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Attractions

Best walks in the Whangarei district

Whangarei has got a stunning scenery that is best admired on foot. Several walks and tracks throughout the entire district are waiting to be explored, with track lengths varying from short strolls to several hour-long hiking trails.

Best playgrounds in Whangarei

Entertaining your kids for free in Whangarei is fairly easy. With 36 playgrounds to choose from, there is one available in almost every suburb. We have looked at their safety, which age groups they cater for and what facilities are available in the vicinity. Here are the 10 best playgrounds in Whangarei.

Sightseeing – Auckland to Whangarei

The fastest route from Auckland to Whangarei takes you along State Highway 1. The 2-hour journey is around 160 kilometres long, though it offers plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and explore, indulge or treat yourself.

Kamo Heritage Trails – Boswell Street – Town Centre

KAMO is a Maori word meaning ‘eyelash’, or meanings associated with the eye such as ‘eyelid’, ‘wink’ or ‘blink’, but it has also been said to mean ‘to bubble up’, referring to the numerous springs that are scattered throughout the district.

Kamo Heritage Trail – The Wider Kamo Area

Thomas Wakelin, a farm worker and butcher, became a cattle dealer and auctioneer, and built the first sale yards and the first hotel in Kamo. North Auckland Farmers ran competing sale yards, at the top end of Kamo, opposite Puriri Street. With two sale yards, Kamo was frequently invaded by mobs of cattle.

Best beaches in the Whangarei region

With more than 100 beaches to choose from, anyone living in or travelling to Whangarei is spoilt for choice. There is something here for everyone, from family-friendly swimming locations to action-packed surfer beaches. Whangarei’s pristine coastline with idyllic white and golden sand beaches makes for some excellent holiday experiences. We have compiled a list of the best beaches in the Whangarei region.

Hatea Loop Track

Ever since it’s official opening in 2014, the Hatea Loop has quickly become one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists alike. It is fully wheelchair accessible and a favourite among families to take their little ones out for a bike ride or give the dog a runaround.

Botanica Whangarei

Founded in 1970, Botanica Whangarei is home to one of New Zealand’s largest fern collections. Discover colourful collections of tropical and subtropical plants, have a picnic by the pond or stroll through the Japanese Garden to reconnect with your inner self.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Some say the Whangarei Quarry Gardens is a magical place. And in a way they are. Solely established by the hands of dedicated volunteers, the once deserted stone quarry is now a luscious subtropical paradise that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Parihaka Scenic Reserve

Winner of the prestigious international Green Flag Award, the Parihaka Scenic Reserve is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists in Whangarei. The dormant volcano of Mount Parihaka was once the site of massive battles and massacres, and remnants of ancient Māori settlements can still be found today.