Location: Wellsford
Top Things to do in Wellsford
Top Restaurants in Wellsford
10 Things to Do in Wellsford That You Shouldn't Miss
Wellsford is a town on the Northland Peninsula in the northern North Island of New Zealand. It is the northernmost major settlement in the Auckland Region, and is 77 kilometres northwest of the Auckland CBD.
Restaurants in Wellsford
1. Pakiri Beach Horse Rides - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By nicolajones08 - Oki-gun, Shimane, Japan
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our trek with the Pakiri Beach Horse Riding team. The weather was amazing which helped also.
I have done horse riding many times, but this was the best location by far - river crossing, sand dunes, beach, small forest etc.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to get here as it is a long way from the main road.
There was a small shop to buy drinks and icecream which we enjoyed after the ride.
I rode at the back (my horse was not so bossy I guess?) so I could talk with the guide Rachel - she was very kind and helped the young school boy who was riding with us.
The staff were friendly but could have been a bit more organised as there was a large group of us riding that day.
I would like to suggest to the team that maybe you could give us all some instructions on how to ride before we got on the horse, not once we are on the horse. Explaining to the entire group first, then again once on the horse would be the best way I think. I also suggest that there be some time before/after the ride to take photos with the horses.
2. Aotearoa Surf School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 173 reviews
Aotearoa Surf Stand up paddle boarding! Surfing! Kayaking! and much more Get a Lesson, take a tour or explore on your own Enjoy Mangawhai estuary with a Stand up paddle boarding lesson We have a large range of stand up paddle boards and surfboards for the whole family. Safe, Easy and fun. Regular lessons and tours operating all year round at the Mangawhai tavern, surf beach, and from our home base at Te Arai Beach Aotearoa Surf is the oldest established surf school and hire company, operating for 12 years Qualified and experienced coaches Stand up paddle boarding, Surfing and kayaking think Aotearoa Surf! The surf Beaches in the area are among the safest in the world yet provide ideal conditions for surfers of all skill levels. Learn in safe gentle waves in waist deep water with your coach right next to you. Our 6:1 coaching ratio means you get the best supervision and tuition.
Reviewed By Amanda N
Took a morning surf lesson with them a couple of weeks ago. Great thing about them is that they kept the class size small, 6 students altogether, unlike my previous class with another company where there was like 17 students to 2 instructors. Anyway, both instructors at Aotearoa Surf, Ben& Mattias, were very attentive and friendly. While out in the sea, they actively went around spotting us, correcting our forms and giving helpful tips on how to prop up to standing on the surfboards. Finally I got to stand up and balance on my board for like 5 seconds! YAY! Highly recommend their surf lessons to anyone just starting out or interested in learning.
Shay, who runs the surf shop& lessons, is a friendly guy and he gave us good advice on surf equipment & techniques. Now my partner and I will always drop by his shop to pick up some stuff before heading to the beach nearby, which is like another 5mins away. Great shop & awesome staff.
3. Te Hana Te Ao Marama Maori Cultural Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Te Hana Te Ao Marama offers an array of authentic and exciting cultural activities from guided New Zealand Maori Village Tours and awe inspiring Maori Cultural Performances to Marae styled accommodation. Our Village Cafe also provides you with mouth watering savouries and sweets or browse through our Art Gallery for the perfect hand crafted gift. Open 7 days 9am to 5pm.
Reviewed By Annie1977Berridale - Berridale
We found details for Te Hana during an overnight stay during the Carnival Spirit's port of call into Auckland. We drove out and found the venue easily and parking a breeze. Our host was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Princess Te Hana and the story behind this particular area of the North Island.
Facilities were clean and also has a large meals and bar area.
They also have a small gift shop.
The staff were all very friendly and we are certainly glad that we found the attraction in a local tourism brochure.
4. Minniesdale Chapel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By SandiPandy - Warkworth, New Zealand
Minniesdale Chapel, is a historic Chapel that was shipped out with the original Albertlanders from the UK in 1867. Very little has changed from it's original build. The old organ, pulpit, organ stool and bench seats are still in use. Having grown up in Wharehine, Minniesdale was a refuge and haven, a quiet place to sit and contemplate. Attached to the site is a cemetery where many of the locals are buried, and which is still used today. Outside the site is glorious with gorgeous views of the Kaipara Harbour. Well worth the metal windy roads, to visit this Slice of Heaven.
5. Sculptureum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 252 reviews
The hundreds of works on display in its Gardens and Galleries have been chosen to amuse, inspire and stimulate. They are a mix of colour, whimsy and wonder.
Reviewed By MagsCrichton - Waipu
This is a hidden gem in Matakana. The sculptures and art on display are amazing. A real feast for the eyes and soul. Allow a good 2 hours for both the outdoor and indoor Exhibitions. Dont worry about the weather, they provide umbrellas :) make a day of it and dine at the fantastic restaurant. This is one of the best attractions in NZ. Really worth a visit.
6. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Experience Art and Wine Entwined at Brick Bay. Visit the Glass House, the spectacular restaurant, home of Brick Bay Wines and gateway to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Brick Bay is a boutique Matakana vineyard producing elegant estate grown wines: a renowned Pinot Gris, a vibrant Rose and intense Bordeaux-style red blends. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail winds through a remarkable native landscape, showcasing 50 works by New Zealand's leading sculptors. Open daily for wine tasting, cellar door sales, relaxed all day dining, coffee and the Sculpture Trail.
Reviewed By kirstyGo - Auckland, New Zealand
Visited there with extended family for Christmas. The Gardens had an interesting range of sculptures, a pleasant hour or so was spent leisurely exploring. Our group then had afternoon tea, an assortment of snacks, coffees and desserts under a grapevine canopied courtyard which was just...MoreThanks for your recommendation! We're so glad you enjoyed your experience and hope you visit again soon :)
7. Atiu Creek Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By JantienK - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Our NZ trip brought us close to Atiu Creek, and we decided to pay this park a short visit. The park measures approximately 3x3km. Starting from, and returning to, the car park, we walked for 2+ hours through a hilly terrain with remarkable variation in scenery and some wide panoramas. Although we visited on a Saturday in December, no doubt a more busy day than an average day in the year, we did not spot any other visitors. Recommended.
8. Sheepworld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Sheepworld is New Zealand’s Sheep and Wool Centre. In twice-daily live demonstrations the dogs round up and bring in the sheep, which are then sorted and shorn. Our Wonderful Wool multimedia exhibition then explains how the fleece is turned into an amazing variety of products, many of which are on sale in our store. There’s also an eco-discovery stroll through native bush, a natural adventure playground, a farmyard full of animals and an on-site cafe. Suitable for all ages.
Reviewed By FunkyMunkey106 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
The main animal park is worth the visit as its very interactive. The sheep demonstration is not great. Compared to the Agrodome at Rotarua, there's too much talking and not enough happening; as a result all the kids at our visit got a bit bored and restless.
9. Matakana Beach Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Summer Sessions Surf Centre (formerly Matakana Beach Outfitters)is Omaha's premier surf school and rental centre. We offer surf lessons, surfboard hire, paddle board hire, body board hire, and wetsuit hire. You can also purchase beach essentials such as hats, sunnies, body boards, leashes at our surf centre. We are located in the parking lot next to the surf club. Come join us for a fun day at Omaha Beach.
Reviewed By Sascha20152015 - Warkworth, New Zealand
I've been paddling with MBO for over a year now and it's always an amazing experience, SUP fitness is fantastic all over body workout, and being on the water is a great place to get fit! Definitely something I would recommend!
10. Offshore Adventures - Day Fishing Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
Offshore Adventures Fishing Charters is based in the stunning seaside village of Mangawhai Heads, only 1.5hrs north of Auckland. We offer a diverse fishery including some of New Zealand's best Kingfish, Snapper, and in the summer months, Marlin. Custom built boat, top of the line tackle and internationally experienced Guide/Captain will ensure you have an amazing sportfishing experience.
Reviewed By antinaireys - Aireys Inlet, Australia
Just finished a four day charter and accomodation package with Bea & Tony one word
AMAZING.The level of service and proffessionalism from both was over and above anything we expected,Tony's passion and knowledge was fantastic.The boat was absolutely perfect as well as all the gear,top quality Shimano rods and reels.
Bea's cooking and food was fantastic we were amazed at the hospitality that she spoiled us with(thanks Bea)
The best charter I've been on and we will be back to the (lane of pain !!)
Thanks guys.
Ant,Paul and OC.
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