Flash's family must-do's this Endless Summer
Published on 18 December 2025
This summer will look a little different for me, as I am stepping away from the radio mic after 25 years! There are so many fun family memories to be made, and I plan on making the most of everything there is to do in all corners of the Whangarei District.
With the Endless Summer Festival taking place from 1 January through to 31 March 2026, there's no better time to get out and about.
You'll find me picking...
"Our family will be making our annual visit to Blueberry Country to pick blueberries and then eat waaaay too many of them! I say, "visit like it only happens once a summer", but once you try these fat, juicy blueberries you're going to want to go back again... and again."
Where to find it: Rosyth Road, Waipū. Take a hat and sunscreen (and reliable pickers who you can trust to put the biggest berries in the bucket without eating them first!)
You'll find me walking...
"You might see me on the beach if you're enjoying some early morning exercise. A great place for a walk and swim while the day is breaking is Ruakākā Beach - up to Uretiti camp and back. I think it's the best place to see the sunrise!"
Where to find it: Ruakākā Beach is located 30 minutes south of Whangārei. Park next to the Ruakākā Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Ruakākā Beach Road.
You'll find me visiting...
"This Endless Summer a trip to the Tūtūkākā Coast is a must! Surf or play in the waves at Sandy Bay or Matapōuri and eat a giant ice cream from Matapōuri Bay Store (Goody Goody Gum Drop of course!). A browse of Urchin Tūtūkākā is always tempting!"
Where to find it: Matapouri Bay Store is located at 952 Matapouri Road. Urchin is located in the Tūtūkākā village, Marina Road.
This summer we are heading out to the Poor Knights Islands with friends on Dive Tūtūkākā's Perfect Day for some of the best snorkelling in the world!
Where to find it: Look for the enormous dive bottle on Marina Road, Tūtūkākā.
You'll find me eating...
You also can't miss Schnappa Rock Restaurant on the marina when visiting the coast. The fish tacos are supreme and the team from Schnappa Rock won the Supreme Award at the huge 'A Perfect Match' North Haven Hospice fundraiser early in 2025.
Where to find it: Marina Road, Tūtūkākā.
You'll find me attending...
There are some fantastic local events in Whangārei this summer.
- Wings 'n' Wheels is coming to Whangārei Airport on Sunday 11 January and if you have plane and car fans at your place like I do, I'll see you there! This is a very cool opportunity to see NZ Warbirds both in the air and up-close. My Dad has booked the spare room at our place already.
- The Davis Cup tennis will be at McKay Stadium in Kensington on Waitangi Weekend (I can't wait to see New Zealand play Bosnia & Herzegovina!)
- Epic staples and bombs will be on show at the Z Manu World Champs regional qualifier, taking place on Saturday 17 January at the Whangārei Aquatic Centre (my kids are already perfecting their technique!)
- Kiwi fave Avalanche City is performing at Forum North in Whangārei on Saturday 28 March - make Love Love Love(YouTube) your throwback summer anthem and I might see you there in March.
There's just so much to do and see and eat and enjoy. Have a choice Endless Summer!
Thank you to Flash for sharing your Endless Summer tips!