farm visit including farm dogs and sheep shearing
- Time to explore the picturesque village of Akaroa
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Adventure Wairarapa Tour from Wellington |
8 hours |
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Get out of the city and into the country, Wairarapa, heartland New Zealand. Your day starts with a drive over the historic Rimutaka Ranges, one of New Zealand's wildest hill roads, and into the Wairarapa countryside. First stop is Patuna Farm Adventures where you choose a morning activity: Horse Trekking, High Ropes, or a guided walk through the Patuna Chasm.
The Horse Trekkers explore different areas of this high country farm on horses to suit your skill level. The High Ropes include the big swing, trapeze and the beam and is a real challenge. The Patuna Chasm is a spectacular limestone wonderland. You can experience the wonder of its fossils, ferns, stalactites, waterfalls, eels, wildlife, wild pigeons and native birds. After your morning activity you will return to the family house for a relaxing homestead lunch.
After lunch a drive next door to wander into a limestone river cave, home to many glow worms. Gumboots and torches are provided for those without their own. Next you will be able to wind down with a visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting. The tour concludes with a drive back over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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