Whangarei Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Town Basin Marina which includes a bay or harbour
Town Basin Marina
Town Basin Marina which includes a bay or harbour
Botanica & Cafler Park showing forests
Whangarei Falls which includes a river or creek and a cascade
With excellent cultural attractions and close proximity to the region’s most beautiful natural areas, New Zealand’s northernmost city is a great base for exploring the country’s Northland Region.

Come to Whangarei for its golden beaches, striking harbours, subtropical gardens and the local produce featured at its restaurants and markets. Visit museums, art galleries and many excellent shopping areas. Enjoy events year-round, including artisan fairs and outdoor opera performances, which contribute to Whangarei’s tight-knit community.

Stop by the Whangarei Harbour to cast a line with local fishermen or to watch scallop divers ducking beneath the surface of the water. A short drive from the city will lead you to Whangarei’s best swimming beaches. Head to Ruakaka, one of the region’s top beaches, just 29 kilometres (18 miles) from the city. Enjoy a refreshing dip after walking many of Northland’s scenic nature trails.

One such trail is the Mount Manaia Track. Follow the 3.5-kilometre (2.2-mile) hiking trail to the summit of Mount ManaiaOpens in a new window and on the way see native regenerating bush and stunning views of Bream Head and the surrounding Northland Region wilderness areas. The start of the track is less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the heart of Whangarei.

Back in town, visit the beautiful subtropical landscapes of Whangarei Quarry GardensOpens in a new window to see floral displays and dense forested areas. The former quarry contains many gardens, including an arid garden with cacti and succulents. Stop by the small on-site café for coffee and pastries.

Examine one of the largest sundials in the Southern Hemisphere at Claphams National Clock MuseumOpens in a new window, featuring a collection of almost 1,500 clocks. The museum hosts free guided tours, which can be tailored to suit your interests. See historic, fine art and antique clocks in the museum’s many fascinating displays.

Shop for fresh vegetables, subtropical fruits and artisan cheeses every Saturday at Whangarei Growers Market. The city also features many retail stores, gift shops and cafés with outdoor seating. Visit Cameron Street Mall, a paved pedestrian mall with some of the city’s best restaurants and stores.

Reach Whangarei’s city centre via the nearby Whangarei Airport or drive to Whangarei from AucklandOpens in a new window in just over 2 hours. The regional capital of Northland has many cultural attractions in town and stunning natural beauty in its surrounds.

Where to stay in Whangarei

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One Tree Point

Though One Tree Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mount Manaia and Mcleod Bay.

One Tree Point
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Onerahi

4/5(1 area review)

While Onerahi may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mt Manaia and Northland Event Centre.

Onerahi
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Port Whangarei

When in Port Whangarei, you can plan a visit to Northland Event Centre and Town Basin Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Port Whangarei
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Marsden Point

While Marsden Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mount Manaia and Ruakaka Beach.

Marsden Point
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Kamo

While Kamo isn't home to many top sights, Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Quarry Arts Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kamo
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Morningside

While there might not be top attractions in Morningside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Botanica & Cafler Park and Town Basin Marina.

Morningside
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
3 out of 5
9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei
The price is ฿3,461 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
฿3,461
฿3,980 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (520 reviews)
"Easy access to Whangarei. Love the pool and spa. Makes for a great weekend away."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
Motel Six
Motel Six
3 out of 5
153 Bank Street, Whangarei
The price is ฿2,148 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
฿2,148
฿2,470 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3-star motel in Whangarei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Claphams Clock Museum and Old Library Arts ...
8/10 Very Good! (278 reviews)
Overnight in Whangarei
"This was a great budget hotel with comfortable beds. It has an unusual layout with walls at various angles. My sister and I had booked a two bedroom which was actually a one bedroom with a bed in the lounge and a seperate bedroom. It had a nice big TV with SkyTV channels. I was a bit skeptical on ..."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Motel Six
Kingswood Manor Motel
Kingswood Manor Motel
3.5 out of 5
260 Kamo Road, Whangarei, Northland
The price is ฿2,748 per night from 1 May to 2 May
฿2,748
฿3,160 total
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Falls ...
8/10 Very Good! (480 reviews)
"Excellent stay! Frank and his team provided outstanding hospitality, making us feel truly welcome. The service was impeccable, rooms were spotless, and every detail was thoughtfully managed. From check-in to check-out, the experience was smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone ..."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Kingswood Manor Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kingswood Manor Motel
Kingswood Manor Motel
3.5 out of 5
260 Kamo Road, Whangarei, Northland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Falls ...
8/10 Very Good! (480 reviews)
"Excellent stay! Frank and his team provided outstanding hospitality, making us feel truly welcome. The service was impeccable, rooms were spotless, and every detail was thoughtfully managed. From check-in to check-out, the experience was smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone ..."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Kingswood Manor Motel
Aaron Court Motel
Aaron Court Motel
2.5 out of 5
22 Wolfe Street, Whangarei
Stay at this aparthotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Claphams Clock Museum and Hundertwasser Art ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
"Helpful member of staff"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Aaron Court Motel
Pacific Rendezvous
Pacific Rendezvous
4 out of 5
73 Motel Road, Tutukaka, Northland
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Philip Island and Rahomaunu Island ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (225 reviews)
"The property is located at the top of a cliff on the seaside. Beautiful views from the units."

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

Pacific Rendezvous
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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