Whangaparaoa

Lovely beaches and bays, a host of water sports and fabulous views. It's all to be had in this sought-after seaside region north of Auckland. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Fewer regions in Auckland typify summer holidays and sun-filled fun more than the delightful peninsula jutting out to the north east of Auckland called Whangaparaoa.

Part of the forever summer-like Hibiscus Coast, Whangaparaoa residents revel in their year-round vacation environment. Regular commuters to the city never really complain about the distance to the big city - after all, there are always alternatives to battling other cars on the bridge with the regular public transport service and the ferry from Gulf Harbour.

Mention Whangaparaoa to city dwellers south of the Auckland Harbour Bridge (and some to the north, as well), and Gulf Harbour is the name that comes to mind. Whangaparaoa is so much more, however, with numerous charming bays and safe swimming beaches enclosed by native beauty.

Red Beach is the gateway to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Between Weiti River to the south, Orewa River to the west and the Hauraki Gulf to the north, it is an area that lives for marine activities. Its name originates from the red-tinged sand on the beach, which is lined with pohutukawa.

In the past 30 years, it has grown from a summer holiday resort for Aucklanders to a residential suburb only 30 minutes' drive from Auckland city. However, the area still has a coastal laid-back feel with a holiday park enjoying superb cliff-top views.

People move to Red Beach for the water sport lifestyle. There is good access to the Hauraki Gulf, launching and mooring facilities, a long coastline, it's close to Kawau Island (only 30 minutes away) and it's a great place to fish and dive. You are also close to the other beaches on the peninsula, Silverdale and Orewa.

Other bays that were once thought of purely as holiday retreats include Arkles Bay, Stanmore Bay, Little Manly and Big Manly, Army Bay and Tindalls Beach. As with Red Beach, the bach environment has been replaced with full-scale, permanent residential developments. Homes range from the modest, yet completely wonderful, to hill-top mansions commanding some of the most impressive sea views in the country. Along with the residential developments there has been the necessity for local amenities and the peninsula boasts a good mix of retail facilities, movie theatres, schools and open park spaces for joggers and walkers.

Of course, Gulf Harbour is seen by some as the jewel in the crown on the peninsula with its world-class golf course, country club and marina. And it is only 40 minutes north of the city - outside peak hour traffic. First viewed as a bustling seaside community with its own town centre, set in an intimate harbour and surrounded by world-class recreational facilities, the area takes advantage of one of the world's natural beauty spots.

Comparable with Australia's Gold Coast, Gulf Harbour is the only resort-style community of its kind in New Zealand.