Whangamumu Harbour

Whangamumu is one of those quietly special spots that rewards anyone who makes the effort to find it — the entrance is narrow, so take it slow, but once you're in, you'll find solid holding and a well-sheltered harbour that feels a world away from the busier parts of the Bay of Islands. There's plenty to explore ashore, including remnants of an old whaling station that give the place a real sense of history.