On the way/nearby

Explore the 309 Road which winds across the peninsula to Whitianga (look out for Stuart’s wild pigs); or head north to Driving Creek Railway where potter Barry Brickell’s little narrow-gauge train takes you up through the bush, over viaducts and past lots of his works to the Eyefull Tower at the top, for big views of the peninsula and the sea.

On the way back into town, stop at the Museum of Mines, a random collection of local life and history, from minerals and Masonry to prison and poems. Back in town, sit under the fig tree to eat a creamy mussel specialty from Coro Pie.

How much?

Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for children 3-15, students and seniors, families $75. It’s open daily from 10am to 6pm, and there’s a cafe, shop, the swimming hole, a playground and barbecue. Make a day of it!

Best time to go

You’re going to get wet anyway, so it doesn’t matter if it’s raining but you’ll have most fun on a hot sunny day. See thewaterworks.co.nz. – Pamela Wade