Whangaroa
Whangaroa is a singularly beautiful and romantic place. Near the northern head of the harbour is a large perforated rock, presenting the appearance of a gothic archway. The entrance to Whangaroa is not more than half a mile wide and it is impossible to find it from any distance at sea, but is quite deep and close to the land on either side. Each side is steep and when you enter the harbour it is one of the finest in the world and the beauty of its scenery is nowhere surpassed.
The interior is lined with lofty hills and richly wooded and close to the western shore is a collection of huge rocks, rising in the most fantastic shapes to an immense height from the tops. The hills are covered with innumerable trees and shrubs. Along the coast line on the exterior of the harbour is a wonderful collection of beautiful beaches, protective coves and picturesque coast line of scattered pohutukawas.
Inside the harbour there is a collection of bays, which are perfect for mooring boats of various sizes. The harbour and surrounding area still keeps much of its unspoiled beauty. Modern Whangaroa has slowed down again since its boom years of gum and Kauri. The big mills at Whangaroa have been gone for more than three quarters of a century, leaving few traces on the land where the buildings stood and only waste slabs litter the seas bed to show where the tall ships came for their timber.
Kaeo is perhaps as thriving in its small way, as it ever was, but Whangaroa is a quiet tourist place. The Kaeo Township is small but has a big spirit. It has a small collection of shops, a school, two churches, a community hall and police station. With all its history it has transformed itself in many ways over the years. But the people are friendly and embody the history of the area. A lot of the people who live in and around the area are descendants of those who brought this region through its history.
With such a variety of things to do in the area from Big Game Fishing, Kayaking, Museums, walks, beaches, arts and crafts, sailing and a lot more, Whangaroa will enchant any visitor with what it has to offer.