SeaChange – Beachside cafe at Ruakaka
Chooky, Wai and Grant behind the counter at SeaChange Café
SeaChange Café and Takeaways near the Ruakaka Surf Club, and across the road from the Bream Bay Motel – is a perfect stop off after a walk on the beach – friendly with a focus on fresh local produce. Chooky Dudley and Grant and Wai Mason are the owner/operators of SeaChange Cafe – all three have all recently retired from the corporate world, hence the name SeaChange. Chooky was in finance, Grant in management and Wai in administration, so between them they have a diverse range of skills. “It all leads you somewhere,” says Chooky. Read more
Bream Bay supports Christchurch – come on lets get involved
Come and help raise money for Christchurch and have a great time doing it:
16 April 2011 from 5pm at Marsden Cove Marquee
$10/adult $5 student 12yrs and under free
Tickets available from Ruakaka Take Note and Waipu Stationary and Lotto and at the Door
Follow them on Facebook
Live Band: Jim Wallace and sons
Prize for best dressed – Black & Red Costume!
5pm – 5:30pm Circus performers
5:30 – 6:30pm Short Performances from three schools interspersed with quick fire raffles
6:30pm Charity Auction (see partial list below)
7pm Live Band: Jim Wallace and Sons (formerly The Outlaws)
Meals will be available from 5pm. Kids meals as well. Ice Creams and cokes. Cash Bar.
All proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity’s project: SHELTER: “getting a roof over Canterbury”.
Auction Items
- Bay of Islands Holiday: Accommodation at the Copthorne (with breakfast) and Hole in the Rock Tour from Explore NZ.
- Bag a Builder – Fancy finishing up a deck or other project? Craig Cogan will supply 3 of his best for 8hrs each!
- Beauty Therapy vouchers from Pure Essence! Think – Mother’s Day
- Holiday Bach in Mangawhai – accommodation vouchers.
- Hop over to the Matakohe museum with a family pass.
- Art – Richard Robinson limited edition print: “Coming Home II”. Check it out on www.newzealandartist.com.
- Entertaining this winter? You’ll be sorted with this package: The Marsden Yacht Club venue with the use of a spit-roaster (donated by Cowley’s Hire Centre) and a sheep for the spit.
- And why not put the out of town guests up at a Farm-stay? They also get golf and a massage!
- A unique gift idea…..A Vasectomy Operation. Donated by our local Urologist, Dr. Nixon of Cardinal Points Specialists.
- Aussie winter holiday? Try Magnetic Island! Just off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. A week’s stay in a holiday home that sleeps 8. Show the kids the real Australia this year. We’ve got a $100 travel voucher from The Travel Brokers to help with the airfare.
- The Patchwork Group is working on a special quilt commemorating Bream Bay’s effort to help Canterbury!
…..And More: There are silent auction items, baskets, dinner vouchers, something for every budget.
The organising committee wishes to extend a huge THANK YOU for all of the generous donations and support services from our community members and Bream Bay businesses.
See more on Facebook: Bream Bay Supports Christchurch
Listen to “Battle of the Sexes” MoreFM the week prior to: 16 April 2011
Langs Beach and Ding Bay
The road between Waipu and Mangawhai winds beside the perfect curve of golden sand which is Langs Beach. Pohutukawa trees burst with crimson flowers before Christmas and line the roadway providing much welcome summer shade.
It is hard to resist getting out and walking – and my recommendation is don’t! No matter how short time is, it is worth stopping and taking in the delights of this beach. Dolphins often visit and the low tide provides access to the north to Ding Bay.
The land was owned by the Lang Family and has since been developed into a coastal paradise of holiday homes.
Classics at the Cove – Summer Concert
Tara Lodge in Mangawhai has been having some excellent summer concerts (this years info) and last year at the Kaipara Music Festival at Tara Lodge, I ran into Waipu local Dave Brown. We talked about how great it would be to have a venue like that in Waipu. “My place would work well” he said, and this year it’s happening - Classics at the Cove at Tahamoana – Dave’s land on 566 Cove Road on 29 January 2011 from midday to 6pm. Read more
Visit of Clan Chief Nears
The visit to New Zealand by Sir Lachlan Maclean, the 28th Chief of Clan Maclean is now less than a month away. Sir Lachlan will arrive in Auckland on 17 November and will also visit Hamilton, Waipu, Napier and Hastings before his departure on 23 November. Read more
White Ribbon Motorcycle Ride to Mangawhai
Support the White Ribbon Motorcycle Ride to raise awareness against domestic violence
In 2010 the White Ribbon Ride will visit over 40 communities throughout the North Island with more than 200 riders taking part. At each destination riders will be met with events, rallies, sausage sizzles, forums and hakas – all designed to promote the anti-violence message in their communities. Any bikers are welcome to join the ride for as long or as short a distance as they are able – the only stipulation is that they are licensed and there is no wearing of any patches or affiliated colours. Read more
Markets in Waipu and Bream Bay
Waipu Street Market
Markets are hot at present, people like to buy local, a lot of people like to make some extra money by having a stall, and they are great community events – you get to catch up with friends.
Latest news about our local markets
In Waipu we have the monthly Saturday market, the newer Sunday Market, the long weekend street market and the Antiques and Collectables Fair. In Ruakaka the Sunday market there celebrates its first year this month and two other markets have changed hands
For dates of local markets – check out our Google Calendar Read more
Seamore House B&B Waipu
B&B Accommodation at Seamore Rise B&B in coastal Waipu
Ken and Joyce welcome you to this large family room in their new modern house overlooking fabulous Bream Bay. Relax and enjoy the view from your bedroom, or your own private outside patio overlooking the view. A generous continental breakfast awaits you in the morning and will be delivered to your room to enjoy at your leisure.
Tariff: $120-150 for 2 People – seasonal rates apply $25 per extra adult
Contact Ken or Joyce to book yourhosts@seamore.co.nz or phone 09 432 0637
Facilities
- one queen bed and one single bed
- Wheelchair accessible
- all towels and linen supplied
- Sky TV and DVD library
- Tea and coffee making facilities, with fridge
- ample parking for car and/or boat
- private entrance
Location
Overlooking the Waipu River Mouth and off shore Islands and just 3 kms from the historic settlement of Waipu. 90 minutes from Auckland and half way between Auckland to the Bay of Islands – its perfect stop off place to relax and enjoy the real New Zealand.
Your Kiwi Hosts
Ken and Joyce Moreland have enjoyed the laid back Waipu lifestyle combined for over 100 years (wow!). Ken enjoys golf at the local Waipu Golf Club and fishing – he regularly has his boat out in the Bay. Joyce’s interests are craft and patchwork – some of her artwork adorns the walls of their home.
What to do in Waipu
Explore this website to find out more about what you can do in Waipu, Bream Bay, Mangawhai and Whangarei District.
Comments from Guests
Oliver and I have again enjoyed our stay in your beautiful home on the hill. The view from our bedroom, over the Bay to the Islands, is always magnificent and the moonlight across the water at night is a special memory. Thank you for your superb hospitality and come and visit our B&B in Russell. Pip and Oliver Campbell, Russell
If I had to recommend one place to stay in Northland it would be this B&B with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, the sun rising out of the ocean, and the countryside all behind you. A great place to relax and unwind. The hospitality of the hosts is just as marvellous. They are a genuinely friendly couple and make you feel at home. This B&B is not to be missed. Jeff Eager, from Nova Scotia, now calling Japan home, renowned world traveller and TV presenter.
Email – yourhosts@seamore.co.nz
Website: www.seamore.co.nz
Markets in Waipu, Ruakaka, Mangawhai and Whangarei
Most weekends there are markets in the area, which are a great way to shop locally for locally grown food, crafts, and bric a brac. Check out the Bream Bay Calendar for dates, or for this weeks events, the home page of the website.
Waipu Markets
Waipu Street Market
- Waipu Saturday Market: First Saturday of the Month in Waipu Coronation Hall 9-1pm contact: Sue Martin ph 0274 586-144 email
- Waipu Boutique Sunday Market & Café:
2nd Sunday of the Month
Waipu Coronation Hall 9-1pm contact: Jo or Bill 0274507377 or email: joandbilly@xtra.co.nz - Waipu Street Market - Saturdays of long weekends 9-1pm contact: If you are interested in having a stall contact Susan McRae 09 432 1029 bs.mcrae@xtra.co.nz
- Waipu Antiques and Collectables Fair – Sunday of Long weekends 9-4pm contact: Leigh 09 432 0059
Images from Waipu Boutique Sunday Market & Café:
Ruakaka Markets
Ruakaka Community Markets: Third Sunday of the Month behind SuperValue supermarket. This is a community venture – the stall fee is $10.00 with all fees going back into the community. We are hoping to also have a few information stalls (no fees) Information: Sharon 09 432 8477, Helen 09 4330205, Annette 09 4330290
Whangarei Farmers Market
6.30-10.30 every Saturday morning The Growers Market offers a vast range of produce throughout the year with customers guaranteed that the produce is grown and processed by stallholders.
The market was started in 1998 by two growers who saw a need to foster and save small and medium size growers while offering consumers an alternative to mass produced goods. It was the first growers market in New Zealand and it remains the largest of its kind. Whangarei Farmers Market
Markets in Mangawhai
Mangawhai has weekly and monthly markets – well worth the drive around the coast – and don’t forget to visit the Smashed Pipi Gallery (one of the best in Northland) and Bennetts Café and Chocolataire.
- Mangawhai Market Every Saturday 9am – 1pm at the Library Hall in the Village
Contact: Marita Draper, The Cheese Shop Ph: 09 431 2195 Mob 021 598 917 -
Photo by Steve Campbell Low Level Aerial photos by Overviewsnz.com of Kaiwaka
Mangawhai Beach and Country Market At the Mangawhai Domain Sunday 9am – 1pm, Car boot sites available
Enquiries: Sue – 0274 586 144 toriamartin@hotmail.com - Mangawhai Heads Market In the Wood Street Shops Sunday’s 10am-2pm Contact: Jan Ph: 09 431 2241
Blog posts about Markets in the Bream Bay area:
- Ruakaka Community Market - now at Marsden Cove
- Sunday Market has New Owners
- Markets in Waipu and Bream Bay
- The Magic of Matakana, half way between Auckland and Waipu
- Waipu Sunday Market changes its dates
The Magic of Matakana, half way between Auckland and Waipu
The Matakana MarketFor years I have heard of the Matakana Market, but have never quite made it. This weekend was it – we headed off from Waipu at 9.30 and when we arrived an hour later the market was still pumping. (hours 8-1pm) It was everything we had hoped – lots of great local food to try and buy – we had soon loaded up with ciabatta bread, local avocado oil and Dukka, garlic and onions, sausages, mandarins ($5 a bag they were a bargain) and chocolate. The market is so well laid out and had a great energy and lots of parking. We walked back to the car using the beautiful riverside walkway that runs below the market and under the road bridge. Add on a visit to the movies as we did, and Morris and James Pottery, and somewhere to eat along the way, this is a fabulous day trip from Auckland or from Waipu and Mangawhai. |
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Matakana VillageSet in a picturesque valley between Warkworth and Omaha and Pakari Beach, Matakana is a gem. Its mix of traditional and contemporary, integrated with beautiful outside spaces which tie the area together are breath taking. The Farmers Market is situated at the heart of it all. As a builder I wanted to know more about who was behind this development which I can only describe as outstanding. A little research on google and I found out more: In 1992, local investor Richard Didsbury purchased the land where the Matakana Village project now stands. A few years later, Richard began kicking around ideas with Architect Noel Lane about what to do with the old sawmill site at the Matakana crossroads. Noel has established a reputation for cutting-edge, contemporary architecture, but when it came to designing Matakana Village he took a rather different approach. Just an hours drive north of Auckland. Didsbury’s vision was to establish a market for locally grown produce – now the thriving Matakana Farmer’s Market – and to re-invigorate the area with a boutique retail and cinema complex. Concepts for a contemporary development were shelved early on in the project when historical research revealed that Matakana was much older than the nearby town of Warkworth. Founded in 1862 [this date is taken from the year that the first local building, the school, was opened] Matakana was an early trading port with one of New Zealand’s first water-powered sawmills supplying timber to local shipwrights. “Richard’s research actually shifted the way we were thinking about the development”, says Lane. “Our ideas just slowly morphed to become more historic in aesthetic and detail, and we ended up feeling if we were too contemporary, it would be like storming the original village.” Both agreed that they were taking a big risk in going for a historical approach. “We didn’t want to do some sort of twee American [style] historic replica which the public would see through in five seconds.” says Didsbury. “We aimed to give the buildings some quirkiness so that people would inherently know when they stepped back and looked at the detail that these were not old buildings – that there was something unusual going on.” The overall design of the Matakana Village takes its cues from nearby historic buildings – the old dairy factory, the St. Leonard’s Anglican Church, Matakana House, and the existing colonial wooden houses. But Lane has used a myriad of creative devices, which draw on aspects of New Zealand’s cultural heritage, to give the buildings a modern twist. Many local craftspeople have also added their creative flair to the project, from the landscaping (The Isthmus Group), the lead lights (Stefanie Mann Glass), and the much talked about triple-layered, scribble steel balustrade in the cinema complex (EAT Engineering Ltd.) |
There is so much to see in this area, while you can do it in a day trip, it probably deserves a longer and more leisurely stay.
 The toilets at Matakana
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Two other things not to miss when visiting Matakana
Matakana CinemasLike the Farmers Market I had heard of these boutique cinemas, so we decided to see a movie while we were here. There were three theatres and some great arthouse movies to choose from, and the movies are timed for market going patrons, with one of the sessions starting at between 12 and 1pm on a Saturday. Fabulous small theatres – 4 Lazy boys in the front – so get their early if you fancy a stretch. The other chairs are large and roomy, and you can take in coffee and a wine if purchased at the facilities. Morris and James PotteryJust a few hundred yards from Matakana you will find Morris and James - leave the car and walk unless you plan to buy something to big to carry. And you may well be tempted. They were having a sale when I was there – the colours and forms are seductive, the building very user friendly – great spaces for kids to play, a Café. Winery ToursAnd don’t forget there are wineries to visit, shops and cafés along the way, and the beaches not too far away. |
