Location: Whangarei
Top Things to do in Whangarei
The 7 Best Things to do Adventurous in Whangarei, North Island
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. Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 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 erna317 - Whangarei, New Zealand
Great experience! Wide variety of fish, they’re not scared at all, rather inquisitive. Good visibility. Water colder than expected, even in summer so remember full wet suits!
2. Adventure Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 213 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!
3. 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
4. HeadsUp Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Looking for the BEST activities in Northland? HeadsUp Outdoor Adventure Park has introduced New Zealand's first Monster Scooters to Northland's only downhill Monster scooter and mountain bike park. With 13 dedicated mountain bike and 8 Monster Scooter tracks for all levels of riders. We also offer exciting forest paintballing and a funky cafe too. Located just 5 minutes from Whangarei Airport and 10 minutes from the city centre, HeadsUp Adventures is a green oasis just waiting to be explored. Whether you have a few hours or a whole weekend to spare, our range of activities and our stunning scenery are sure to delight. Adventure for the whole family.
Reviewed By KerynAnnan
What a WICKED place! Adults and kids had an epic time mountain biking down all the trails. Can’t recommend it enough. Warren and staff are amazing and know every inch of the trails. Great coffee and a view to die for! All terrain scooters and paint ball look super fun too! Thanks for a fantastic day out!
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. Packard Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
The Packard Motor Museum has one of the largest collections of Packard automobiles anywhere in the world as well as classic motor cycles, military and other vintage and rare vehicles. Our special exhibits include our log-hauling steam locomotive, steam traction engines and earth-moving equipment that literally shaped New Zealand into the country it is today. Our Mission and Purpose The Packard Motor Museum provides an informative educational experience based around the automobiles, machinery, stories and lives of those who led the industrial revolution and created and shaped our modern way of life. We also honour the legacy of resourceful New Zealanders who developed our Kiwi traditions of ingenuity, adaptation and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire current generations to create an even greater future for us all.
Reviewed By showman12 - Auckland, New Zealand
A fun way of learning about the fascinating old cars. Let us re-live some memories of our more youthful days. Our guide Mel did a fabulous job of making the old cars come to life. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Adrenalin Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Adrenalin Adventure Park! It's name says it all. Come experience fun for all ages (5 years +) New Zealand's largest inflatable obstacle course including the famous blob where you can send your friends flying. Wake board cable system, paddle boards, kayaks, lake side glamping and much more.
