Things to do in Whangarei

If you have some days to fill in around the Whangarei area, why not visit these cool places?

Taiharuru 30km from Whangarei

One of our favourite beaches to visit. Explore the rock pools at low tide and try to spot an octopus. Go for a snorkel or just enjoy the beauty.

Oceans Beach 35kms from Whangarei

Surfing, boogie boarding and soaking up sun sun.

Ruakaka beach. 33kms from Whangarei

Looking out at Bream Bay, the horizon is scattered with protected pest free islands where some of New Zealand’s vulnerable creatures reside.

Note that parts of this beach are used by 4 x 4 vehicles and motorbikes. Some areas are nudists friendly.

Waipu Cove Campground. A fun place to stay at New Zealand’s best beach, winner in the annual public vote hosted by the NZ Herald

Walk the Loop 4.2km around the Town Basin

Whangarei Heads area

Bream Head to Smugglers Bay Loop

Peach Cove track to Oceans Beach

Heads Up Adventure at Whangarei Heads

If you have your own mountain bike, then check out the following;

Glenbervie forest or Parahaki Mountain Bike Trails. Both are clay based, fantastic in the dry, but the clay is slippery in the wet.

For sand based riding, check out Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park just north of Dargeville near Kai Iwi Lakes.

Visit the amazing rolling ball clock and watch as the metal balls roll around the mechanism.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the Town basin restaurants. And visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre.

Further afield

Waipu Caves visit the caves and glowworms.

Waipu Pizza Barn is definitely worth stopping at for a meal and locally brewed beers.