Nearby Neighbours - Whangaparaoa Peninsula

NEARBY NEIGHBOURS

Whangaparaoa – the Jewel in the Hibiscus Coast’s crown!

Stretching 15kms from Red Beach to Shakespear Park, the Whangaparaoa Peninsula continues to be one of the most idyllic beachside areas of the country.

Glimpses of the coast, South and North, offer the beauty of the Hauraki Gulf every time you drive, walk of bike it. It’s dotted with parks and playgrounds; when you add 10 beaches you are forgiven for believing it is in fact Heaven!

The Whangaparaoa Peninsula hosts 3 golf courses; one of which, Gulf Harbour, is world-renowned. The world-class marina complex offers divers, sightseers and boaties of all types the gateway to the Hauraki Gulf. Surrounded by a plethora of islands, getting away from it all is simply at your doorstep.

If you haven’t been to ‘Z’ pier to watch the snapper and kingfish fight the sting rays for bait, you simply have to do so. I take all visitors and family members to watch this spectacle – it is truly marvellous!

Regional Parks, including Shakespear, are abundant and offer visitors and ‘coasters’ beaches, play areas and perfect environments to gather as families or friends. Grown-ups to toddlers are all included in recreational aspects that only a true coast has at hand. Whether it’s learning or competitive, or simply for the fun of it, any form of sea-based activity can be had. Clubs abound and getting in or out on the water is easily a major pastime for many.

Land-based clubs are plentiful too, with pretty much everyone catered for, including the leisure centre in Stanmore Bay. You can swim indoors, swing a squash racquet, play basketball, attend many fitness classes or work out in the gym. Next door is rugby league with its national-leading teams and right across the road soccer players chase the round ball.

Educating the young (and not so young) is a breeze; Whangaparaoa College/Intermediate along with the private Wentworth College in Gulf Harbour. Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa and Gulf Harbour all offer primary schooling, and there are plenty of 1st class pre-schools as well.

Dining on the ‘coast’ is superb and virtually all tastes are well and truly catered for. A curry in Manly Village, a Pizza at Jac’s, or fine cuisine at the “Cove” – the choice is endless and the staff are all friendly.

Selling homes in the area for 17 years, I know the many changes over the 20 years I have been living here. The diversity of the houses is awesome; from age-old baches to multi-dimensional mansions, to work-from-home duplexes, to penthouse apartments – and everything in between.

So close to Auckland, yet far enough away, the Whangaparaoa Peninsula offers an alternative like no other. I guarantee when you arrive back from being away, or just coming home from work, your mind will breathe a sigh of relief. You are once again at the beach and feel like you’re on holiday. My only word of caution is: make sure you say “hi” back to everyone, or they may just think you’re visiting!