Jasmine J.'s
Best Spots for Dogs
- 12Roland's WoodKerikeriRoland’s Wood is the ultimate spot for dogs as it was literally created for man’s best friend. It’s a sprawling off-leash area with an incredible carpet of flowers that bloom in spring. You can take your pup and let them run free to make friends with all the other dogs there. They love it!
- 21Ruakaka BeachRuakakaRuakaka Beach is one of the great all year off leash dog spots. Lots of beaches have restrictions on dogs during summer at the very least or permanently at the most. Here you can take your pup to pace and pound the massive expanse of sand at their leisure. The neighbouring (and nude) beach at Uretiti is also dog friendly all year round.
- 31OK K9KerikeriOK K9 are always having classes out on the big grassy domain in Kerikeri. Rebecca is amazing and knows so much about dog behaviour and their psychology. She’s like a mind reader. If you’re wondering why you pooch is doing anything she’ll have the answer. I think these classes are a really good idea especially when you first get a dog. It’s important to lay down the rules and establish good habits.
- 41Tangonge DomainKaitaiaTangonge is a designated off-leash dog exercise area at all times - yippee! My dogs love racing around and meeting lots of new doggy pals. I always meet lovely friendly dog owners in this park too.
- 51Pet Essentials WhangareiWhangarei CentralThis is the pet haven of the north. You can buy a dog here or get your existing one groomed. They also stock the most amazing range of different pet foods including the hearty raw stuff. It’s preservative-free meat frozen so it’s easy to transport/keep and meant to be awesome for your dog’s health - love it!
Jasmine J.'s
Best Organic Food Stores
- 11Orira OrchardsMangamukaOrira Orchards are an epic family owned business that have been producing the yummiest produce for years. Seriously, their ancestors first set up the orchards over 100 years ago! You can find them at the Kerikeri, Paihia and maybe Kaitaia farmer’s market every week. They also sell an awesome range of homemade jams and jellys.
- 27Whangarei Farmers MarketWhangarei CentralThis market has a bounty of the freshest organic produce at various stalls. Go for a browse and you’ll come out with full bags. If you’re not sure how organic the produce is, ask the stall owner - they’re probably the grower too! Also make sure you nip down here early to get the best produce as it can sell out.
- 31Bin Inn KerikeriKerikeriGo crazy for Bin Inn’s range of organic nuts and seeds. Their nuts are always really fresh and crunchy, you can tell they’ve been stored just right. I love how you can scoop up exactly what you need to prevent any waste.
- 41Conscious LifeKerikeriIf you’re keen to become a gorgeous, glowing, ethical eater then step right up to Conscious Life. You can order all sorts of interesting super-healthy organic ingredients. Everything from your standard organic pop corn to the more peculiar Water Kefir Granules. I love how they compare their prices to the supermarket so you know exactly how much of a deal you’re getting!
- 54Putiputi Ra Organics Health & Eco StoreWhangarei CentralThis could be the best organic food store in Northland. They have EVERYTHING, produce, meat, cleaning products, superfoods and even books. They live and breath nourishing wellness vibes. I love how they have in-store naturopaths, homeopaths and herbalists to offer top advice six days a week.
Jasmine J.'s
Best Second Hand Dealers
- 12Paper Bag Princess WhangareiWhangarei CentralFeel like you’ve got nothing to wear? Waltz in to the paper bag princess and you’re bound to find your next piece of favourite clothing that will last for years to come. They get stock from all over New Zealand so their clothes are always changing and they keep their prices pretty cheap so it’s perfect for the babe on a budget!
- 22Great Northern TradersKerikeriAfter a new door knob? Or an old-fashioned style of saw? Chances are the Great Northern Traders will have just the thing you’re looking for. Although it’s very hard to walk in without being distracted by all the other gems in there. Alternatively it’s also great for off loading some of your bits and pieces that are cluttering up the garage. My parents sold heaps of the odds and ends from their home when they did renovations.
- 31Kaitaia Second Hand MartKaitaiaStep into a treasure trove of trinkets at Kaitaia’s Second Hand Mart. This place stocks everything imaginable. From furniture, linen and clothing to delicate china, appliances and tools. Dig around for forgotten gold or go in with a list and see what you can find. I love foraging for odd bits and pieces for DIY projects.
- 41Hospice Shop KerikeriKerikeriEveryone donates stuff to Hospice. That makes it one of the best places to pick up a second hand steal. The Kerikeri store sells an awesome range of clothing, furniture and knick knacks for all ages. I love checking out their clothes as you can always find some gorgeous vintage bargains.
- 51John Street BooksWhangarei CentralThe staff here are so kind and friendly it’s hard not to spend hours perusing page-turning novels. I love to while away an afternoon here finding some top books to add to my reading list. While they don’t have a massive selection I recommend them for the quality of authors and stories that stack the shelves.
Jasmine J.'s
Best Buffets
- 12Gengy's WhangareiWhangarei CentralA buffet with a twist. Instead of the usual European fare Gengy’s has an awesome selection of oriental yumness! Choose your own mix of vegetables, meat and sauce for the chef’s to stir up into a bowl of bliss. Then go back for seconds!
- 22I love a good Chinese buffet and King Wah hits the spot! They have dish after dish of juicy, tasty meals. Everything from the classic chicken chow mein to crispy wontons and as many oysters as you can chow down - amazing!
- 31Discovery Settlers HotelWhangarei CentralThis is one fresh buffet. Excellent seafood, vegetables and some juicy mains that are dished up hot off the plate. I love their roast beef and fluffy Yorkshire pudding. It’s overwhelming deciding what to eat first, but take your time and try it all.
- 45This is a world class buffet! With people coming from near and far the Copthorne pull out all the stops to impress with a massive smorgasboard of delicious kai. They have a good variety of meat and vegetarian food so there’s going to be something for everyone. Then you can smash the dessert bar afterwards - yum!
- 51This iconic Kaitaia restaurant is easy to spot with the massive dragon poised to pounce on top of the roof. Their bountiful buffet is laden with Chinese classics. I love digging into some fat portions of their hot and sour soup and stir fried beef.
Jasmine J.'s
Free things to do in winter
- 12These guys get full points for the cool, quirky originality of their inventions. You can pop along to their gallery, see and have a play with them for free. Although you’ll need to give them a call first as they don’t man it 24/7. They’re really passionate about their work and are awesome at showing it off to guests.
- 22Botanica WhangareiAvenuesWander around in wonder at all the marvelous, exotic plants on display. The smell is so fresh like a rainforest and there is always something blooming at different times of year. If you believe water doesn’t kill you it’s even great to visit in the rain - just reward yourself with a fat cup of cocoa after!
- 32Kaitaia LibraryKaitaiaBurrow your nose into a book, browse endlessly on the free wifi or join the weekly chess club. Kaitaia Library will entertain you for hours - free. This community hub has great facilities, is clean quiet and a wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon.
- 41Kaikohe SkateparkKaikoheGrab some wheels - a scooter, skateboard or unicycle will do - and rip it up at the Kaikohe Skatepark. This was built a few years ago and has been a raging success ever since. Everyone is welcome and they have plently of bars, stairs, rims and bowls to play around on.
- 51This is one of my favourite walks around the north. The scenery is interesting, it’s a pretty cruisy and flat 8kms and it takes you right next to the ocean. I recommend starting at the Opua end because then you can have a coffee in Paihia and a rest on the beach before you walk back.
Jasmine J.'s
Winter School Holiday Activities
- 12Kings Theatre CreativeKawakawaKings art gallery, as well as showcasing awesome local artists, has a school holiday programme for kids! They’re doing weaving, painting, sculpture and street art. All classes led by the community, for the community. It’s only $10 per student. This is an awesome institution and I highly recommend you get involved.
- 22Kawiti CavesKawakawaThis is a fascinating activity for the whole family. The glow worms are absolutely spectacular and the guides are really knowledgable. They tell you lots of interesting facts like how it’s a transparent larva of the Fungus Gnat. I love taking kids and guests here - an easy way to impress them and whittle away the school holidays.
- 320Matakana CinemaMatakanaThis quaint, groovy cinema is a great holiday activity. Taking the kids to the movies is an easy way to keep everyone entertained. If you happen to have a big group of kids or a birthday it might even be an option to rent out one of the theatres for a private screening - what a cool idea for an adults or even kid's birthday!
- 42Skatescool Northern SkatersTutukakaZipping around, games, falling over and massive amounts of laughing are all part and parcel of the Whangarei Skatescool. I think it’s the perfect winter activity for kids as it’s active, they learn something and indoors! So you can go even if the weather is totally miserable.
- 52MY MovementWhangarei CentralYour kids will never want to leave once you take them to MY Movement. Essentially they get to go wild and bounce to their heart’s content all over their MY bounce trampoline park. They have birthday party deals and a holiday programme too - you’ll be jumping for joy!