Location: Whangarei
Top Things to do in Whangarei
10 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. Adventure Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 176 reviews
12 tree-top challenge courses packed with thrill, fun and action. There are circuits for all ages and abilities, with countless obstacles and of course lots of flying foxes. A 100% safe continuous belay system, unique in New-Zealand, prevents participants to disconnect themselves from the lifelines. Our friendly staff provides safety gear and training to allow participants to go on their own on the courses... TREE-MENDOUS!
Reviewed By _cscrene - Whangarei, New Zealand
Although I don't like heights I really enjoy watching my grandchildren climb the ladders and follow this amazing course. It gives them so much confidence and the smile at the end is wonderful. Francois and Francoises are amazing with everyone who participates on the course and I am so impressed by the fact they remember everyone's names. An amazing place to visit and so close to the city. An absolute must do adventure when in Whangarei.
2. Bream Head Coast Walks
Overall Ratings
5 based on 182 reviews
We are Northland's first three-day private unguided walk. Situated at Whangarei Heads our boutique walk encompasses private farmland, stunning ocean and harbour Beaches, rural roads, recreational reserves and public walkways. Start each day from our immaculately presented lodge and walk through an amazing variety of landscapes. At the end of the day return for a delicious dinner prepared by us and cooked by you. This outstanding natural experience will leave you with lasting memories.
Reviewed By shimmintoddy
i would highly recommend spending the day with Family/Whanau or Solo make sure you have taken a packed lunch and plenty of drinking wter
3. Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 165 reviews
World-renowned diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau rated this reserve, notable for its excellent visibility, as one of the top ten places to dive in the world.
Reviewed By PBandLE - Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom
Some of the best diving in New Zealand - visited for the weekend and stayed on a live aboard dive vessel. Not enough time to see all the sites/sights, but would definitely go back for more exploration. Excellent underwater visibility (25 metres) and loads of fish life. Highly recommended
4. Mount Manaia Track
Overall Ratings
5 based on 158 reviews
Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Mirelle M - Fremantle
This track is a step climb style hike which isn't the most enjoyable hike due to being mostly steps and limited views ascending and descending due to bush. The view from the top though is gorgeous and most definetly a must for tourists and locals alike. Be careful coming down during or after rainfall as track can get slippery.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 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 Judy T - Auckland, New Zealand
Very popular cafe, great food and service. You can buy a ticket here to go for a stroll through the Gardens in the old quarry. Makes a lovely morning out.This review should be assigned to Quail Cafe, Whangarei. This is our on-site cafe, but is run as a separate business. Any reviews specifically about the cafe is better handed to them. Thanks
6. Kiwi North, Kiwi House and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By Rick W - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
OK...so you want to see kiwi,s but know that they are nocturnal, shy and rare. So what can you do? Well, go to this centre a few kilometers out of Whangarei! It is absolutely excellent. The centre not only has an interesting collection of geckos and the remarkable dinosaur Tuatara beast, but two young kiwis. The kiwis are in a large internal enclosure which is very gloomy - just enough light to see them. If you go around 1pm you will see the kiwis come out for food and that may be your best chance ever to see them! The centre also has an excellent museum with displays about New Zealand natural history which is very well laid out and well explained. We loved the place and really recommend it.
7. Claphams Clocks - The National Clock Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By runawaysuzie - Cairns, Australia
We strolled into this place and I had no idea what the story of the clocks here was. I asked the lovely lady working there for information about what the story was. Silke is her name and she told me a story about the history of the collection and her knowledge about the clocks was amazing. Silke has amazing knowledge and passion that I was so interested in finding out more. Amazing little place and well worth a visit. Thankyou Silke for making it a fabulous experience.
8. Town Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By Liz H - Lewes, United Kingdom
Stopped here on our journey from Auckland to Bay of Islands. Very pretty area around the Town Basin, some nice shops and a lovely area to walk and enjoy the scenery, well planned and considered. Had a nice walk along by the river, lots of interesting facts displayed along the way. Lots of nice coffee shops.
9. AH Reed Kauri Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By KevinTunn - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
This is a relatively small park with only two walks and a very small car park (although the "Parking Ambassador" on duty was very helpful) but the journey to the waterfall is most enjoyable as you can either take the rough Elizabeth Trail amongst the roots or the man trail to the canopy walk. The wooden canopy walk meanders through the forest with informative boards about AH Reed and about the flora and fauna of the area. Tree Ferns and Kauri Trees in various stages of development dominate alongside other native species. Glimpses of birds and their constant song compete with the sound of cicadas. At the end of the canopy walk where the Elizabeth Trail meets it there are 130 wooden steps to a viewing platform with excellent views over the waterfall. (Persons with disabilities preventing climbing stairs can reach the platform from a park entrance near the platform other wise the end of the canopy walk is their limit.) The Elizabeth trail has twenty steps and is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Although this is a small park it is very enjoyable and highly recommended.
10. Whangarei Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 reviews
Reviewed By D.N A - Bedford, United Kingdom
We were recommended to call in here whilst on our drive. It's just a few minutes off the main state highway. We enjoyed the Falls, they aren't spectacular like obvious Falls elsewhere, but it's a decent place to have a stretch and enjoy nature whilst on your travels. Helpfully toilets are also available!
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