Visit my Village: A local's guide to Whangaruru
Published on 16 October 2026
Take the road less travelled! While Whangārei is full of wonderful activities, events and restaurants, there's plenty to discover in the small villages spread throughout our district.
Benjamin Bennett and his family have owned The Farm since before he was born and he knows the Whangaruru area like the back of his hand. Here, Benjamin chats about his Whangaruru favourites, from swimming and surfing to horse riding, farm life and local events, and shares why this tucked-away part of Northland is well worth discovering.
Whangaruru should be on your itinerary because...
"It is an absolute gem on the northeast coast of Northland. On one side you have the Whangaruru coast and open ocean; on the other you have the harbour, with the Russell Forest around you. It gives you beautiful beaches, uncrowded surf, pristine diving, native forest and a friendly rural community all in one place.
You can spend a whole day on the beach and barely see another person, then head back to The Farm and be surrounded by friendly people from all over the world. That combination is what makes Whangaruru so special."
Where to find it: Whangaruru is the northernmost point of the Whangārei district - the Far North district begins just 3 km from The Farm. Whangaruru includes a harbour with several small communities on its shores, and well-known beaches such as Bland Bay.
My three must-do activities in Whangaruru are...
"Swim at The Mill in Punaruku. You can park on the side of the road and find an amazing swimming hole with crystal-clear water. It is the kind of water you can drink while you are swimming."
Where to find it: Punaruku is a small settlement, including Whangaruru School. The swimming hole is located at the junction of Punaruku Road and Russell Road.
"Surf at Elliot Bay. The crowds have never really found their way up here. There are waves for beginners and experts. If having two or three people in the water feel crowded, walk over the hill at the north end of the beach and find another three beaches with nobody on them, including Te Pāhi."
Where to find it: Elliot Bay is on Rawhiti Road; there's beach access and a parking lot next to the campground.
"Go horse riding at The Farm, where you can ride through native forest and streams. It is not your average horse trek where you simply follow the leader; it's more like having a mate who has horses on a farm. You learn a lot, connect with the horses and have an amazing time. It is one of the most fun things you can do in Whangaruru. While you are here, practise some yoga and relax for the night in a cosy cabin."
Where to find it: 3632 Russell Road, Whangaruru.
My favourite walk is...
"The walking tracks around Whangaruru North Head. They have beautiful views, quiet beaches for swimming and native bush to walk through. It is a peaceful way to experience the coast and see how the harbour and ocean fit together."
Where to find it: Whangaruru North Road, Whangaruru. The walking tracks depart from the DOC campground at Puriri Bay. Please note: the road to Puriri Bay was closed for repair as of October 2026. Please check the DOC site for the most recent updates.
My favourite place to grab a coffee is...
"The Farm's coffee shop in Whangaruru, hands down. We make the ultimate flat whites. It is cosy, you can choose your own cup, and you are surrounded by horses, cows and a friendly farm environment."
Where to find it: 3632 Russell Road, Whangaruru. Look for the coffee sign and disco ball.
My favourite place to grab a bite is...
"I am biased, but I am pretty sure Skip's Fish and Chips does the best fish and chips. Their fish burger is my go-to. It is right on the waterfront and makes for a classic Whangaruru experience."
Where to find it: 155 Oakura Road, Whangaruru.
My favourite family-friendly activity is...
"Stay the night at The Farm. In the morning, the kids can help milk a small herd of cows and feed the baby calves. Then they can go on a horse trek and take part in the kids' introduction to riding. After that, head down to the beach for a swim."
Where to find it: 3632 Russell Road, Whangaruru.
If you're looking for a local event, check out...
- "New Year's Eve at The Farm is a highlight, with a great party, live music, DJs, a bar and food. It is one of the best events in the area and not one to miss. We also host sound baths every Thursday and Sunday evening."
- "A local rugby game at the Ōakura Sports Complex is a great thing to do during winter if you want to experience real local culture."
- "Ngatiwhi Horse Sports in the first week of November is another classic. It combines beach racing, cowboy challenges, Māori culture and the horse world. It is a great event to take part in or simply attend as a visitor."
You should Visit my Village because...
"You should visit Whangaruru because it is an untapped gem. The northeast coast feels like it belongs to you. The people are friendly, the area is not overrun and there is so much to discover. It also has a beautiful microclimate. Whangaruru is the kind of place where you can properly disconnect, while still feeling connected to the world."
Thank you, Benjamin, for sharing your village with us! The Farm is a farm stay, campground, event venue (and dirt bike track!) in Whangaruru - www.thefarm.co.nz