What to do and see in Whangarei, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

November 5, 2021 Alice Mieles

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%
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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
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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. Tu Tika Tours

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Tu Tika Tours

Join Tu Tika Tours for a very personal and immersive Maori Cultural Experience and tour in Whangarei, New Zealand. Become a part of our whanau family and learn about New Zealand's beautiful Maori culture directly from knowledgeable and passionate descendants of the land. Experience the warmth of true Maori hospitality with a 5-hour extravaganza of traditional Maori tikanga practices including our arts, try some of our traditional food, learn a Maori song and experience some history sharing from a wonderful storyteller. No visit to New Zealand would be complete without experiencing the rich and vibrant beauty of our Maori culture. Sure to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

4. HeadsUp Adventures

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

6. 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%
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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.

7. Town Basin

Whangarei New Zealand
Excellent
54%
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39%
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6%
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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.

8. Kiwi North - Kiwi House, Museum & Heritage Park

Gate 1 500 State Highway 14 RD 9 Maunu, Whangarei 0179 New Zealand +64 9-438 9630 [email protected] http://www.kiwinorth.co.nz
Excellent
69%
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4.5 based on 284 reviews

Kiwi North - Kiwi House, Museum & Heritage Park

Museum ● Kiwi House ● Heritage Park A multifaceted visitor experience with something for everyone in one very special place. The only kiwi and tuatara viewing in a controlled environment in the Northland region. Learn why our environment and it's animals are so unique and special. The Museum tells the stories of our people and their place, plus some travelling exhibitions. All this is on a beautiful 25 hectare site with it's original 1886 heritage homestead an other historic buildings. Room to stroll and stretch the legs, fresh air and space for the kids to run. Relax with us in this uncrowded family friendly environment, only 4kms from the SH1 and about 7 kms from the Whangarei CBD. Open every day, 10am to 4pm, except 25th and 26th December. All welcome.

Reviewed By craiso - Kimito, Finland

We came to this place to check out the kiwis and ended up enjoying everything they had to offer. The Lady in the reception was super. She explained to us about the kiwibirds, shared her knowledge and was wonderful. They have a dark room were they raise kiwibirds and you can come and see them walk around and getting fed. Awesome place!

9. Ruakaka Beach

Whangarei New Zealand http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruakaka-Beach/279379998747935
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
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4.5 based on 103 reviews

Ruakaka Beach

Reviewed By poharabro - Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand

Spent the summer of 2019/2020 in Ruakaka. Nice place, good people, the beach is super nice with it's long white sandy shore. Good little waves and safe for little kids. Not crowded and highly recommended.

10. Packard Motor Museum

1146 State Highway 14 Old Dairy Factory, Maungatapere, Whangarei 0170 New Zealand +64 9-434 8214 [email protected] http://www.packardmuseum.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Packard Motor Museum

The Packard Motor Museum has one of the largest collections of Packard automobiles anywhere in the world as well as classic motor cycles, military and other vintage and rare vehicles. Our special exhibits include our log-hauling steam locomotive, steam traction engines and earth-moving equipment that literally shaped New Zealand into the country it is today. Our Mission and Purpose The Packard Motor Museum provides an informative educational experience based around the automobiles, machinery, stories and lives of those who led the industrial revolution and created and shaped our modern way of life. We also honour the legacy of resourceful New Zealanders who developed our Kiwi traditions of ingenuity, adaptation and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire current generations to create an even greater future for us all.

Reviewed By showman12 - Auckland, New Zealand

A fun way of learning about the fascinating old cars. Let us re-live some memories of our more youthful days. Our guide Mel did a fabulous job of making the old cars come to life. Definitely worth a visit.

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