Arts & Culture

Whangarei has several art galleries within the city and in outlying areas of the District. There are also museums, theatres and a wide range of restaurants including a variety of international cuisines.

The Arts Promotion Trust also has information on galleries and exhibitions, phone (09) 430 6432 or visit; www.apt.org.nz.

Clubs

Outside the sporting codes there are also many other recreational clubs operating in the District. The local weekly newspapers list clubs in the Classifieds section at the back. CAB can also help you find a club. Community groups also advertise in the local newspapers.

Diving

Scuba diving is a popular pastime in the District. Several training providers operate throughout the year.

Fishing

One of the highlights of Whangarei District is the plentiful fishing and many people own small boats for recreational use.
The Report weekly newspaper features a fishing column with hints and tips. There are also several clubs devoted to fishing where you can find information, including:

• Tutukaka Gamefish Club – ph: 434 3818
• Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club Inc – ph: 434 3818

Tip – for information on safety in small boats and recreational fishing, visit the Maritime Safety Authority website.

There are limits to the number and size of fish and shellfish you can take. Exceeding these limits is regarded very serious. For information visit the Ministry of Fisheries.

Gardening

Gardening is popular throughout the District and there are many garden clubs operating. See Community Groups in the classifieds section of the newspapers.

Golf Courses

Golf is a favourite activity for many people living in Whangarei District.

Learn To Swim

The Whangarei Aquatic Centre offers classes for all ages and levels through the Swimsation Swim School. For information about lesson times and fees, ph: 438 7957. The complex also has a fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pool, spa and sauna.

Private swimming lessons are also available. Look in the local newspapers Classifieds section.

Some beaches have life guards operating during the summer months; Oceans, Ruakaka and Waipu. Swim between the flags when life guards are working.

Sports Teams

If you would like to join a sports team, there are many to choose from in the District, from hockey to rugby, soccer (football) to netball, indoor bowls to outdoor bowls and tennis to badminton. Contact Sport Northland, phone (09) 470 3200.

The main venues where you can watch sports are; Kensington Park, the Hockey Stadium (behind the Ambulance station) and Cobham Oval.

Walking Tracks

There are several superb walkways through native forest in Whangarei District including:

• Parihaka,
• Coronation Reserve,
• A.H. Reed Kauri Park,
• Whangarei Falls Scenic Reserve,
• Hātea walkway,
• District walkways with many offering spectacular views.

Brochures are available at any Whangarei i-SITE.

It is a good idea to make sure you have some basic equipment with you when walking. A small pack with a rain coat or light jacket, a small first aid kit, cell phone, some food and a safety blanket (available from outdoor camping outlets) are good items to carry on any walk. A sturdy pair of shoes is also recommended.

Many of the walks are short. The information brochure will give you some idea of how long each walk will take and how hard it is.

There are several Tramping Clubs also operating throughout the District. Look in the Classifieds section of the local newspapers or ask your local school if they know of any that may be operating in your area.