Activities in Whangarei

There is a huge range of activities in the Whangarei region, such as these for good weather days:

World class diving, golf on one of 7 courses, snorkel in marine parks, swim with dolphins, kayak the ocean and rivers, relax on one of the many beaches or beautiful bays - over a dozen we highly recommend, visit the local wineries, catch a trout or go big game fishing, horse riding on the beach in the bush or river, explore by bike, sail the harbour or ocean, learn to surf, go caving to see glow worms, take a helicopter or scenic flight, join a working bee in the Subtropical Quarry Garden, take a day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands, go on a day trip to the Bay of Islands, picnic at the impressive Whangarei Falls, have lunch and then stroll the Yacht Harbour, make a historic rivercruise, cheer on a team at a rugby or cricket game, sample local theatre, visit an orchid grower, view the stars at the observatory, test your skill at outdoor or indoor rock climbing, abseil the Whangarei Falls, join a working bee to a Kiwi sanctuary island, pet the animals at a farm park, enjoy the scents of the Rose Garden, place a bet at the horse races, join a fun run or walk or another public sports event, discover a historic pa site, do one of many easy or challenging walks: forest walks, mangrove walks, kauri tree walks, Pa Site walks, lookout and summit walks, four different waterfall walks, hidden bay walks or join in at one of the many regular events throughout the year (an A&P show with sheepdog trials, rodeos, concerts etc.).

or these activities for bad weather:

Swim and relax at the Aquatic Centre & Spa, see local history at the Whangarei Museum and Heritage Park, peek at a live kiwi, visit a historic homestead, listen to a talking Tui at the Native Bird Recovery Centre, see the largest fernery in NZ, go on the Oil Refinery Tour, wonder at Clapham’s Clock Museum, peruse art galleries, take in the latest film at the multiplex cinema, shop at the boutiques and galleries, go olive oil tasting, visit a buddhist monestary, have a coffee and read the latest magazines in the modern library, cuddle a white lion at the lion park, go wining and dining at one of the fine restaurants or bars, follow a sculpture tour around town, view the Whangarei Art Museum, combine history and art at Reyburn House Gallery and Museum (the oldest early settler house in Whangarei), learn how to make paper, try your hand at flax weaving, see how kiwis live by visiting an open home, get bowled over at Ten Pin Bowling, drink the local brew at the brewery, get takeaway sushi, pizza, chinese or fish n’ chips....

Whangarei weather
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Why Whangarei?

Whangarei is well connected on the Twin Coast Highway and being only 2 hrs drive from Auckland is an ideal first stop and a great base to further explore Northland.

It is rich in Maori culture and heritage with many historic pa sites, offers some of the finest beaches in the world, has world class diving, a great range of golf courses, many gorgeous and uncrowded bush and beach walks together with great examples of the most stunning natural beauty which is unique to NZ.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Whangarei, visit the well known Whangarei falls, walk amoung the treetops and ancient Kauri trees at AH Reed canopy walk, go big game or freshwater fishing, go sailing around the 10km harbour or out to one of the many outlying islands, dive the famous Poor Knights islands, try riding a horse along the beach or up a native forest stream, or just have a coffee and wander around the many art galleries and shops, to name but a few.

Check more infos on our homepage:
Golfing in Whangarei
Diving the Poor Knights
Whangarei Events
Did you know that...?

Northland Tour

In 1996 and 2000 we travelled a combined 18 months through New Zealand and Northland was a very positive surprise to us. It was warmer than all other places, had the same gorgeous native bush as elsewhere and dozens of dream beaches that matched any other dream beach we have ever seen. Ultimately we decided to live in NZ and it was clear that our favorite place was to be Whangarei in Northland!

It was clear that this is our sort of paradise:
The strong Maori community and the erratic rocky hills of the Whangarei Heads suggest a touch of Polynesia. Add to this the world class diving at Tutukaka and the amazing beaches at the Whangarei Heads, great shopping opportunities and only 2hrs distance to the big city of Auckland. Even in the city park (Mair Park) with its pretty river, cormorants and Kauri walks we felt as if we were in a Costa Rican National Park.

The drive up from Auckland is quite scenic, following the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, in our opinion good stops until Whangarei are:

• enjoy a tasty Thai takeaway on the beach in Orewa
• visit wallaby infested Kawau Island from Sandspit near Warkworth
• climb the Dome Forest Walkway to the summit
• drive the scenic and curvy detour via Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach and Waipu Cove
• or enjoy the views to Bream Head from the Brynderwyn pass (State Highway 1)
• take 5mins to inspect long family friendly Ruakaka Beach
• don’t miss the Whangarei Visitor Centre just as you enter town
  

Before going north we recommend you to check out these things:

• admire the impressive Whangarei Falls north of town
• explore the Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve walk north of Hikurangi
• sit on a bench in Ngunguru across from its gorgeous sandspit
• drive the exclusive bays on the headland before Tutukaka
• at least walk until the lookout bench on the Tutukaka Head walking track
• adore many a local’s favorite bays, Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay
• after Sandy Bay drive back to State Highway 1
• don’t forget your daily TipTop Ice Cream whenever you see a dairy!

One hour’s drive north of Whangarei you will find the famous Bay of Islands, we think its real beauty is best seen from on the water. Paihia especially, is visited by many tourists but has little to offer, unless you book one of the many excursions to the hole in the rock or swimming with dolphins (similar tours can also be done from less crowded Tutukaka or other places). On the other hand Russell with its old architecture, charm and a lovely lookout walk should be on your list. You can either drive Russell Road along the coast, take a car ferry from Opua or take a passenger ferry from Pahia. To better understand New Zealand history and especially the original Maori inhabitants of this very special place on the edge of the vast Pacific go and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with its excellent Marae and exhibition to dig up loads of facts and impressions. Did you know that Friedensreich Hundertwasser lived in NZ (or perhaps you’ve never heard of him)? For sure you would enjoy his quirky design of the public toilets in Kawakawa.

After some gallery shopping in KeriKeri things will calm down enormously. In delightful Whangaroa the most excitement you will get will be the bustle of a fishing contest. Stroll around Hihi beach with its peaceful camping ground and have fish ‘n chips in Mangonui before you decide whether you go all the way up 90 Mile Beach to mystic Cape Reinga or not. But take care, your rental car is probably not insured for driving on the sand and you will take many risks going all the way, it’s best to book a tour from Kaitaia or Ahipara instead.

You can just enjoy this beautiful wide beach in Ahipara, after that drive south again down the west coast and relax to the maximum around Hokianga Harbour, where the early Polynesian discoverer Kupe once settled, cross with a car ferry to wild west Rawene and maybe another ice cream in Opononi. More spectacular is the view to the huge sand dunes across the harbour. In the mystic Waipoua Forest you can feel like Frodo when you walk towards the 2000 year old giant Kauri trees. Feel the presence of Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest) and Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), the two largest trees who once were only allowed to be approached by Maori priests.

In case you can’t get enough Kauri trees make a detour to the Trounson Kauri Park Walk where you can almost be guaranteed to hear a kiwi when you take a night walk with a ranger. Visit the largest freshwater Kai Iwi dune lakes where locals go to waterski. We really recommend you drive onto Bayley’s Beach where an unlimited speed sign awaits you for 110kms of smooth beach driving (don’t forget about the insurance). After some rural atmosphere in Dargaville drive down south until you get back to State Highway 1 at Brynderwyn. After Wellsford you can choose an alternative route (SH16) back down to Auckland and end your very own Twin Coast Discovery.

Welcome to Whangarei Views Bed and Breakfast

Come to our modern and central B&B in Whangarei: fully fitted kitchen and 2 bedrooms (king and twin), right next to a quiet scenic reserve. Quiet setting with private entrance and off-street parking. Private floor with luxurious lounge, reclining sofa, wooden floor and access to the subtropical garden.

We have stunning views overlooking the Whangarei valley, opposite Mount Parihaka - an extinct volcano. Walking distance to Whangarei Quarry Garden and the ASB sports grounds; 2 minutes to supermarkets, pubs and cafés, 3km from i-SITE, yacht harbour and town.

The location is ideal for dining, bush walks, diving (free shuttle) and golf (8 golf courses), exploring the spectacular beaches and bush walks of the Whangarei Heads and Tutukaka Coast and visiting the Bay of Islands. We speak English, German, French and Spanish. Free wireless internet, DVDs, BBQ, laundry, tea/coffee, etc. A delicious breakfast is included in the price.

Whangarei Views Bed and Breakfast

5 Kensington Heights Rise (off 75 Russell Road), Whangarei

Ph: +64 9 437 6238 – Mobile +64 21 263 6261

www.whangareiviews.co.nz
Book online - AA System 

Free wireless internet
Hairdryer
Non-smoking
Free tea/coffee
Safe parking
Fully fitted kitchen
Microwave
TV/DVD/CD
/Radio
Reclining leather sofa
Dinner table for 6
High seat for kids
Garden sitting area
Barbecue
Washing machine
Washing line
Iron & board
Wooden floor
Library
Diving information
Restaurant menus