Whangarei – Beaches, Bush Walks and Sightseeing
When I first arrived in New Zealand I started working as an Au Pair on a dairy farm just north of a city called Whangarei. With around 40,000 people Whangarei is one of the smaller cities in the North Island. While the provincial character might not sound very appealing to some, I have come to love the tranquility, the closeness to countless beaches and the fact that, should I ever need a bit more adventure, metropolitan Auckland is only a 2-hour drive away.
Things to do in Whangarei
Whangarei is in the heart of the winterless north and with 2000 hours of sunshine per year the warmest city in New Zealand. This calls for outdoor activities all year round, though winter can be quite wet. In fact, there is not a lot to do inside. But why would you, when there is so much to explore!Bush Walks
Whangarei has an extensive network of walks through its many parks and scenic reserves. If you enjoy nature as much as I do, you will fall in love with the city. I regularly visit the beautiful Quarry Gardens with their extensive display of plants and succulents, hike along the Hatea River or head out to the coast for a walk on the beach. Here are some of my favorites:- AH Reed Memorial Park – canopy walkway and ancient Kauri trees
- Mount Aubrey, Manaia and Parihaka – panoramic views over Whangarei
- Coronation Scenic Reserve – Quarry Gardens and Arts Centre, Whau Valley Dam (good trout fishing!)
- Bream Head Scenic Reserve – coastal forest and white beaches at Smugglers Bay and Peach Cove
- Abbey Caves – limestone formations, sinkholes and glow worms in the dark
Mount Parihaka

Whangarei Falls

Town Basin

Must see beaches in Whangarei
I can’t believe how spoilt we are in Whangarei when it comes to beaches. No matter in which direction you go, you are never more than half an hour away from the ocean. There is a multitude of pristine white sand beaches to choose from, rocky shores to explore or you can simply grab a board and enjoy the surf. If you’re lucky you might even spot some dolphins or orcas that regularly visit Whangarei Harbour! New Zealand is working hard on keeping its green image, so please take only memories when you visit these beaches and leave nothing behind but footprints.Tutukaka Coast

Whangarei Heads

Ruakaka/Waipu

Best places to eat in Whangarei
The most delicious food, if a bit more expensive, is found in the town basin. My favorite restaurant there is No. 8 (Asian) which is always good for a surprise. If you’re on a budget, but looking for a special experience, try Fat Camel (Israeli) right in the center of town, then head across the road for unforgettable desserts at Amici (Italian).On a budget
These pubs or restaurants offer anything from bar food to more elaborate meals and won’t empty your wallet.- Brauhaus Frings – check out Karaoke night
- McMorrissey’s Irish Pub – great live music
- Dickens Inn – Quiz night
Foreign cuisine
In the mood for something more special? Try these places. Great food, but a bit more pricey.- Gengy’s – Mongolian BBQ buffet
- Indian Aroma – best Indian restaurant in town
- Suk Jai Thai – great selection and good prices
Places to stay in Whangarei
Unfortunately, when it comes to accommodation, Whangarei doesn’t have a lot to offer for the budget traveler. Most backpackers I have met either opted for Couchsurfing or the only hostel in town, the Whangarei Falls Holiday Park and YHA. So far I have only heard good things about the YHA. However, I just learned that there is another hostel in the center of town called The Cell Backpackers. Might be worthwhile to check it out? Though the name sounds rather daunting…Mara Schneider
Hi, I’m Mara. I was born and raised in Germany where I trained and worked as a journalist for many years. However, I have always had a passion to travel, have lived in the US and in Australia and immigrated to New Zealand in 2010. After starting a new career as an Early Childhood Teacher I eventually went back to writing. I wanted to work from home so I could spend more time with my daughter. She drives me up the walls but I am loving every minute of it =D