Whāngarei District
Whangārei Te Terenga Pararoa – meaning ‘The Gathering Place of the Whales’ is Northland’s only city that combines both coastal and rural land of rare beauty.
The hub of Northland Region, it achieved its city status in 1965, driven by the kauri-gum trade, limestone quarrying at Hikurangi and being a main transport link connecting Auckland and Far North.
Includes 1/5th of the Northalnd’s region, it spreads all the way from Bream Bay to Whangaruru and includes Hen and Chicken Islands.
Subtropical Whangarei is a thriving busy city with a vibrant and unique arts community. Having an oceanic climate, with 30 C in summer and plenty of rain throughout the year.
Stats provided by climate-data.org
The Whangarei City offers a wide range of activities of any taste. The city is compact with a flat land, everything is within the easy walking distance. Markets, museum, art galleries, parks, port, falls and more, Whangarei has something for everyone.
Panoramic view of the Whāngarei City
Town Basin of Whāngarei
The Town Basin is an international yachting community hub, located in the city centre and in a sheltered area, safe from hurricanes. It often hosts diverse events, markets, as well as has a huge range of nice cafes, restaurants, kids playgrounds, and is simply a joyful place to walk around.
Town Basin Track
The 4.2km loop track ‘Hatea Loop Huarahi o te Whai harbourside walkway’ begins at the Town basin and carries on along the waterfront’s Sculpture trails featuring sculpture art from local Māori artists and info-boards with history info. Passes by the elegant walking bridge known as ‘Kotuitui Whitinga’ where you can witness the impressive opening bridge ‘Te Matau a Pohe’.
Places not to miss in Whāngarei District – Outdoors and Nature
- Whangarei falls – a picturesque 26m high waterfall with native forest, short walks and picnic area.
- Waipu cave with glow worms shinning 24/7 and walk in the native bush around the cave!
- Mt Manaia and its unforgettable panoramic views.
- Whangarei Heads area – spectacular coastal views and historic sights that relate to WWII and Māori culture.
- Waipu Cove beach will leave you speechless with its amazing coastal walks, white-sands and great swimming area.
- Uretiti Doc campground. Camp behind the sand dunes and surf all day long!
- Magical Mangawhai – the name says it all! Enjoy a spectacular cliff walkway along the Doc track, walk along the beach, swim in the pacific ocean and spend a whole day out there. It is also known for its surfing waves at Mangawhai Surf beach. In summer enjoy hand-made strawberry ice-cream and fresh-brew coffee. Paradise!
Art, Craft & Heritage
- Whangarei Art Museum – see city’s main art collection, featuring heritage and contemporary art.
- Claphams Clock Museum with 2100 clocks! Take a walk through the history of time, from ancient sun, sand and water clocks to the rare antique and unusual exhibits.
- Explore art thorughout the towns of Waipu & Whanagarei as you walk along the main streets.
Local Markets
- Artisan Fair Market in Whangarei runs every Saturday and takes place at the Canopy Bridge, Whangarei Town Basin.
This market is being main Whangarei’s premium Arts, Craft & Food market – it support and encourages the thriving creativity in Northland’s artistic community!
- Waipu Boutique Sunday Market is considered to be simply the best art & craft market in the beautiful Northland town of Waipu. It is held on the 2nd Sunday of every month inside the Coronation Hall in the centre of Waipu.
- Waipu street market – is a
popular street market that is held on Sundays of the long National holiday weekends : Anniversary, Easter, Queen’s birthday and Labour weekend. The market runs from 9am till 1pm.
It holds more than 100 stalls, featuring family entertainment of a Bouncy castle, Live Music, food stalls and displays.
Usefull Links
- Whangarei’s most popular walks – PDF (features The Hatea Loop, Waimahanga walkway and Abbey Caves walk info and maps).
DOC tracks and activities in Whangarei. Includes important updates and alerts in the area.
3km loop Taheke waterfall track – explore kauri forest and enjoy waterfall views!
- Going on the beach? Check the Whangarei tides here
- Explore the future festivals and events in Whangarei
