Town Basin in central Whangarei

You won’t be short of choice for things to see and do in Whangarei. Great food and fine art abound as do stunning natural features such as the Whangarei Falls and the canopy walk among giant Kauri trees. You will also find all the services expected of a modern, multi-cultural city.

Highlights

Town Basin Marina
The Town Basin is in the heart of the city, a popular haven for local and international cruising yachts. A waterfront development houses art galleries, craft shops, specialty shops, cafes and restaurants, and the renowned National Clock Musuem. Children’s playground, free parking, open 7 days.

Claphams Clocks - The National Clock Museum, is a "must see" at Whangarei's Town Basin

Claphams Clock Museum
Come face to face with the largest collection of clocks in the southern hemisphere. A fascinating collection which delights all ages. Tours always available.

Whangarei Falls
This cascading gem has gained a reputation as the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand. Its ease of access, picturesque bush surround and guaranteed 365 days per year flow makes it a visitor favourite. Located just 5 km from the city centre and on the road to the popular Tutukaka Coast.

AH Reed Kauri Park
This remnant of original Kauri forest contains a waterfall, walking tracks and a tree-top boardwalk among stately 500 year old Kauri trees.

Mount Parihaka Lookout
Bush clad Mount Parihaka dominates the Whangarei landscape. The panoramic vista from the lookout shows the city below and how the tentacles of the harbour reach into the countryside shaped by the ancient volcanic cones and lava flows. At night the War Memorial atop the summit is lit for the city to see. Motor to the summit via Memorial Drive from Riverside Drive, or walk from Mair Park. A summit trail leads to the remnants and interpretation of an historic and extensive Maori Pa site.

Native Bird Recovery Centre
A unique avian refuge for injured and threatened birds, from exhausted world wandering albatross to tiny fantails. Next to Kiw North. Open daily, visitors welcome, admission free.

Kiwi North - Museum. Kiwi House. Heritage park has activities for all ages.

Kiwi North - Museum. Kiwi House. Heritage Park
Featuring artifacts of Maori and European history, an original 1886 colonial Kauri homestead, historic chapel and school, working vintage machinery, and regular community live days bring history to life. The park is also home to the Kiwi House where visitors can see our living national icon. Open daily.

Whangarei Art Museum and Cafler Park

The Art Museum is the permanent home of the civic art collection, and venue for national touring exhibitions. Situated amongst the roses and gardens of beautiful Cafler Park. Open daily.

Quarry Arts Centre
This bush-clad quarry site provides a unique working environment for a cooperative of artists and craftspeople. A rambling, enchanting collection of artist inspired studios and workshops, kilns, galleries. Home to the Annual Summer Do, an intensive summer art school which attracts leading NZ and overseas personalities. Visitors are welcome to wander, question and participate. Just a few minutes walk from the city centre and open daily.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Extensive, picturesque gardens and walkways under continual development in a massive old quarry site. Walkways link with trails in the Coronation Scenic Reserve. Open daily.

Botanica Whangarei
Immerse yourself among the special plants of the forest right in the heart of Whangarei. Discover the largest public collection of native ferns in NZ. Next door is the heated conservatory with its amazing display of sub-tropical plants. Completing the complex is the zany cacti house. Open daily, admission free.

Mair Park
A peaceful haven nestled in native bush on the Hatea River, the very upper reach of the harbour. Many excellent walkways and picnic areas. From the high tide line the walkways extend upstream to Parihaka summit, through to the AH Reed Kauri Park and on to Whangarei Falls. Downstream they lead to the Town Basin Marina. Access is from Rurumoki Street off Hatea Drive.

Fresh, high quality local produce can be found every Saturday morning at the Growers Market in Whangarei

Growers Market
Fresh, high quality local produce, much of it organic, all locally grown and sold personally by the growers. Whatever the weather fruit, vegetable, plant and flower growers plus honey, egg, organic beef and oyster producers set up their stalls every Saturday morning from 6am - 10.30am in the car park (beside the service station), Water Street.

Abbey Caves
Stalagmites, stalactites and glow worms in extensive undeveloped caves. Torches and suitable footwear necessary. Take care, and you may get wet.

Whangarei Aquatic Centre
Indoor and outdoor pools, spa, sauna and fitness centre.

Zion Wildlife Gardens
Get up close to magnificent and rare white tigers and endangered Barbary lions in a tranquil country setting.

Golf
Golfers in Whangarei can choose from one of seven courses, from stunningly rural with stone wall boundaries, to harbour side. Visitors are welcome on all the district’s greens.