Thursday 19 November 2009

Friday Shoot Out - My town's premier attraction


S 35°43.474 . E 174°19.599

When I enquired at the Tourist Information Centre what was this town's premier attraction, the general consensus was that it was the Town Basin. That surprised me, I had expected to hear "the beaches". But I'm happy enough to go along with those who should know.

So, come park your boat in the Town Basin Marina in Whangarie Harbour, it's handy to the city centre and right alongside some lovely quayside restaurants and cafes.


Revas, the closest restaurant to the boats, is something of a Whangarei icon and a destination in itself. The first Revas opened in 1976 and I seem to recall it was the first BYO (bring your own) restaurant in Whangarei in the late 70s. In 1995, when the Town Basin was developed, Revas was the first restaurant along the waterfront.

Now "See you at Reva's" is the farewell call of yachties across the Pacific.

There are other restaurants along the waterfront:

and several cafes where you can sit and enjoy a beer or coffee:

There are places where you can have a picnic:

and plenty of places to stroll with an icecream:

and boats:

lots of boats from all over the world:

Loiter awhile and you become aware of the sense of community amongst the yachties as they go about their daily chores:

and the characters among the boating community:

(sorry I cut the man's head off but I was concentrating on the dog)


She is obviously the queen of the Town Basin.

Thanks to Kent from Montana for this week's theme. I'm looking forward to visiting lots of towns worldwide to see their premier attractions. You can, too, by following the link under My Favourites on the side bar.

So that's the premier attraction according to the Tourist Centre but I still think if you come here in summer you will be visiting one of our many wonderful beaches. I noticed the first pohutukawa bloom this week, soon they will be an added feature to the coastline as they fringe many beaches.


I feel I just have to add a couple of beaches that are just a short drive from the Town Basin:

This one has boat access only but you can walk to it as well. It's called Smuggler's Cove - a beach with a past.

Ocean Beach can usually be relied upon for good surf. So long as the swell is not too rough there can also be good swimming and children can frolic in the little stream. Or you can walk for miles without seeing many people.

If I were showing a visitor around my area I could skip the Town Basin if we didn't have much time but I could never skip the beaches.

16 comments:

  1. I don't know for sure, but doesn't it seem that our topics are bringing better and better ideas of what our towns are like.... the FEEL in them. I like your dialog very much and, of course, the pictures are a delight.

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  2. I agree with GingerV. I really like you beaches too, but I also enjoyed the town basin very much and it looks like I would have a good time eating there.

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  3. Oh, I forgot to say that I like the photo where you cut the guys head off. It doesn't look bad at all.

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  4. Your beautiful warm weather must be the premier attraction. people like to come up to the North. I went once with the Youth Hostel trip, 30 years ago, can't remember much though.

    Yes, Auckland has so much, so I did just a general one on the volcanos.

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  5. I know which I would head for as well - definitely the beaches. And I loved the po.. (had to scroll back up to see how you spell it) - pohutukawa.

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  6. I've never been to the North Island, only the South Island. The places you showcase are so beautiful.

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  7. Pauline, your weather is turning me green with envy. good and interesting set. Why do dogs always ride like that in boats?

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  8. These are beautiful pictures of northern New Zealand, Pauline. Our friend Pam is visiting there as we speak, so right now we are feeling rather envious. Your beaches are stunningly gorgeous! The basin looks like a place where we could relax and enjoy the summer season. Thank you for sharing!

    Have a wonderful week! Barry and Linda

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  9. I think I like the town basin. It looks like there is a lot to see, do and photograph!

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  10. a very beautiful place indeed! love the first two shots of the restaurants. very quaint and love the designs.

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  11. Oh what a wonderful shootout hon!! I sooo want to walk on that boardwalk!! Wonderful!Sarah

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  12. You must live in the most beautiful place. I loved every one of your pictures, but I'd probably choose the beaches first and the basin for dinner.

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  13. Why didn't I think of ASKING somebody what the town's premier attraction is? Brilliant. I know you live on an island (duh) but you are so close to the water aren't you? I like it.

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  14. So define "Town Basin". I see what it contains, and it is beautiful, but I've never heard a term like that used to describe what I see here. When I think of basin, I think of a closed drainage, like the Great Salt Lake. I'm not up on my New Zealand speak Pauline! Thanks for the lovely photos, and I'd love to visit sometime!

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  15. Town Basin, somewhat unique and as I scrolling down looking those beautiful photos I can say it's the other beautiful side of NZ. So much to do in basin indeed and can I ask a question? What's the name of that queen of basin? :-)

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  16. I'm so looking forward to Northland beaches in December. The Basin looks good too. I suppose it depends whether I wanted coffee and a chat or a long walk by the waves and a chat. Ummm. Both perhaps.

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