Sleepy Whananaki South - a picturesque New Zealand holiday destination

If you want to get a feel for a small coastal New Zealand settlement while you are on Holiday in New Zealand Whananaki South is one of those places that time forgot. The "town" is a little country school, tennis courts, library & general store on the northern side of the shallow estuary. The Southern Hemisphere's longest foot bridge connects two clumps of bach's.

The baches of South Whananaki are the key ingredient for the retro feel of this remote holiday spot. The couple of dozen little buildings were all constructed just after World War II on leasehold land & there are strict covenants that mean that they can't be radically extended. This has lead to ORIGINAL baches - 1940's style tiny little places often augmented by a collection of old caravans, lean-to's & connecting roofs.

It's real can do No.8 wire Kiwiana & I love it! We were lucky enough to be able to park the caravan outside the brother in law's Bach which he inherited!!! (Yes, you have to inherit these 99 year leases!) & spent the most magical week relaxing, fishing, kayaking & exploring on foot & by bike. If you are passing Hikurangi on the road north from Whangarei in a car or small camper van it's worth the drive over gravel roads that in some places are VERY much one lane :) there is a beach front domain for a day stop but not camping.

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