Whangaroa Harbour

Many claim Whangaroa to be the world’s most beautiful harbour.

Almost landlocked – Captain Cook found it only by following a Maori canoe which seemed to disappear into the cliffs - it is deep and big enough to accommodate the world’s largest navy. The harbour is a favourite of big game and line fishing enthusiasts and a popular stop-off for diving and snorkelling.

It is a venue for fishing competitions and yacht racing. The harbour was the scene of the burning of the sailing ship Boyd in 1809. The ship was attacked by Maoris after one of them – a chief - had been flogged aboard the ship while returning from Australia. After the ship had been taken over, an accidental explosion set it ablaze. An Historic Places Trust sign marks the spot where the burning ship finally came to rest, at Ranfurly Bay, completely gutted. Sixty six people died in the incident. The mangroves growing at the head of the harbour are some of the largest in the world.

The harbour’s towering rock formations are an inspiring sight – St Paul’s on the southern side, which is a volcanic plug, St Peter’s and the Duke of Wellington’s on the north. Many rock climbers come here to practice their sport. Beneath St Paul’s Rock is St Paul’s church, built in 1883. Nearby historic buildings include the tiny but well formed Public Hall, old schoolhouse, the old post office and the 'Donkey’s Nest', once a hotel.

Other notable rock formations include Maori Chief, Haystack and the wind - and wave-shaped Mushroom Rocks. There is also some oyster-farming in the harbour. DOC outlines the walks and reserves in the area. Totara North is the interesting town on the other side, where shipbuilding and sawmilling took place from the 1830s until 2004.

SEA KAYAK DAY TRIP ON THE WHANGAROA HARBOUR

HALF DAY BAY OF ISLANDS MUSTANG V8 TOUR

Image Credits: Auckland Libraries Special Collections, Paul Young, 1980s, St Paul's, Berlin George and Whangaroa, 1950s, New Zealand, by Eric Lee-Johnson. Purchased 1997 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. © Te Papa. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (O.007588)