WAITARERE

The turnoff to Waitārere could be easy to miss, coming as it does on a wide and sweeping corner that takes concentration to drive. But 6.5km down a picturesque road is the still-bachy beach town. More than ably served by a well-above-the-average 4 Square supermarket, Waitārere (which means “copiously flowing waters”) offers much to do, with a wide, accessible beach, forests that promise heaps of walking and cycling and a fun play area for kids.