Description
(North to South) |
The wide, gravelled track begins on the lower slopes of Mt Aubrey overlooking Little Munroe Bay. It goes around the harbour’s edge to Reotahi Beach (& boat ramp) taking in stunning sea views and passing the historic remains of a freezing works. Very noticeable is the hum coming from the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, just across the 1.5km channel, and the start of the Te Araroa’s next coastal section.
From the northern end of Reotahi Bay, there is a dirt track heading off the side of Reotahi Beach Rd. It climbs the hill to a playground at the end of Norfolk Rd. Head up the road to a driveway just past #34. Take this driveway and turn right (north) over the front lawn past the last house. Beyond it are steps leading down to a small footbridge. This track leads to Matuku Street. Follow this, then up to the end of Darch Point Rd where a well-defined track follows the headland around to the jetty at McLeod Bay.
To continue Te Araroa, you can contact Steve Martinovich of Bream Bay Charters Ltd on 0274 749 751. Steve operates a 38 foot charter boat, based at Marsden Cove marina and is licensed to carry up to 20 people across the harbour. You may be able to piggyback on an existing charter or make you own arrangements with him. Alternatively, look out for a boat to take you across the channel to Marsden Point. Fishing enthusiasts tend to depart boat ramps (Urquarts Bay, Reotahi Bay) or jetties (McLeod Bay) early morning or evening. Choose a seaworthy craft, ask for a lifejacket & offer koha (a donation) for fuel. Be aware that the area immediately surrounding the Marsden Point wharf is a high security area and is closed to any unoffical boat traffic. The little beach west of the MP wharf, adjacient to the Northport wharf is a suitable place to land or depart from.
For more information on the Whangrei Harbour crossing and Marsden Point please visit the Northland Regional Council's website following this link:
http://www.nrc.govt.nz/Living-in-Northland/On-the-water/Safe-boating/#marsdenpt
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| Extra Info |
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Toilets, cafe, phone, accommodation available at the Whangarei Heads village
Vealbrook B&B at 2013 Whangarei Heads Road, McLeod Bay, Whangarei
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