Step off the plane at Whangarei Airport, 158km north of Auckland, and feel that relaxing, fresh air wash over you. Welcome to Whangarei, the perfect North Island getaway for relaxation and getting back into nature.
Surrounded by lush forests and rich in history, the northernmost city of New Zealand is best known for its warm and welcoming Northland hospitality. Spend a day or more in Whangarei and you’ll feel right at home in no time.
Whether you’re here to relax and rejuvenate or to get in touch with nature, be sure to grab a hire car for the freedom to explore the spectacular surrounding landscape at your own pace.
Popular Whangarei attractions in and around town
The town centre is overlooked by Mount Parihaka, an old eroded volcano cone. Hike to the summit for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the town, the harbour and the lush forest. From the summit, discover Mount Parihaka’s cultural significance as the largest Maori settlement in New Zealand dating back to 1870, as you stroll through native forest, visible excavations and interpretations of the area.
The beating heart of the town is found in Quayside along the river. With cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops along the water, it’s no wonder Quayside is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists year-round. The Quay Kitchen is a locally admired restaurant with views of the waterfront and a great selection of local and imported beer and wine. For lovers of the all-day breakfast and vegetarian options, Mokaba café is also a popular dining spot.
The town basin is also home to the quirky world-famous Claphams Clock Museum on Dent Street, which is home to over 2,100 clocks and timepieces from a collection started by Archibald Clapham in 1903.
Wander over to Whangarei Quarry Gardens on Russel Road, an old quarry revitalised into a park by local volunteers. The restoration project is now a magical oasis, and a popular spot for weddings and events. Stop by the visitor centre on the way in to learn about the garden’s history, or grab a coffee at the Quail Café and relax among the local flora.
Whangarei is best known for the Whangarei Falls in Tikipunga, a 25m high waterfall surrounded by enchanting native bushland and commonly referred to as the “most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand”. Be sure to take a walk through the lush forest on one of the many bushwalking trails from the area. A popular walk is the 5km trail from Whangarei Falls to Paranui Falls.
Things to do outside of Whangarei
Take a hire car out 5km west of Whangarei’s centre and visit Kiwi North, an open museum and heritage park in Maunu. Stroll through the park taking in the 19th century buildings, walking trails through native bushland, and waterfalls. Visit the museum to discover fascinating Maori and colonial artefacts. Be sure to visit the Kiwi house, where you can learn more about the Kiwi bird, and other national wildlife like the Tuatara, the last living relative of the dinosaurs.
Put on your hiking boots and escape the beaten path with a trip out to Abbey Caves, a network of three undeveloped caverns abundant with glow worms and limestone stalactites located just east of Whangarei. You’ll need sturdy hiking boots and torches to traverse the caves safely, but the Christmas light display of the glow worms is worth it.
