Whangarei
Nau Mai, Haere Mai ki Whangarei Terenga Paraoa. Hi and welcome to Whangarei.
Whangarei, New Zealand’s northern-most city, is nestled between forest-clad hills at the heart of the beautiful Whangarei Harbour. Nowhere in the district is more than 40 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean coastline and spectacular beaches.
The city is compact and mostly flat, the retail heart is an attractive pedestrian mall and everywhere within the CBD is within walking distance. Impressive street art and murals bringing colour and heart to the city and district.
The Town Basin is a picturesque waterside marina precinct with restaurants, cafés, shopping, craft and art galleries, museums and frequent events. The Hatea Loop – Huarahi o te Whai walkway follows the upper harbour’s calm waters and features the Sculpture and Heritage Trails, and Te Matau a Pohe, Whangarei’s iconic bascule (opening) bridge.
Learn about Whangarei’s fascinating history and heritage through unique collections that include Maori taonga, our pioneer heritage, vintage vehicles and quirky clocks, at museums scattered throughout the district.
Enjoy world-class water activities including diving, snorkelling, saltwater fishing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking from the Tutukaka Coast, Whangarei Heads peninsular, Bream Bay and Waipu. Offshore lie the Poor Knights Islands, a world-renowned marine and nature reserve and a scuba and snorkelling paradise.
Take an easy stroll on a white sandy beach or explore walking trails that can be enjoyed all year round, hiking through native bush and along tracks with superb coastal vistas. Maybe even hear a kiwi calling in the wild. Discover six spectacular waterfalls – grab your camera and visit them all. Enjoy mountain biking on tracks graded from easy to extreme.
Whangarei is part of New Zealand's only sub-tropical climate zone and has warm summers and mild winters. Typical summer temperatures range up to 30°+ Celsius. It doesn’t get really cold in winter (it doesn't snow in Whangarei) and outdoor activities can be done all year round. The generous annual rainfall means the landscape is usually green and the growing season is long and bountiful.
Whangarei District Council supports sustainable camping activities. Find information about camping in public places along with where public dump stations are at www.wdc.govt.nz
We invite you to come and visit soon, relax, refresh and explore the Whangarei district, you’ll love it here!
Whangarei District Council | Ph:
