Whangamata is around an hour and a half from Auckland and is a popular coastal destination. There are plenty of things to do whether you just like to relax on the beautiful sandy beach or head off for an adventure Whangamata has it all. You can join a kayak tour group and paddle out to Donut Island or kayak to Whenuakura wildlife sanctuary take a leisurely walk to Wentworth Falls or head into town and wander around the shops then when the tummy rumbles there are plenty of places to eat and drink, after lunch head to the beach to sunbathe, swim or have a go at surfing, if something a little quieter is more your style head to the estuary where you can paddleboard without the surf throwing you off! Opoutere Beach is a short drive away so jump in the car and check out the Coastal Bird Sanctuary. If you are lucky enough to be in Whangamata in March and you're a bit of a petrolhead then you can't miss the famous Beach Hop! for over 20 years classic and vintage car, caravans and motorbikes from all over NZ head there for a week-long event, with a full day in town on the Saturday and evening cruises, there are vintage markets and displays the whole week and some great musical and dancing shows as well, it's a great family friendly event and for a lot of people it's a not to be missed week of fun.