Location: Whangarei
Top Things to do in Whangarei
10 Free Things to do in Whangarei That You Shouldn't Miss
Whangarei (/ˌfɒŋəˈreɪ/, or /ˌwɒŋəˈreɪ/; Māori: [faŋaˈɾɛi]) is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. It is part of the Whangarei District, a local body created in 1989 to administer both the city proper and its hinterland, from the former Whangarei City, Whangarei County and Hikurangi Town councils. The city population was estimated to be 57,700 in June 2017, up from 47,000 in 2001.
Restaurants in Whangarei
1. Mount Manaia Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 217 reviews
Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By peekaboo19
A nice challenging walk up 420m to the viewpoint looking over the coast. Well worth the sweat up to see the beautiful view. Would recommend walking this if you are in the area but may not be accessible for everyone
2. Burning Issues Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By fandingo - Auckland, New Zealand
We found our anniversary celebration gift at this gallery, and the added bonus was looking around a lovely space, with great energy and beautifully displayed artwork. The owner also gave us a recommendation on where to eat which was brilliant!
3. Trail Drop Whangarei
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Shuttle service to walking trails and beaches at Whangarei Heads. Our stops include two of DOC's top tracks: Mt Manaia Track & Te Whara Track. Book our return shuttle from Whangarei central or our One-way Transfer for Te Whara Track if you have your own vehicle.
Reviewed By suzy2353
A great alternative to a long drive around to Whangarei Heads is to cross by boat from Marsden Point to Reotahi. We walked around to Urquhart Bay then hiked over to Smugglers Bay & stayed the night at Peach Cove, the next day taking the Te Whara track out to Ocean Beach where we were picked up by the Trail Drop shuttle to get back to Reotahi. What a great service - seamless, informed, on time!
4. Whangarei Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,250 reviews
Reviewed By suzeontheroad - Raglan, New Zealand
A short walk is rewarded with a lovely waterfall which can be further enjoyed by continuing to walk over a bridge and around a bit.
5. Abbey Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By SIXOCLOCKTICKET - Bentley, United Kingdom
Found this place pretty much randomly, but so glad we did. We weren’t prepared so we probably missed some of the best bits. We had phone lights, head torches would have been better, and trainers, where water shoes would have been better. So we didn’t wade through the deeper water. However that said, we had an amazing time. We went about halfway through Organ Cave, the entrance of which we missed at first, but the glow worms were fantastic when we turned the lights off. The going was pretty easy to get to where we did once we decided we were going to get wet feet anyway. The Middle Cave, in between the other two, we managed to get all the way through. The exit was pretty tricky, but felt great when we conquered it. The Ivy cave we climbed into down the water falls/cascades, but weren’t up to the water which is about 1m deep we reckoned. All the caves had great glow worms and rock formations and stalactites and the adventure was just AMAZING!!
6. Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Whangarei Quarry Gardens is a subtropical oasis created by volunteers in the remnants of a former quarry in Northland, New Zealand. The Gardens are open to the public and feature subtropical gardens, native forest walks, waterfalls, streams, quarry ruins, tunnels, a scented Camellia collection, a plethora of NZ native and exotic plant species and so much more... The Gardens are a work in progress and have been created through the blood, sweat, tears and laughter of volunteers, supporting companies and other interest groups. Entry is by GOLD-COIN DONATION, with all proceeds used to purchase plants and equipment. Thanks!
Reviewed By AnneRayn
This place is a great little quarry gardens to visit. All done by volunteers who have spent a lot of time and effort to get it looking this great. Lots of interesting plants and sculptures to look at.
7. Town Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 621 reviews
Reviewed By RustyHTims59 - Tamworth, Australia
With it’s Variety Stores, Marina, Art Galleries & Playground makes an after stroll very memorable, especially to recommend to other tourists.
8. Waka 'n' Wave Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Childgenius - Whangarei, New Zealand
Kids love to climb on it, and it makes a great statement on thew Hatea Loop Walk for all to enjoy. The sculptures here make a cool touch on the whole scenery.
9. Ruakaka Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By poharabro - Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand
Spent the summer of 2019/2020 in Ruakaka. Nice place, good people, the beach is super nice with it's long white sandy shore. Good little waves and safe for little kids. Not crowded and highly recommended.
10. AH Reed Kauri Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By crwban681 - Colo-I-Suva, Fiji
Very nice kauri forest, beautiful pathways and even two canopy walkways. Three trees are huge - 100s of years old. Many singing birds. Trails are well signposted with good information boards. There is a small waterfall reached by steep steps, but can be dry after long drought. Kauri die-back (a fungus) is present, so boot cleaning stations are situated at entry & exit of forest: please use them. Well worth a visit.
