What to do and see in Whangarei, North Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

November 14, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

Whangarei (/ˌfɒŋəˈreɪ/, or /ˌwɒŋəˈreɪ/; Māori: [faŋaˈɾɛi]) is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. It is part of the Whangarei District, a local body created in 1989 to administer both the city proper and its hinterland, from the former Whangarei City, Whangarei County and Hikurangi Town councils. The city population was estimated to be 57,700 in June 2017, up from 47,000 in 2001.
Restaurants in Whangarei

1. Bream Head Coast Walks

395 Ody Road, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand +64 9-434 0571 [email protected] http://coastwalks.co.nz/
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 277 reviews

Bream Head Coast Walks

We are Northland's first three-day private unguided walk. Situated at Whangarei Heads our boutique walk encompasses private farmland, stunning ocean and harbour beaches, rural roads, recreational reserves and public walkways. Start each day from our immaculately presented lodge and walk through an amazing variety of landscapes. At the end of the day return for a delicious dinner prepared by us and cooked by you. This outstanding natural experience will leave you with lasting memories.

Reviewed By joneschch - Christchurch, New Zealand

A fantastic experience, we went as a group of friends and had the place to our selves. Claire made the whole experience seamless, providing transport, amazing food, and great knowledge of the walks and area. The facilities were clean, welcoming and comfy.

2. Adventure Forest

Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 213 reviews

Adventure Forest

12 tree-top challenge courses packed with thrill, fun and action. There are circuits for all ages and abilities, with countless obstacles and of course lots of flying foxes. A 100% safe continuous belay system, unique in New-Zealand, prevents participants to disconnect themselves from the lifelines. Our friendly staff provides safety gear and training to allow participants to go on their own on the courses... TREE-MENDOUS!

3. Mount Manaia Track

2129 Whangarei Heads Road, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 217 reviews

Mount Manaia Track

Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By peekaboo19

A nice challenging walk up 420m to the viewpoint looking over the coast. Well worth the sweat up to see the beautiful view. Would recommend walking this if you are in the area but may not be accessible for everyone

4. HeadsUp Adventures

189 Whangarei Heads Rd, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand +64 9-553 3407 [email protected] http://headsupadventures.co.nz
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 89 reviews

HeadsUp Adventures

Looking for the BEST activities in Northland? HeadsUp Outdoor Adventure Park has introduced New Zealand's first Monster Scooters to Northland's only downhill Monster scooter and mountain bike park. With 13 dedicated mountain bike and 8 Monster Scooter tracks for all levels of riders. We also offer exciting forest paintballing and a funky cafe too. Located just 5 minutes from Whangarei Airport and 10 minutes from the city centre, HeadsUp Adventures is a green oasis just waiting to be explored. Whether you have a few hours or a whole weekend to spare, our range of activities and our stunning scenery are sure to delight. Adventure for the whole family.

Reviewed By KerynAnnan

What a WICKED place! Adults and kids had an epic time mountain biking down all the trails. Can’t recommend it enough. Warren and staff are amazing and know every inch of the trails. Great coffee and a view to die for! All terrain scooters and paint ball look super fun too! Thanks for a fantastic day out!

5. Paramount Thai Massage

Shop 21,Paramount Plaza, Paramount Parade,Tikipunga, Whangarei 0112 New Zealand +64 9-435 4578 [email protected] http://paramountthaimassage.co.nz/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Paramount Thai Massage

RElAX, HEAL AND RESTORE with relaxing oil massages and healing Thai style massage. Our therapists are all qualified from Thai and international therapy colleges with many years of experience. We use good quality and unique top brand organic massage oil which leave you refreshed, not sticky, after your massage.

Reviewed By PeteFoster4

Wawa and her team are Awesome. I've been getting a weekly massage at Paramount now for 2 years. My general well being and flexibility has improved immensely. The team of professional masseuses use traditional Thai techniques to stretch and massage your body back into shape. I'd recommend to anybody that needs to unwind, increase body flexibility or needs to treat themselves to a relaxing massage. Cheers Pete

6. Whangarei Falls

Whangarei New Zealand http://waterfalls.co.nz/waterfalls-by-region/85-new-zealand-waterfalls/north-island/northland/96-whangarei-falls
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,250 reviews

Whangarei Falls

Reviewed By suzeontheroad - Raglan, New Zealand

A short walk is rewarded with a lovely waterfall which can be further enjoyed by continuing to walk over a bridge and around a bit.

7. Claphams Clocks - The National Clock Museum

Quayside Town Basin, Whangarei New Zealand +64 9-438 3993 http://www.claphamsclocks.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 186 reviews

Claphams Clocks - The National Clock Museum

Reviewed By wolfk512 - Wellington, New Zealand

Certainly an interesting museum for any age group. Staff happy to guide and explain. Absolutely worth it!

8. Abbey Caves

Abbey Caves Road, Whangarei New Zealand http://www.whangareinz.com/things_to_do/activity/abbey_caves
Excellent
66%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Abbey Caves

Reviewed By SIXOCLOCKTICKET - Bentley, United Kingdom

Found this place pretty much randomly, but so glad we did. We weren’t prepared so we probably missed some of the best bits. We had phone lights, head torches would have been better, and trainers, where water shoes would have been better. So we didn’t wade through the deeper water. However that said, we had an amazing time. We went about halfway through Organ Cave, the entrance of which we missed at first, but the glow worms were fantastic when we turned the lights off. The going was pretty easy to get to where we did once we decided we were going to get wet feet anyway. The Middle Cave, in between the other two, we managed to get all the way through. The exit was pretty tricky, but felt great when we conquered it. The Ivy cave we climbed into down the water falls/cascades, but weren’t up to the water which is about 1m deep we reckoned. All the caves had great glow worms and rock formations and stalactites and the adventure was just AMAZING!!

9. Whangarei Quarry Gardens

37a Russell Road Kensington, Whangarei 0112 New Zealand +64 9-437 7210 [email protected] http://www.whangareigardens.org.nz
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 446 reviews

Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Whangarei Quarry Gardens is a subtropical oasis created by volunteers in the remnants of a former quarry in Northland, New Zealand. The Gardens are open to the public and feature subtropical gardens, native forest walks, waterfalls, streams, quarry ruins, tunnels, a scented Camellia collection, a plethora of NZ native and exotic plant species and so much more... The Gardens are a work in progress and have been created through the blood, sweat, tears and laughter of volunteers, supporting companies and other interest groups. Entry is by GOLD-COIN DONATION, with all proceeds used to purchase plants and equipment. Thanks!

Reviewed By AnneRayn

This place is a great little quarry gardens to visit. All done by volunteers who have spent a lot of time and effort to get it looking this great. Lots of interesting plants and sculptures to look at.

10. Town Basin

Whangarei New Zealand
Excellent
54%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 621 reviews

Town Basin

Reviewed By RustyHTims59 - Tamworth, Australia

With it’s Variety Stores, Marina, Art Galleries & Playground makes an after stroll very memorable, especially to recommend to other tourists.

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