Kerikeri Beaches
Opito Bay
This is one of the nearest beaches to Kerikeri and is a small coastal community on the edge of the Bay Of Islands. It is a sheltered anchorage for all types of boats and has a launching ramp that is open to the public. On the way to the bay you can visit Rangitane, another coastal community, and Aroha Island nature reserve. The road also offers great views of the Kerikeri Inlet and its many islands. It is safe for swimming and there are toilets available. One can also access the Akeake walk and a viewpoint that offers one of the best panoramas of the Bay of Islands, showing off the Kerikeri Inlet, the Black Rocks and Te Puna Inlet.
Matauri Bay
On the coastal loop road that goes to Whangaroa, Matauri Bay is a beautiful beach that offers views out to the Cavelli Islands. There is a motorcamp and access to a sandy beach. It is also the site of the memorial to the Rainbow Warrior which is sunk just off one of the Cavelli Islands and is a world renown dive spot.
Te Wharau
This beach is on the southern side of Kerikeri Inlet, opposite Opito Bay. Leave town and follow the Kerikeri Inlet Rd and after about 8 kilometers take the turn into Wharau Rd and follow this road to its end. There is a small sandy beach and a walk around the rocks. There are views of the Bay of Islands from the top of the hill before the beach however the last section of the road is not tar-sealed.
Takou Bay
This is a big, beautiful and long beach that is accessed over land administered by a Maori Trust and currently access by the public is allowed provided people respect the beach and its surroundings. There is a fee charged and used for road maintenance. There are times when the beach is not open to the public.
Doves Bay
There is a small beach accessible from Doves Bay Road (off Opito Bay Rd.) This beach is directly opposite the Doves Bay Marina.
Aroha Island
On the way to Opito Bay if you take the turn to Rangitane a hundred metres after the turn is the entrance to Aroha Island Ecocentre. this island is owned by the Queen Elizabeth ll Trust. It is an important habitat for the North Island Brown Kiwi. Aroha Island is linked to the mainland via a causeway and is open to both day visitors and holiday makers looking for longer term eco based accommodation.
Te Ngaere
Further past Matauri Bay on the road to Whangaroa, is Te Ngaere Bay which consists mainly of holiday homes and batches. There is a sweeping sandy beach that is sheltered and excellent for swimming. This beach is very popular during the summer months: in the winter is is a quiet and sleepy kiwi resort.
