Mimiwhangata Coastal Park near Whangārei is home to recovering bird and marine species, lovely coastal walks and lots of opportunities for water activities.
The adjacent marine park includes exposed and sheltered waters, rocky and sandy coasts, supporting a typical Northland open-coast biota.
A number of rare species can be found in the park, such as the ivory coral, a red-lined bubble shell, a callianassid shrimp, the spotted black grouper (Epinephelus daemelii), sharp-nosed puffer (or toado) and sabretooth blenny. Reefs stretching four kilometres offshore east of Rimariki Island off Mimiwhangata appear biodiversity-rich with notable species of gorgonian fans, soft corals and black coral and a range of different fish species.
Clear waters around Paparahi Point Recreation Reserve. © DOC
Oral history and archaeological evidence shows Mimiwhangata was once inhabited by a substantial Māori community. Major pā sites are spread over the peninsula and it is possible to see the patterns of long-gone vegetable gardens on the hills.
There are several walks around the park, including the Peninsula Loop Walk around the headland, which offers shady beaches, rocky shores, archaeological sites, farmland, native vegetation and a chance to glimpse some birdlife, including the rare brown teal; and the Tohumoana Lookout Track, which offers superb views of Mimiwhangata, the coast and the Poor Knights Islands.
Poor Knights Islands © Russell Street Creative Commons