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An easy and attractive walk 30-45 min one way from Whangaparapara Rd to the main pool, where there are seats, a picnic table and a toilet. Five minutes further upstream there are more pools, which are hotter. Take care – they can be quite hot.
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White Cliffs
A track runs between Blind Bay Rd and Whangaparapara Rd, with a side track to the 398-m summit. It's 30 minutes from either end to the junction and another 30 to the summit. Nice aerobic walk (gradual descent/ascent). 360-degree view at the top.
Hirakimatā
The island's highest point at 621 m. There's 360-degree views at the top. On a clear day it offers spectacular views ranging from the Mercury Islands to the Poor Knights Islands, and the Hauraki Gulf. Take a 4–5 hr return hike to the top via Windy Canyon (itself an attraction) and Palmer's Track. You can also take a slightly longer route from Kaiaraara (3–3½ hr one way), or a much longer one via the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track and Peach Tree Track (5 hr one way).
A lovely west-coast beach where there's often dolphins close to shore. There’s a public BBQ – bring your own meat and drinks for an epic sunset. Generally not a surfing beach.
Museum in an old house giving island history and an art gallery showing works by local artists, with a small gift shop.
Hammerhead sharks can sometimes be spotted, usually from the plane.
Run by a hobbyist, but it has interesting exhibits about the history of the island. The 3 room Wiltshire Manor Backpackers is on the same site.