Whangārei

Northland's main city, with waterfalls on its doorstep and the Tutukaka Coast nearby, and the jumping-off point for diving the world-class Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

Whangārei is the capital of New Zealand's Northland Region and the northernmost city on the North Island, about 160 km north of Auckland, roughly a 2-hour drive. Many travelers heading north to the Bay of Islands and Waitangi stop here along the way. The city stretches along the Hātea River; in the center, the Town Basin brings together a yacht marina, restaurants and the Hundertwasser Art Centre, which opened in 2022. North of town are Whangārei Falls and the kauri park, and to the east are the Abbey Caves, which you can explore for free. Think of the area in three parts. First, the city and its outskirts: in half a day to a day you can take in the falls, the Town Basin, Mount Parihaka and the gardens. Second, the Tutukaka Coast to the northeast: take a boat from Tutukaka Marina to dive or snorkel at the Poor Knights Islands (a world-class marine reserve; allow a full day), then follow the coast road to Matapouri Bay, Whale Bay and Sandy Bay. Third, Whangārei Heads to the southeast: climb Mount Manaia, walk the Bream Head track, and surf or watch the waves at Ocean Beach. To the south, the glowworms of the Waipu Caves and Langs Beach make easy stops on the way to or from Auckland. Northland has a subtropical maritime climate: summer (Dec–Mar) is warm and fairly dry, the best time for diving and beaches, while winter is wet but mild. Public transport is limited, so renting a car is recommended; long-distance buses link the city with Auckland and Paihia. Allow 2–3 days. Note: swim between the flags at beaches, clean your shoes when entering and leaving forests to help prevent kauri dieback, and stay out of the caves after rain.

Top sights

• Poor Knights Islands – A volcanic island group marine reserve off the Tutukaka coast, hailed as one of the world's top dive sites, with scuba diving, snorkelling…
• Whangārei Falls – A 26-metre basalt curtain waterfall on the northern edge of the city, with a loop trail through native forest, making it Whangārei's most p…
• Hundertwasser Art Centre – A colourful onion-domed building based on Hundertwasser's posthumous designs, housing an exhibition of his works and the Wairau Māori Art G…
• Tutukaka Coast – The coastline northeast of Whangārei, where Tutukaka Harbour is the departure point for Poor Knights diving, linking several white-sand bay…
• Mount Manaia – A jagged volcanic rock peak on the Whangārei headland, with a summit track of about 1.5 hours and views over Whangārei Harbour and the offs…
• Abbey Caves – A natural limestone cave system on the eastern outskirts of the city, open for free, where wading into the caves reveals glowworms; suited…
• Ocean Beach – A long surf beach on the eastern side of Whangārei Heads, backed by dunes and Bream Head, good for surfing and walking.
• Town Basin – A marina district on the Hātea River, home to restaurants, galleries and the Clapham's Clock Museum, with a riverside walkway.
• Mount Parihaka – An extinct volcanic hill beside the city with the remains of a Māori fortified village; the summit war memorial lookout overlooks the whole…
• A.H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park – A native-forest park just minutes from the city, where a canopy walkway passes among kauri trees hundreds of years old, and a trail leads o…
• Whangārei Quarry Gardens – A volunteer-built garden on a former basalt quarry, with a lake, waterfalls and subtropical plants; entry is free.
• Kiwi North – A complex combining a museum, a nocturnal kiwi house and historic buildings, where visitors can see live kiwi in darkened enclosures.
• Whale Bay – A hidden bay at the northern end of the Tutukaka Coast, reachable only on foot and ringed by pōhutukawa trees, with calm, clear water.
• Matapouri Bay – A family beach on the Tutukaka Coast with white sand, shallow calm water and a sheltered river mouth, good for swimming, paddling and playi…
• Bream Head (Te Whara Track) – A protected area on the outermost tip of Whangārei Heads, where the Te Whara track follows a ridge through native forest with sweeping sea…
• Smugglers Bay – A small bay on the southern side of Whangārei Heads, reachable on foot in about 20 minutes along a flat track, with clear water for swimmin…
• Waipū Caves – A free-entry glowworm cave about 30 km south of the city; wade in with your own headlamp, and when the lights are switched off, the ceiling…
• Langs Beach – A golden bay south of Waipu, framed by pōhutukawa trees and often rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Northland.
• Sandy Bay – A surf beach on the Tutukaka Coast, edged by dunes and rocky headlands; one of the longest-established surf spots in Northland.

Where to eat

• Suk Jai Thai – Whangārei's long-time top-rated Thai restaurant, certified by Thailand's Thai Select program, with a signature Panang c…
• The Quay – A waterfront restaurant on the Town Basin marina, with seating beside the sailboats, serving brunch through dinner with…
• Fat Camel – An Israeli and Middle Eastern eatery on a stone-paved lane in the city centre, popular for its shakshuka, falafel and m…
• Parua Bay Tavern – A bayside tavern on the road to Whangārei Heads, with its own jetty and lawn, hailed as the best harbor-view beer garde…

Itineraries

• Northland Twin Coast Loop – Depart from Auckland to loop around Northland, seeing kauri forests, Cape Reinga, and the Bay of Islands