Whitianga Day 1

After our ice cream stop we carried on to Whitianga expecting to go kayaking, snorkeling and on the glass bottom boat… but Mother Nature had different plans for us.

Home to the World’s Best Scallop Festival, Whitianga is about a 3 hours drive from Auckland and Hamilton.

At least on the first day we arrived we had nice weather and were able to have a play at Combat Zone and High Zone.

Combat Zone

While Laura experienced the adventure ropes course at High Zone, I enjoyed a bit of target shooting, archery, soccer golf and a ride on the Argo at Combat Zone.

If you’re not familiar with what an Argo is, well you’re missing out! The beast is an 8x8 amphibius vehicle that can basically go anywhere. It’s a 15-minute ride through native bush and shallow rivers and from the top of the farm you are faced with breathtaking views of Mercury Bay and the Centre Island.

However Argo rides is just part of the experience, Combat Zone offers a range of family fun including paintball battles. Soccer golf and laser tag are family favourites!

The Lost Spring

The Lost Spring was next on our places to visit and for those who have never been here, imagine the most beautiful place you have ever been and this is better!

It’s a true day spa destination offering a unique twist with their thermal hot water pools. With its sculpted pools, soothing waterfalls, and smoking volcano, the Lost Spring offers more than simply a swim in hot water.

Sipping on our cocktails, we relaxed in the therapeutic mineral pools flowing with crystal clear water from a well 644 meters below the earth’s surface. The water is naturally good for you and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth!

After you soak your worries away, its definitely worthwhile indulging in one of the Lost Spring’s treatments. My recommendation is the Pure Decadence – 2.5 hours of solid pampering.

Salt Restaurant and Bar

For dinner, we enjoyed fine dining at the Salt Restaurant and Bar. Situated right on the water of the Whitianga Marina, the views are sublime!

It was a bit chilly when we were there so we ate inside and enjoyed the home comforts of the open fire while being pampered by 1^st class service.

I had the 90 day grain fed eye fillet with roasted shallots, hand cut chips and béarnaise sauce – it was to die for!

Beachfront Resort

The name speaks for itself – absolute beachfront accommodation!

The immaculate units offer full kitchen facilities, SKY TV and best of all a private balcony with spectacular uninterrupted sea views of Mercury Bay.

Beachfront Resort is a private and peaceful haven only minutes away from the buzz of Whitianga’s shops and restaurants.

Watching the sunrise from your balcony is definitely a must if you can muster up the energy to get up at the crack of dawn!

Kate and her partner Paul own and operate the resort and provide a warm welcome.

Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are just some of the nearby attractions.


Proudly sponsored by Sunkist Rental Cars