The Hatea Loop Walkway – Huarahi o te Whai is a fully accessible walkway that can be accessed from a number of different points but a great way to begin is at the Whangarei Town Basin, a picturesque international yachting marina with restaurants, cafes, specialty shopping and art and craft galleries that feature beautiful works by Northland artists.
A Destination Playground and liberty swing (a wheelchair accessible swing) for children and a petanque court add to the range of facilities for people of all ages and abilities.
Visit the Whangarei Art Museum, home to the city’s art collection that embraces both heritage and contemporary works, and offers a captivating insight into the District’s history. Reyburn House, home of the Northland Society of Arts, is Whangarei’s oldest house, built in the 1870s and is surrounded by lovely gardens adjacent to the Town Basin playground.
Along the walkway, enjoy the Sculptures created by local artists, including the dramatic Waka and Wave stone sculpture at Hihiaua Point of a Maori waka (canoe) breaking through a towering wave, marking the entrance to the Whangarei Town Basin.
Read the fascinating history of the area on the Heritage Panels. Including legends of how Whangarei got its name and information about the tribes of Whangarei, Te Tangata Whenua – the people of the land, descended from their ancestors who migrated from the Pacific.
Walk across the elegant footbridge, ‘Kotuitui Whitinga’ and the international award-winning ‘Te Matau a Pohe’ bascule (opening) bridge.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the Town Basin and Hatea Loop areas but take a short detour to the Dog Exercise Park at William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island where they can be let off the leash. A BMX track, skateboard park and exercise equipment also feature along the walkway.
The entire walkway is accessible for walking, jogging, pushbikes, all sorts of mobility aids and scooters, and is also suitable for pushchairs.
Book your Whangarei accommodation now at Discovery Settlers Hotel, located just a few minutes walk from the Hatea Loop walkway.