Glow Worms
Right on our doorstep you can enjoy a 5 minute night walk to see glow worms (which are situated on the moist banks).  In case you didn't know a glow worm is the larva of a two-winged insect.  Glow worms make sticky lines (like a spider's web) that capture other insects attracted to their glow.  It makes its tail glow using bioluminescence. This is a chemical reaction between luciferin (a chemical the glow worm makes) and air.  Remember not to shine a bright torch light on them or make loud noises, as the glow worms will stop glowing!

Spectacular Walk Ways

We are very close to some of North New Zealand's most beautiful walk-ways.  Enjoy birdsong, lush fauna and the tranquillity of nature.  Trounson Kauri Park (5 minutes drive) offers well-manicured walkways and audio stories of the park as you progress along the track.  An insightful and beautiful walk.  The Old Gorge Walkway & Cycle Track (10 minutes walk from us) is a well kept local secret.  The track is currently being re-established.  This walkway is highly recommended as it is rarely frequented by tourists and is truly unspoilt.

Pouto Peninsula
A 90 minute drive from us, Pouto Peninsula (situated on the northern side of the entrance of the Kaipara Harbour) is the perfect place to explore real, rural New Zealand.  The constantly shifting sandbanks caused many ship wrecks and strandings.  The Kaipara North Head Lighthouse (currently under restoration) was built in 1884 in response to the continued loss of ships.  Take a long wander, go for a refreshing dip in the sea or try your hand at fishing.  Remember your camera to capture this Peninsula's stunning scenery.

Northland Brown Kiwi

The essential NZ experience!  You may be lucky enough to spot a Northland Brown Kiwi at night.  Take a torch and go on a kiwi walk at Trounson Kauri Park, which is one of the few reserves in NZ where you might be able to spot one in the wild.  Kiwis scare easily so go carefully, quietly and be extremely patient.  Put red cellophane over your torch so you can still see, but to minimize the glare for the kiwi.  Be aware that these kiwis are endangered and there are many traps set to catch predators such as stoat, cats and dogs.

Baylys Beach

Take a long walk along Baylys Beach, one of the longest unbroken stretches of sandy beach in NZ.  (From The Sanctuary it is 30 minutes by car.)  More than 90km of rugged coastline ensures that you will always find a spot all to yourself away from the crowds.  The sand is quite dark and locals enjoy fishing here.  Baylys Beach is largely drivable from one end to the other.  Is is home to the famous local shellfish delicacy called the toheroa.  (Please note that the public gathering of shellfish from this beach is now prohibited!) 

Skydome Observatory
If you've ever wanted to tour the galaxy, you can do so at the Skydome Observatory through the largest hands-on telescope in New Zealand.  The Skydome Observatory is situated at Baylys Beach (a 30 minute drive from us) and is popularly frequented by visiting overseas astronomers.  Open the telescopes and look inside, rotate the domed roof, and practice moving and lining up the telescopes.  Come away with the memory of an unforgettable night under dark skies.  Remember to dress warmly (even in summer).

Kai Iwi Freshwater Lakes
A 20 minute drive from us lies the Kai Iwi Lakes (there are 3) which cover an area of 305 ha.  While from some views it may look like the ocean they are in fact large freshwater lakes.  An impressive walking track has been developed around the reserve and is dotted with scenic picnic spots.  It is a beautiful reserve where pine plantations covering 60 ha grow around the north-eastern sides of the lakes.  If you enjoy water-based recreation, the Kai Iwi lakes are perfect for swimming, diving, yachting, sailboarding and water-skiing.

Waipoua Kauri Forest

Waipoua Kauri Forest houses New Zealand's largest kauri tree, Tane Mahuta. Literally translated this tree means, "lord of the forest".  This famous tree is about 2000 years old and still growing!  It is 4.4 metres in diameter and the distance to the first branch is almost 18 metres.  Just a 15 minute drive from The Sanctuary, you can experience this awe-inspiring tree which is just a few minutes walk from the road.  Waipoua is the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland and houses rare birds as well as impressive trees.  

The Kauri Museum

The west coast village of Matakohe is home to The Kauri Museum which features real NZ heritage at its best.  This museum gives the perfect insight into Northland’s pioneer past through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum. Explore the many exceptional displays and galleries inside the museum, from the magnificent collection of antique kauri furniture through to the largest collection of kauri gum in the world.  The souvenir shop offers a broad selection of kauri products in New Zealand.  It is a 30 minute drive from us.

Sunsets
The setting of The Sanctuary provides a visual feast for your eyes.  Take in the spectacular sunsets and vista of surrounding hills and forest.  Striking red, pink, purple, orange and sunrises and sunsets will literally take your breath away.  Indulge with a book or luxuriate in doing nothing.  Sit back, unwind and enjoy the picturesque view and peace of mind our retreat offers.  You probably won't appreciate how quiet and restful this retreat is until you are here.  Adding to your peace is the abundant birdsong and babble of a nearby brook! 

Historic Dargaville

On route to The Sanctuary you may choose to spend a few hours enjoying the history of Dargaville (a 30 minute drive from us).  Dargaville was founded during the booming 19th century kauri gum and timber trade.  While not as busy as it once was, Dargaville is now predominantly a farming region which supports extensive dairy, beef and sheep farms.  It enjoys a thriving plantation forest industry too.  Whether you stop at one of the many cafes or visit the Lighthouse Museum, this NZ town will take you a step back in time.

Opononui

A 35 minute from The Sanctuary lies Opononui.  "Opo the friendly dolphin" made Opononi famous in the summer of 1955 and to commemorate Opo's visit a statue was erected.  Opononui is also famous for its beautiful pohutukawa trees that dot the shoreline.  If you have time it is highly recommended that you take a boat across to the magnificent sand dunes and try your hand at dune surfing!  Great for the young at heart, dune surfing is  an exhilarating experience if you've never done it before.  A great time.