Whangārei
New Zealand · Northland · 8 m
Description
Whangārei (Whangārei Terenga Parāoa) is the only city in Northland and the administrative centre of the region. It stands at the head of a long, sheltered harbour on the east coast of the North Island. The Town Basin marina holds the Hundertwasser Art Centre, a colourful building designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Whangārei Falls drops over a basalt lip north of the centre, and the Abbey Caves shelter glowworms. Beyond the city, Whangārei Heads rises to the crags of Mount Manaia above pale bays. The pace here is unhurried and subtropical. Travellers stop on the way north to the Bay of Islands.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Whangārei Falls
- Hundertwasser Art Centre
- Town Basin
- Abbey Caves
- Mount Manaia(Day trip)
- Whangārei Heads(Day trip)
- Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve(Day trip)
- Ocean Beach(Day trip)
- Tutukākā Coast(Day trip)
- Kiwi North and Whangārei Museum
- Whangārei Quarry Gardens
- A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park
- Parihaka Lookout
- Claphams National Clock Museum
- Hātea Loop Walk
- Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay(Day trip)
- Te Whara Track and Bream Head(Day trip)
- Smugglers Bay Loop(Day trip)
- Waipu Caves(Day trip)
- Whangārei Growers Market (weekly)
Getting there
- Airports:
- WRE
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry