New Zealand’s warmest, northernmost city has a relaxed, easy going atmosphere and a stunning harbour and coastline to match. Whangarei is blessed with more than 100 bays and beaches and enjoys more than 2000 hours of sunshine a year. The surrounding countryside is a delightful mixture of fertile farmlands, orchards and forests providing delicious local produce that is second to none.

Whangarei is within easy reach of s selection of offshore Islands dominated by The Poor Knights and Hen and Chickens group where warm tropical currents bring unusual aquatic visitors and the ancient reptilian tuatara still survives today. Daily dive and sightseeing trips leave from Tutukaka for the region that Jacques Cousteau described as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Explore underwater caves & rare sponges , swim with the giant stingrays or just snorkel about in the colourful beauty near the surface.

Swimming and surfing are popular along the Tutukaha Coast. Indulge in a surfing lesson or get a feed of pipis (the local shellfish) straight from the beach. Fishing is an obvious attraction both from the shore or boat. Although Tutukaha is the main port, charters are also available from the marinas and main boat ramps. Kayaking is another popular way of getting up close with the coast.

Away from the coast there is plenty more to see and do. Giant Kauri trees rise above luxuriant original rainforest. The best place to view is at AH Reed Kauri Park. This remnant of original Kauri Forest contains a waterfall, walking tracks and a spectacular wheelchair friendly tree-top boardwalk passing by 500 year old kauri trees. Treat yourself to a helicopter flight and enjoy the view from above. Take a trip to Whangarei falls for the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand.

The city itself is alive with Art galleries, big and small which are scattered through the area. Tuatara is the largest of these and specialises in NZ, Maori & pacific art. Frequent artesian fairs, supported by buskers and food growers are a vibrant gathering of local artists and crafts people. Places to visit include The papermill & Claphams clocks which contains the largest selection of timepieces in the southern hemisphere. For the sweet tooth a visit to the Fudge farm cafe famous for it’s 100% homemade fudges is bound to satisfy.

Whangarei has a wide and varied array of accommodation with Top Whangarei hotels and places to eat. From a’Deco, the region’s Multi award winning fine dining restaurant s to Brauhaus Frings, one of New Zealands oldest micro breweries you are never stuck for choice. Local winery Longview Estate offers panoramic views over Whangarei harbour.

For a wildlife experience you can’t go past Whangarei Museum & Kiwi House Heritage Park featuring a nocturnal kiwi house with live kiwi, morepork & native gecko and a museum withMaori taonga and early settler collections. Another must see is the Zion Wildlife Gardens. The park like environment is home to the world’s rarest cats from white lions to Bengal tigers including some very cute cubs. Guided tours run daily.

Horseriding, self guided cycle tours and motorcycle tours are popular pastimes along with beauty of Parihaka scenic reserve with it’s many walking tracks and the magnificent backdrop of Mt Parihaka, a 20 million year old volcanic dome rising 241m high. Whangarei has grown to become the cultural, entertainment and business hub for Northland. It’s also a city which the locals call town belying the relaxed and laid back feel you get as you put your feet up and lazily watch the sun go down.

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