Easter at Whanguru Bay, Oakura

 

Thursday 18th April - Wednesday 24th April (Easter)

Whangaruru Bay, Oakura

UPDATE: There's now 12 of us heading North to explore this area. The forecast for the next 10 days is looking incredibly good with a high pressure system sitting over the area. This means sunshine, light winds and minimal swell. We couldn't ask for better. It will allow us to be reasonably flexible in our plans and have ample opportunity to paddle. Some are joining us for just a few days so we'll save the best trips for those days if possible.

This incredible area of Northland is a little off the beaten tourist trail (with most heading to the Bay of Islands) but it's remoteness is exactly what appeals. Plenty of paddling, swimming and fishing opportunities. It's going to be an epic trip that you don't want to miss.

 

There are heaps of paddling options in the region, not limited to:

Whangaruru Harbour
Whangururu North Head
Bland Bay Coastline
Helena Bay
Mimiwhangata Marine Reserve

Trips will vary each day and will range from 12km to 20km depending on the weather and swell. 
You may join in on whichever trips you fancy and are welcome to take a rest day at any time.

Accommodation

We will be basing ourselves at the Whangaruru Beach Camp and Motel in Whangaruru South for ease of launching and landing as it's very sheltered. You are required to book your own accommodation but it is our understanding that there is plenty of powered and non-powered camping sites available. Cabins are all fully booked for Easter already so will not be available. They have good facilities to cater for campers. Otherwise you are more than welcome to arrange alternative accommodation nearby and meet us each day to paddle. There are plenty of baches for rent.

Transport

The van will be going so along with the trailer. Space is on a first come first serve basis. It's a 7 hour drive (including rest/food stops) so we will be leaving the shop at 9am and arriving late afternoon. So meet at 8:30am to load the trailer and van.
There is a petrol station in Oakura Bay but it's advisable to fill up in Whangarei.

Food

Organise yourselves for the period of time although we will have a Pot Luck dinner on the second night. We will be stopping in Whangarei to get food supplies. The closest supermarket is a Four Square in Hikurangi or Waiomio 45 minutes away if you get desperate.


To register for this trip please email Estelle bopyakityyakkayakclub@gmail.com.
You need to be a current club member and have complete a sea kayak skills course.