Whangaparaoa Peninsula facts for kids
The Whangaparāoa Peninsula is a lively area located about 25 kilometres north of Auckland in New Zealand. In 2013, over 30,000 people lived here. Many of them live in the town of Whangaparāoa, which is on the southern side of the peninsula. This area is part of the wider Hibiscus Coast.
The name Whangaparāoa comes from the Māori language. It means "Bay of Whales." This name is very fitting because you can often see pods of orcas and dolphins swimming in the waters nearby! Many people who live here are retired, or they come for holidays and weekends, especially during the summer.
Contents
Geography of Whangaparāoa
The Whangaparāoa Peninsula stretches out into the Hauraki Gulf for about 11 kilometres. It is located north of the East Coast Bays. Just three kilometres off its eastern tip is Tiritiri Matangi Island, a special nature reserve.
The peninsula used to be a quiet, rural area. But now, it has grown into a busy suburban place. Many families and couples live here, along with a large community of retired people. The city of Auckland is about 25 kilometres to the south.
Getting Around
The Auckland Northern Motorway (also known as State Highway One) was extended to Orewa in the late 1990s. This made it much faster to travel into Auckland city. It also made the peninsula a popular place for people who work in the city. There is also a planned road called Penlink. This road would include a bridge over the Weiti River. It would make travel between the peninsula and central Auckland even quicker.
Communities and Parks
Several communities are located along the peninsula. These include Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Manly, Tindalls Beach, Army Bay, Gulf Harbour, Matakatia, and Arkles Bay. At the very end of the peninsula, you'll find Shakespear Regional Park. This is a beautiful park where people can enjoy nature.
The New Zealand Defence Force owns a part of this area. This base has been used for different purposes, such as helping people who need to stay safe and healthy when they arrive from other places.
Local Facilities
Over the past twenty years, a town centre has grown on the high land above Stanmore Bay. This area now has a shopping centre, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, a library, and a community centre. These facilities make living on the peninsula very convenient. It takes about 45 minutes to get to central Auckland during quiet times.
Shopping and Fun
The main shopping area on the peninsula is called Coast Plaza. It has many shops and places to eat. There's a large supermarket called Countdown. You can also find PARAOA BREWING CO, which is a local spot for dining and events.
Sports and Activities
The peninsula is home to the football (soccer) club Hibiscus Coast AFC. This team plays in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 2.
Transportation Options
Auckland Transport buses serve the Hibiscus Coast. They can take you to places like Hibiscus Station and central Auckland. Ferries also run daily between Gulf Harbour and central Auckland. You can also take a ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island for a fun day trip!
Schools in the Area
Whangaparaoa College is the main high school for students aged 12 to 18 (Years 7 to 13). It started in 2005.
Other schools on the peninsula include:
- Wentworth College and Primary (Gulf Harbour)
- Whangaparaoa Primary
- Stanmore Bay Primary
- Gulf Harbour School
- Red Beach Primary
- Orewa College
- KingsWay School
Images for kids
-
View of Stanmore Bay
-
Tindalls Beach in late winter
-
View of Arkles Bay
