Breakaway Retreat

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Whangarei Heads - Whangarei: Love It Here

2011-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Whangarei Heads - Whangarei: Love it Here!

- Laurence Berry

Local artist, Laurence Berry, shares his love of Whangarei Heads in this short video clip. Video clip was created by Whangarei: Love it Here.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4 McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

www.facebook.com/BreakawayRetreatWhangarei

A perfect winters day at Whangarei Heads - Perfect for fishing, diving, walking or visiting many of our gorgeous beaches at Whangarei Heads.

2011-08-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

A perfect winters day here at Breakaway Retreat, Whangarei Heads? The weather is perfect for fishing, diving, walking or visiting many of our gorgeous beaches at Whangarei Heads or relaxing on the deck enjoying the views. We have had the pleasure of seeing Orca's passing several times this week.

Are you looking for accommodation for your diving trip to The Poor Knights Islands. Breakaway Retreat is only 1 hour drive from your departure point. Stay in luxury and enjoy a long hot soak in the spa bath after your dive.

To book your accommodation for your diving trip email us at: breakaway@breakawayretreat.co.nz

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4 McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

www.facebook.com/BreakawayRetreatWhangarei

Winter specials at Breakaway Retreat, 4 Star Plus Whangarei Heads Accommodation

2011-07-23T19:27:00.001-07:00

Breakaway Retreat Winter Special

Stay at Breakaway Retreat for 2 nights or more during the month of August and we will give you a 20% discount. This offer is only available if booked via email

breakaway@breakawayretreat.co.nz

Winter Special

2 nights accommodation for 2 people

includes breakfast provisions and bottle of wine

for only $400

2 nights accommodation for 4 people

includes breakfast provisions and bottle of wine

for only $560

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

www.breakawayretreat.co.nz
www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/BreakawayRetreatWhangarei

Fishing at Whangarei Heads

2011-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Another great days fishing at Whangarei Heads. James with his 21kg Kingfish

and Seth with his 16kg Kingfish

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
RD4 McLeod Bay
Whangarei
New Zealand
Ph 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457
www.breakawayretreat.co.nz
www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com
facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Fishing at Whangarei Heads

2011-06-12T13:43:00.001-07:00

This John Dory was caught on a live bait in front of Breakaway Retreat at Whangarei Heads.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus
1856 Whangarei Heads Road
RD 4 McLeod Bay
Whangarei
New Zealand
Phone: 00 64 9 4340711
Mobile 021 02622457

facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

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Whangarei Heads - Accommodation on the water - another beautiful day for kayaking at Breakaway Retreat

2011-05-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Another spectacular day here in Northland. Breakaway Retreat offers their guests use of two kayaks and a dinghy to explore the Whangarei Harbour and Bream Head Coastal area.

To book Breakaway Retreat for your winter escape email us at breakaway@breakawayretreat.co.nz.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4 McLeod Bay
Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457
http://www.breakawayretreat.co.nz/
http://www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com/

Breakaway Retreat Guest Comments

2011-04-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4 McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

www.breakawayretreat.co.nz

facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Dolphins at Whangarei Heads

2011-03-13T13:49:00.001-07:00

While out fishing we saw a large number of dolphins

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

www.breakawayretreat.co.nz

facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Fishing at Whangarei Heads

2010-11-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

This 8lb Snapper was caught in the Whangarei Heads Harbour

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation
1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
RD4
McLeod Bay
Whangarei
New Zealand
Ph 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457
http://www.breakawayretreat.co.nz/
http://www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com/
facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Fishing at Whangarei Heads

2010-10-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

John Dory for Labour Day Dinner

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Peach Cove - Whangarei Heads Walking Track

2010-10-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Peach Cove - Labour Weekend 2010

Peach Cove shoreline the water was so clear!

Peach Cove hut in memory of Robert V. Renking.

The Peach Cove Track has been updated and the walk will take you approx 2 hours from the beginning of the car park for the Peach Cove Track.

Peach Cove Hut

DOC sign at Peach Cove Beach

Black Stingrays are also found around the beach at Peach Cove

Anchored at Peach Cove Beach

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4
McLeod Bay

Whangarei
New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457

http://www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com/
facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Mt Manaia Walking Track reopens Labour Weekend, Whangarei Heads

2010-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

This Saturday morning at 5:30 am there will be a dawn blessing and dedication of the Five Poupou Kohatu as the new walking track is opened. Everyone will be gathering at the carpark beside the Manaia Club.

If you have some photos of Mt Manaia and the amazing view you get from walking the track, we would love to see them. Post them on our facebook page: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Hen and Chicken Islands

2010-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

View of Hen and Chicken Islands from top of Mt Manaia.

The Hen Island from Smugglers Bay.

Hen Island
Hen Island, or Taranga lies separate from the rest of the chain, lying seven kilometres to the southwest. It is the largest island by some considerable margin, totalling 4.7 km². Long and thin, it has a length of six kilometres and an average width of under 1000 metres. A remnant of a 4 million year old volcano, the island is dominated by a rocky ridge reaching to over 400 metres at its highest point, called The Pinnacles.

The Hen Island from Ocean Beach.
View of Hen Island and Sail Rock from Peach Cove.

Sail rock, a stack, rises from the ocean three kilometres to the south of Hen Island. It is a prominent navigational point for yachts.
The Chicken Islands
The Chicken Islands, or Marotiri consists of a chain of five small islands running northwest to southeast to the north of Hen Island. The chain consists of Wareware and Muriwhenua Islands (together forming the North West Chicken), Mauitaha (also known as West Chicken), Lady Alice Island (also known as Big Chicken or Motu Muka), Whatupuke (also known as Middle Chicken), and Coppermine Island (also known as Eastern Chicken).

Muriwhenua and Wareware Islands (Northwestern Chickens)
These two are small rocky islands covering 30,000 m².

Lady Alice Island (Big Chicken or Motu Muka)
This island is named after Lady Alice Fergusson (wife of Sir Charles Fergusson, Governor General of New Zealand, 1924 – 1930), and is the largest of the five chickens. It is of particular significance because of its flora and fauna. The island covers 1.4 km² and is surrounded by rocky reefs. It was occupied by Māori until the 1820s, and was used as a base for fishermen in the 1890s. Cattle were introduced at about this time, but were removed in the 1920s.

Whatupuke (Middle Chicken)
Formerly known as Whakahau, this island is composed of a large eastern section and a peninsula to the southwest. The coast of this peninsula forms one of the chain's main land features, a 300 metre wide bay (Starfish Bay). The island covers 1 km², and is steep, rising to 234 metres.

Coppermine Island (Eastern Chicken).

Coppermine island covers an area of 750,000 m². It is composed of two sections joined by a short isthmus. As the name suggests, there are copper deposits on the island, but attempts at mining them in 1849 and 1898 proved unprofitable.

West Chicken (Mauitaha) and Guano Island off Ocean Beach
This 200,000 m² scrub-covered rock lies one kilometre to the south of Muriwhenua. It is a rugged island, rising to 125 metres.

Information taken from Wikipedia.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

What our Guests have been saying - Breakaway Retreat - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

2010-07-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Guest Comments March 2010 - July 2010

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation
1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
RD4
McLeod Bay
Whangarei
New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457
http://www.breakawayretreat.co.nz/
http://www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com/
facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Mount Manaia Walking Track

2010-07-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Department of Conservation (DOC) have been upgrading the Mount Manaia walking track at Whangarei Heads. We have just been informed by DOC that the track is still closed and the expected opening date is mid-late August, weather depending. Once the track has been opened we will bring you new photographs of the upgrade.

There are still other great walking tracks in the area. Bream Head Scenic Reserve - Peach Cove Walking Track and Smugglers Bay, Mt Aubrey, Reotahi Scenic Walkway and Ocean Beach - track to lighthouse and Kauri Mountain Beach.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

Book now this whangarei heads accommodation:

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Dolphins outside Breakaway Retreat, Whangarei Heads

2010-05-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying watching the dolphins passing Breakaway Retreat.

This is the second pod that were in the Whangarei Heads area this week.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4 McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

fb: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Sunset at Breakaway Retreat

2010-04-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Another great sunset at Breakaway Retreat. Taken on Anzac Day 2010.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

http://www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com/
fb: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

AH Reed Memorial Park

2010-04-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

AH Reed Memorial Park, located at Whareora Road, is a magnificent remnant of the original kauri forests, which were once extensive throughout Northland.

There are walks throughout the bush, a feature being the canopy walkway over the Wai Koromiko stream, which gives you a great view of the forest including two 500 year old Kauri trees. There is also a half hour walk that starts where which takes you upstream along the Hatea River to the Whangarei Falls.

The canopy walkway has been designed to provide access for wheel chairs. There are several other walkways within the park.

The canopy walkway.

A magnificent Kauri tree.

Tree top canopy which winds is way through the forest and around some magnificent Kauri trees.

More magnificent Kauri trees.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

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Fishing at Whangarei Heads

2010-03-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Seth speared this 9kg Kingfish in Whangarei Heads Harbour.

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

What our Guests have been saying - Breakaway Retreat - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

2010-03-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

Guest Comments Jan 2010 - Feb 2010

Guest Comments Oct 2009 - Jan 2010

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser
Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Northland Accommodation
1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
McLeod Bay
Whangarei
New ZealandPh 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457
http://www.breakawayretreat.co.nz/

Another Perfect Summers day at Whangarei Heads

2010-01-26T23:19:00.000-08:00

Beach at Breakaway

Great for swimming 22 degrees celsius in the water!

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

http://www.breakawayretreat.co.nz

http://www.breakawayretreat.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Breakaway Retreat Guest House - Whangarei Heads Accommodation

Dolphins at Whangarei Heads

2010-01-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Pods of dolphins are often seen in and around the whangarei heads Harbour.

Orca at Whangarei Heads

2009-12-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

Fishing and Diving at Whangarei Heads

2009-12-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

Two good eating male crayfish

Taken on scuba at the Hen and Chicks

Darren caught this 7.5lb Kahawai on a soft bait.

Good smoked or baked in the oven.

Fishing at Whangarei Heads

2009-09-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

John Dory For Dinner!

Breakaway Retreat
Qualmark 4 Star Plus Whangarei Heads Luxury Accommodation
1856 Whangarei Heads Rd
RD4
McLeod Bay
Whangarei
New Zealand
Ph 09 4340711
Mobile 02102622457
http://www.breakawayretreat.co.nz

Human Chain for conservation at Reotahi Marine Reserve

2009-09-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

Human Chain for conservation at Reotahi Marine Reserve

The world’s first human chain around the world’s first student-driven marine reserve was a success today.

1005 Northland students, parents’ teachers and community members formed the chain around the landward boundary of the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve at Reotahi (Motukaroro) today.

The Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme, supported by the Department of Conservation, organised this event to celebrate conservation week and the reserves upcoming third anniversary.

Today saw months of planning come to fruition. We got through the day with no incidents, says EMR’s Nicki Wakefield, co-organiser and operations manager for event.
Boats marked the seaward boundary including Ingrid Vissors Orca Research and Dive Tutukaka’s ‘Perfect Day’.

Kerikeri Primary was one of 15 schools that made up the chain and travelled the longest distance. 40 Ngunguru School students had the most unique form of transport, with the journey from Tutukaka to Whangarei Harbour on board Perfect Day. Hundreds of students attended form Kamo High School, the original applicant of this reserve.

We achieved our goal today, all students, parents and community members will go home more aware of the reserve and its boundaries and a sense of pride and ownership of their marine reserve, says co-organiser and event controller Samara Nicholas.

“We had some incredible visitors to show their support for our event today, including a pod of dolphins and a seal, the Whangarei Harbour is truly a special place and worthy of this protection for future generations”

The presence of the helicopter created a lot of hype, it did take a few tries to coordinate over 1000 people to do a perfect Mexican wave, says Samara.

Schools that took part in the chain are encouraged to come back to and snorkel at the site with the EMR marine education programme. “The marine reserve is a fantastic education tool and the support for today’s event shows how interesting and valuable our marine reserves are for not just Northlanders, but all kiwis”

EMR also runs guided community snorkel days during the summer, co-organisers Samara, Kim and Nicki are past students of Kamo High School, which was responsible for the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve proposal.

“This marine reserve conserves unique marine biodiversity for the enjoyment of future generations. I am proud to have been involved in pulling off an event of this scale, it was a logistical nightmare, but our team from EMR and the support from DOC, Transfield and many other organisations made it possible” Mrs Nicholas says
“EMR works with schools and communities throughout New Zealand offering first-hand marine experiences and encouraging action for the marine environment. It's great to be a part of such a massive event that will draw attention to the boundaries of this marine reserve through a colossal amount of community teamwork and spirit” says Northland EMR coordinator and human chain co-chief organiser, Kim Boyle.

Children making their way to the reserve.

Getting ready to form the chain.

All photos supplied by Annelies Struijcken

Ocean Beach Whangarei Heads

2009-09-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

A beautiful spring day at Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach can be found 10 minutes from Breakaway Retreat.

View from top of sand dune.

Ocean Beach, a great place for surfing, body surfing or surf casting.

View of the chicks from Ocean Beach.

This beach is well worth a visit!

This is a great beach to take kids to. There are lots of fun things to do on the beach incling building sandcastles, climbing up on down the big sand dune, playing in the water, body surfing, kicking a ball on the beach and jumping in the rock pools.

Breakaway Retreat

Qualmark 4 Star Plus Whangarei Heads Luxury Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

RD4

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand

Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457

Kaolin Mine Whangarei Heads

2009-09-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Take a stroll along the beach at Breakaway Retreat

and see the Kaolin mine from the 1800's.

The steel posts are all that remains of the wharf where wooden

schooners once tied up too and transported the clay.

Steel railway tracks that once carried wagons.

The remains of the motor that once helped remove the clay

The clay face from where they mined from.

A Large Peace of Kaolin Clay

What Our Guests have been saying - Breakaway Retreat-Whangarei Heads Accommodation

2009-09-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our Guests Comments October 2008 - Jan 2009

Our Guests Comments Jan 2009 - June 2009

Mark & Sheelagh Prosser

Breakaway Retreat - Qualmark 4 Star Plus Luxury Northland Accommodation

1856 Whangarei Heads Rd

McLeod Bay

Whangarei

New Zealand
Ph 09 4340711

Mobile 02102622457