Location: Whangarei
Top Things to do in Whangarei
Top 10 Nature & Parks 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. Bream Head Coast Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 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 joneschch - Christchurch, New Zealand
A fantastic experience, we went as a group of friends and had the place to our selves. Claire made the whole experience seamless, providing transport, amazing food, and great knowledge of the walks and area. The facilities were clean, welcoming and comfy.
3. Otaika Valley Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
4. 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
5. Parahaki Mountain Bike Park
6. 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!
7. Botanica Whangarei
8. 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.
9. 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!!
10. 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.
