NORTHLAND: TUTUKAKA

Whananaki North is a small country community with a general store / cafe, a community hall and local primary school.

The school is in a prime waterside location and offers campsite facilities during the Summer school holidays, which is used to raise cash for all the extra facilities needed for the students.

We didn't have time to stay here, but had a walk around the school and across the bridge, and bought an icecream in the cafe.

We chatted to some of the local people who explained that the bridge was build many years ago by a group of men in the community so that their children could walk across safely to school from South Whananaki. Prior to that, they had to be ferried across in a row boat.

They are very proud of the fact that it is the longest wooden foot-bridge in the southern hemisphere!

There are also some walking tracks, which we didn't have time to do - maybe next time we'll book in and stay longer. We really like the idea of camping on the school grounds right beside the water's edge.

It was a beautiful, warm autumn day, and the blue sky reflected in the water made for some great photos. The people we met were relaxed and friendly - all that is best about a small rural community.

Whananaki North school entrance

Whananaki North school sign for the longest wooden foot-bridge in the southern hemisphere

Whananaki North school bridge

Fishing also looks pretty good