Where are we? Whangaroa Harbour is 40 km. north of the Bay of Islands on Northland's East Coast. 3&1/2 hrs driving from Auckland. Situated at historic Totara North
If you would like to check availability, or just have questions, give us a call and we would be happy to help. If you prefer, you may contact by using the form at the bottom of this page
Hire a houseboat now!
VIDEO
Check out this excellent video of Neil's family houseboat holiday12MB 3 mins. Opens with media player
Whangaroa Houseboats makes worlds 6 best houseboats for hire says "The Times" of London. Read about it here
Comments from the Navigator's Log Book :
"Every couple should spend time on the romantic Whangaroa. Great for the soul. Arohanui"
We all had a wondeful time with lots of great memories to take with us, for the three generations aboard. The littlies were enchanted with the 'library room' and had poor old 'Poppy' busy reading numerous
books.
Awesome time. Lived off the sea.Caught 3 large snapper. Both children had the time of their lives, fishing, kayaking and swimming.
No phone, no emails, no worries
Today began at 4am when mum and dad woke us to go out and look at the stars.Well worth been dragged out of bed for.
A fantastic weekend thanks very much. I would recommend to anyone who wants a good weekend.
Beautiful days fishing at the heads. Caught 2 large snapper and a terakihi. Anchored at lane cove. Just beautiful.A fanatastic 5 days. We will be back.
The days were filled with an amazing amount of fun. This was a magnificent trip. We all loved the rotaing views and it was so beautiful looking at the stars. I would really recommend this for anyone who loves the
outdoors.
Just a note to say how much we enjoyed our 4 days aboard Maple Leaf in early January. It's pretty hard to please the teenagers and adults at the same time, but the vessel and
surroundings were hard to beat.We hope to get up to Whangaroa again in the future, definitely a special part of the world,
Very comfortable beds and convenient kitchen and bathroom facilities. Plenty of room for the six of us - all over 70 and friends for 55 years - to sit around talk. We loved the scenery which we couldn't have seen
any other way. There were calm anchorages whatever the weather, and we were able to soak up the peace. Isolation, majestic scenery equal to anywhere else in New Zealand. We enjoyed the bush walks, and the swimming was great. Great holiday
accommodation.
“ off & motored down to the Western Arm. Anchored in Lane’ Bay. Kayaked up the creek at high tide. A beautiful evening - calm & still & starlit.”
Today we found dolphins and they were swimming around the boat. it was a great experience.
Best thing we have done for a very long time
A great week with great weather. Lots of fish. A 4 kilo snapper a highlight. Waterskiing the day, lunch at kingfish lodge, another lot of kayaking and swimming. A very relaxing week.
“ children went Kayaking. We headed off in the dinghy for the D.O.C. cottage and hiked to the top of the Duke’ Nose. Beautiful vistas - well worth the effort. A bit of an adventure climbing down the
rock face, Swam back to the Maple Leaf. Set off for an explore of the harbour. Ventured out to the opening for a view of the sea - all was calm. Followed the working birds. Anchored in Waihi Bay & this time the fish fed us - 4 lovely
snapper and a kawhai. Time for a kayak around the bay and a rousing game of cards. Phosphorescence in the water sparkled in the rain - poured throughout the night.”
“ and eggs for breakfast, a lazy, drizzly morn. A fabulous holiday on a well appointed boat. You have anticipated well the needs of a skipper and crew. We particularly enjoyed your notes on the near-by
hikes. A beautiful location for a relaxing holiday. Thanks!”
Excellent weekend to relax, kick back and catch lunch - absolutely fabulous!
We wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed the houseboat! Each child caught over 13 fish each, they were practically throwing themselves onto our boat. In the 2 weeks
that we spent in New Zealand, this was the highlight of our vacation! The boat was very
spacious for the 4 adults and 4 children we had aboard. The accomodations were so clean and safe that we were all able to relax, swim, fish and eat and cook
2 huge meals on board.
“ wonderful experience today seeing a pod of dolphins close by head up the harbour and then back out to sea. Also two or three penguins playing around. Fished around South Head most of the
day.”“ weather … another great holiday onboard the ‘ Leaf’”
"The boat was a great set up. We will be recommending this to everyone we know"
"A truly magnificent place to be. Must be one of the worlds 'Top Spots' "
"Everyone in New Zealand should spend one weekend in Whangaroa Harbour, before they die "
"An enjoyable & happy cruise on a well appointed vessel"
You Tube Video
Bushmansfriend: A Responsible Tourism Operator
Bushmansfriend Ltd prides itself on a philosophy of Responsible Tourism. We actively strive to improve our energy efficiency, waste management,
water conservation, caring for our flora and fauna and being actively involved in growing the Whangaroa Community. Reduce Recycle Reuse
Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays
Charter a houseboat and explore Northland's beautiful Whangaroa Harbour.
Enjoy a getaway on this unique Northland New Zealand holiday accommodation. It's a great family holiday, the ultimate romantic escape, weekend getaway, or fishing expedition with mates.
Hiring a Houseboat is the perfect means for you to access Whangaroa Harbours natural beauty, yet still enjoying all the comforts of home. Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays offer a unique escape, far from the "madding crowd", in
Northlands beautiful Whangaroa Harbour - the perfect environment for the relaxed and invigorating holiday getaway that houseboating provides. Only 50 minutes drive from The Bay of Islands, Kerikeri and Kaitaia.
Whangaroa's subtropical summers and warm winters allow you to enjoy your floating accommodation any time of the year.
Our unique boat rentals are an opportunity to explore and discover the East Coast of the Far North of New Zealand, which abounds in a diversity of fascinating topography … intricate and spectacular sea caves and grottos, towering
rock formations, tiny rocky islets close to the rocky indented coastline and beautiful sandy beaches and bays, some hidden and inaccessible from the land, pristine and deserted.
Whangaroa's scenery is awe-inspiring, with towering sheer bluffs and volcanic rock formations protruding through steep forested shores, its colours reflected in tranquil water. Whangaroa remains an unspoiled natural resource, ideal for
rest and relaxation.
The rock formations and cliffs that overhang the tranquil waters of the western side of the harbour are of another world and time. And with no roads or houses for miles, Whangaroa Harbours outer arms offer a haven to those looking for
silence and solitude.
"A singular and beautifully romantic
place".
Our Houseboats are surveyed as bare boat charter/ hire and drive, within the limits of Whangaroa Harbour. While you don't need any marine qualification to take control of the houseboat, previous boating
experience is recommended. Coast guard day skippers course is ideal. On boarding, a full safety and operating lesson ensures you are safe and comfortable. For inexperienced guests, our qualified skipper can deliver the houseboat to a safe anchorage
for you. We show you how to pick up a mooring that you can put the boat on if conditions become stormy. The skipper will pilot you and the boat to the wharf or mooring at the end of your holiday.
Whangaroas good fishing is legendary. Kahawai, Snapper and John Dory can be caught from the back door of the boat. Catch your own dinner.
As everyone knows, messing about in boats is fun. Fishing, diving and sailing are just a few of many reasons to get afloat - now do all this from your lounge.
Go sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing, windsurfing, walking or tramping and your floating accommodation is right there! No need to pack up and drive home! Whangaroa's subtropical summers and warm winters allow you to enjoy your
floating accommodation at any time of the year.
Avoid the crowds and high rise of other holiday destinations. Catch a fish and cook it on the BBQ, snorkel. kayak, swim, explore pristine bush and coastal walks, just chill out, or read a book.
A real genuine kiwi holiday, the way a holiday should be. Truely unique holiday accommodation.
Fly to Bay of Islands Airport, Kerikeri and we can pick you up and transport you to the houseboat base in Totara North, 35 minutes from the airport.
1 of the world's 6 best houseboats for holiday hire
"The Times" of London says Whangaroa Houseboat
Holidays is one of the world's best houseboats for holiday hire. Its a great"thumbs up" for the boat and the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour. A world class holiday experience.
Plenty of room for relaxing. Ideal for a party of friends.
The Maple Leaf "The Classic Kiwi Bach Afloat"
More space than a pleasure boat and more versatile than a waterfront house. Houseboats are user friendly - if you can drive a car you'll find it easy and fun to operate. More room than a yacht and easier to operate.
Hire a houseboat now. Purpose built & designed in New Zealand, Maple Leaf is 12.8 x 4.8 meters and features a large cabin area, 2 double berths and 4 single berths. While there is sleeping on board for 8, we recommend no more than 6
adults.
The bathroom has a shower, vanity & W.C. A fully equipped galley includes fridge, two burnerstove, cutlery, crockery, pots and pans. We provide all linen, blankets, duvets, pillows and sheets. Bring
your own towels.
Sit back in the lounge and enjoy the view or fish, dive and swim from your doorstep! Dine on fresh fish. Cockles, pipis and oysters can be gathered at low tide. Row ashore and spend some time exploring and
then back to your home on the water. Read a book or just chill out.
The sofa pulls out into a double bed on the Maple Leaf
The well equipped galley.
A dinghy, oars and 2 HP outboard are included
Solar panel on the roof provides power for the houseboats
Whangaroa Harbour. The Jewel of the North
Whangaroa Harbour is an unspoiled natural resource for rest and relaxation. Its calm waters, surrounded by majestic scenery are the perfect environment for the relaxed holiday getaway that houseboating provides. With tranquil
waters and majestic scenery, towering bluffs, unique rock formations and vertical cliff faces protruding through steep forested shores, its a very special place of escape far from the madding crowd. From May to November you are guaranteed to be
the single boat in one of the many isolated bays and coves.
Whangaroa is recognised as New Zealand's best harbour, providing many attractive and safe anchorages. A sheltered cove or bay can be found in all but extreme weather.
Fresh fish, a glass of wine and good company in a beautiful environment
Two single bunks in the hall of Maple Leaf.
Maple Leaf's spacious main cabin.
Kayak and fishing tackle hire is available
Whangaroa Harbour offers excellent fishing spots, scenic walks, famous landmarks and a rich colonial history.
Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays is located at historic Totara North on the north western side of Whangaroa Harbour. We are 13 km north of Kaeo. Take the turn off from State Highway 10 (Twin Coast Discovery Highway) at the Kahoe
bridge and go to the end of Totara North road where there is a wharf and boat ramp. You will be transported to the houseboat. Your vehicles (maximum 2) can be left for the duration at the owners house at no charge.
To confirm a reservation a 25% deposit is required, along with agreement to the terms of the charter as out lined on the booking form. Balance by Cash, Cheque or
Credit Card imprint prior to charter.
