This entry could also have the title "How much can you do in two days?"

Starting off with Muriwai Beach (technically still in the Waitakere region), which has a huge gannet colony:

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The weather is great so a swim break at Te Arai beach is booked. After that the next stop are the Piroa Falls:

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Still not enough for today as on the way to Whangarei is the Waipu Cave, a fabulous glowworm cave that get's practically no tourist attention. Yes you will get muddy but there will probably be no one else there and you have the cave all for you! Pictures are quite difficult though, so instead you get to see the lovely campground near Whangarei:

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The next day was all about walking. Starting off with Mt. Manaia (difficult 3km one-way), where you have a great view from the top:

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Followed by Kauri Mtn (1km one-way), a not so impressive view:

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Then Smuggles Cove-Busby Head Loop (Moderate 5km loop), where the main reward is to swim in this lovely cove:

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A stop at the Whangarei Falls (easy 10 minutes loop):

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And last but not least a visit to Tane Moana, a massive Kauri (easy/mod 35 minutes one-way)

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