Vacation rentals in Ruakākā

Home to a long stretch of white sand in New Zealand’s Northland region, Ruakākā has views across Bream Bay toward the jagged outline of Mount Manaia. Māori tradition explains the dramatic shape of the mountain as an ancestor who was turned into stone alongside the servant he was sparring with. Ruakākā is a popular New Zealand beach destination with a village-like community. The town’s name means nesting hole of the kākā, a gregarious native parrot, and both the coast and the Ruakākā Wildlife Refuge are rich in birdlife, from the migratory bar-tailed godwit to local tui and piwakawaka.

The northern end of the sweeping Ruakākā Beach meets the mouth of the Ruakākā River, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the river and bay. Surfers and kite surfers love it here, and the local Surf Lifesaving Patrol makes for safe swimming. If you head south a little way to Uretiti Beach, nestled in the sand dunes, you’ll be treated to dreamy sunrises and blazing sunsets, and One Tree Point to the north serves up views of the whole of Whangarei Harbour from its sheltered shoreline.

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, meaning that its seasons are opposite of those in North America. The Northland region enjoys warm, slightly humid summers and very mild winters — temperatures are higher here than anywhere else in New Zealand. In spring, you’ll see newborn lambs in farmers’ fields and roadside stalls laden with fruit from the area’s orchards. The hottest summer months are January and February, which is when swimmers and surfers from far and wide head to the beach. It can rain any time of the year here, so don’t forget to bring a waterproof jacket for hikes along the coast and through nearby Waipu Caves.

In mid-February, the town comes alive with the Ruakākā Community Summer Festival. There is an all-day live music program, and you can grab an ice cream and browse the colorful stalls showcasing the skills of local craftspeople.

Marsden Cove Marina & Village

Minutes north of town, Marsden Cove Marina is a world-class facility, and the picturesque setting with boats bobbing in the marina makes it a tranquil place to linger over lunch with views across the dramatic Whangarei Heads. The village is home to a selection of independent shops and a cafe beside a development of canal-side houses. Stop by on the third Sunday of the month for the Marsden Cove Market, with stalls selling regional produce and crafts.

Fishing

Ruakākā is famous for its fishing, and there are plenty of charters available for all levels of experience, from a few hours to overnight adventures. Head out into Bream Bay in search of snapper, kahawai, and mighty marlin — you can take a photo and release or take your catch home to eat. If you prefer shore-based freshwater fishing, there’s excellent fly fishing for brown trout at the Wilson Dam, just a few minutes’ drive from Ruakākā.

Smugglers Bay

This secluded beach is just across the bay from Ruakākā, tucked behind Busby Point, but it takes around an hour to drive to the car park. You have a few options from here — either walk across fields directly to Smugglers Bay in about 15 minutes or, if you want a bigger day out, tackle the Smugglers Bay Loop. This is a fairly easy track taking in Busby Head and Smugglers Bay with spectacular views all the way. The path passes through coastal forest filled with birdsong, and there’s also a lot of history in this area — Ngātiwai Māori people lived here for many centuries and Busby Head was once a defensive Pa (hillfort).