Located on New Zealand’s Hibiscus Coast, Orewa is a suburb on the northern outskirts of Auckland. It lies at the base of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and was a historically important centre for kauri gum digging. A golden beach stretches the length of the town, making it a popular getaway destination for city dwellers and windsurfers who flock here when the conditions are right.
Things to do in Orewa
Spend your days relaxing on Orewa Beach, which is the perfect spot for swimming in the summer months and long walks in the wintertime. Backing the sand are a handful of cafes and restaurants where you can dine throughout the day or you can feast on seafood at Orewa Beach Fish & Chips near the Moana Reserve.
At the southern end of the beach is the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway, a waterfront trail that showcases sites of natural and historical significance to the area. Learn about the estuary’s importance as a food gathering place for the Māori and spot a variety of birds wading in the shallow waters. The Orewa Skate Park and Estuary Arts Centre can also be accessed along the trail.
A short boat ride from Orewa will take you to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a protected nature reserve that translates from Māori as "tossed by the wind”. More than 80 species of birds have been recorded on the island, including native takahē, kōkako and kiwi. Tuataras, wetapungas and Duvaucel’s geckos can also be spotted during guided excursions around the island.
Getting around Orewa
Orewa is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Auckland and an hour from Auckland Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Orewa and travel through the suburb. Orewa’s town centre and beachside area can easily be explored on foot.