Mahurangi
Situated along the banks of the Mahurangi river is a great place to stop and rest a while. A serene village where everything around you seems to whisper “Welcome to Mahurangi”.
Wander along the meandering river and enjoy the music of the lapping waters (sure beats an iPod) or stroll down the streets to discover an eclectic range of stores and cafes.
Within easy driving distance from Salty Dog Inn is this region’s most popular tourist attraction – Mahurangi Regional Park. With its sheltered bays, native bush, open pasture and historic sites straddling the entrance to the beautiful Mahurangi Harbour, the park is divided into 3 “fingers” – Mahurangi West, Scott Point and Mahurangi East:
- Mahurangi West provides a backdrop to three pohutukawa-fringed bays – Sullivan’s (Otarawao) Bay, Mita (Otuawao) Bay and Te Muri Bay – each with a fine beach of its own and camping site to go with it. There’s one more campsite along Lagoon Bay.
- Scott Point includes the historic Scott Homestead. The area is rich in Maori history and there are a number of sites where remnants of fortified villages can be found.
- The remote Mahurangi East is only accessible by sea. There are some great coastal walks (at low tide) and sea erosion has resulted in interesting rock formations which are enhanced by the red flowering pohutukawa (when in season).
The Regional Park is a favourite stop for boat lovers (or boaties as the Kiwis say). It takes on a festive air around Auckland Anniversary Weekend every year, when a huge and graceful fleet of New Zealand’s best-loved vessels and famous classic yachts & launches revel around the Harbour, to engage in racing and rivalry for the Mahurangi Regatta. The event marks a celebration of sportsmanship and festivity, ending in prize-giving, dancing and gaiety.
