Situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Whangārei Heads is a 23-square-mile peninsula where lush forests and 1,300-foot mountains roll down to powder-soft white beaches on one side of the headland, with pretty harbor bays on the other. The subtropical wilderness has become a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Ocean Beach is a 3.1-mile stretch of sand on the Pacific side, opening out onto clear waters. On the shore, you can spend sunny days sunbathing, climbing around the rock pools, even horseback riding. Surfers try their luck with the waves, while others navigate around the shores on kayaks and paddleboards. Those who venture inland can discover some of the most acclaimed walking routes on the North Island. The peninsula is even home to one of only five kiwi sanctuaries in New Zealand.

Many artists have also made the Whangārei Heads their nesting grounds, and their creativity comes alive in the streets, gardens, and local galleries and craft shops. The waterfront is also home to pubs and restaurants offering a broad diversity of cuisines, heavy on local seafood.

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Whangārei Heads is great to visit in any season. It never gets cold enough to snow during the winter months of June through August — in fact, you’ll likely only need a lighter jacket at night — and the heat in the summer months of December to February rarely feels sweltering. (The occasional cyclone does blow through then, however.) During the autumn, around Easter time, the Whangārei Heads Arts Trail celebrates local creative talents at a variety of venues.

Busby Head Track

This 1.9-mile walking route starts from Urquhart Bay and loops around the coastline, with spectacular seaside views. The route is fairly easy and accessible, taking you through a forest track to the Smugglers Bay. You can even pack a picnic and your swimsuit so you can enjoy lunch and a dip there before your return.

Hen and Chicken Islands

Seven and a half miles east from the headland, this small archipelago of nine islands, known as Taranga and the Marotere in Māori, is home to nature reserves and rare native flora and fauna. You can take a boat ride to survey the islands without compromising the sanctity of the local wildlife, which include Pycroft’s petrels, geckos, kiore, and saddleback tortoises.

Mount Manaia

The climb up to the 1350-foot-high summit Mount Manaia may be steep, but the 2.5-mile trail is short and well marked, and you’ll forgive the route every drop of sweat you’ve shed when you reach the mountaintop. From there, the entire western coast of the peninsula is at your feet, and the views stretch as far as Parua Bay to the west and the Hen and Chicken Islands to the east. Along your hike, which takes only two hours there and back, you’ll pass New Zealand’s distinctive nīkau palms, kauri trees, and pōhutukawa covered in red blooms.