3 minute read
Take it easy in WHANGĀREI CITY
It's Got It All!
Far from a sprawling concrete jungle you might envisage when thinking of a 'city', Whangārei is better described as a relaxed harbour with resort town vibes. Better yet, countless beaches sit on the doorstep. The Town Basin is the marina village, a charming spot beside a flurry of shimmering yachts. This sophisticated yet mellow hub is also your go-to for dining and entertainment.
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Soak up a vibrant art scene, shops and cafés at the marina and then summit Mt Parihaka. Once the largest pā (fortified village) in New Zealand, it’s the highest point in the city and affords far-reaching views.
24 hours in Whangārei City
MORNING - Just a few minutes from the centre is Whangārei Falls. A powerful 26-metre curtain of water that thunders in winter and while dry summers can limit the volume, idyllic swimming spots more than make up for tinier trickles. There are scenic lookout points at the top and a perfectly placed picnic bench at the base.
NOON - Find your courageous side by delving into Abbey Caves Reserve. Proper shoes, a head torch and a sense of adventure are required. Squeeze through small spaces, wade through water and stare at throngs of glowworms. There are three caves in total, all free to enter.
NIGHT - Whangārei City’s Town Basin Marina overlooks Hatea River. Stroll around the 30-minute art trail, complete with ocean-themed sculptures, then dine alfresco on the quay.
Whangārei Town Basin
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Why we love Whangārei Heads
This coastal paradise is just 20 minutes from Whangārei city centre. Come and explore a stunning peninsula with bountiful bays and a spine of towering volcanic peaks.
DREAMY SPOTS - At Whangārei Harbour, a wide tidal range allows for swimming at high tide and fascinating exploration at low tide. You can also fish, surf, kayak, dive and hike. Check out the Onerahi foreshore along Beach Rd for idyllic swimming and fishing directly off the wharf.
NEW ZEALAND’S LONGEST WALK - The almighty 3000km Te Araroa National Walkway passes through Whangārei Heads. Tick off a 30km chunk of the track which weaves between jetties, mountains and beaches.
‘GRAM-WORTHY VIEW POINTS - For the best views in Whangārei, climb to the top of Mt Manaia’s spinal peaks. The walk takes approximately two hours return. If you're feeling extra fit, Mt Lion is a 395-metre-high peak and it's mostly a steep set of man-made steps for the entire climb. The vistas are worth the grunt.
BYGONE TIMES - Historic Māori and European sites await on the Busby Head and Smugglers Bay walking tracks.
AQUATIC ADVENTURES - Go for a swim at Urquharts Bay. Boating, kayaking and snorkelling is available within the Reotahi Marine Reserve and safe swimming at both Reotahi Beach and Taurikura Beach is favoured by families.
Whangārei Harbour
One of the nicest ways to see Whangārei Harbour is from the bow of M.V. Waipapa, a small touring boat which treats its guests to a 90-minute harbour dalliance. Sail out to the tip of the Onerahi Peninsula, manoeuvring under Te Matau a Pohe, the town's cutting-edge drawbridge. Sailing summer months and weekends only; departing at 11am sharp.
Mt Manaia, Whangārei Heads
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FOR EXCEPTIONAL OCEAN VIEWS, THE REOTAHI COASTAL WALKWAY IS AN EASY 90-MINUTE WALK, WHILE THE TWO- HOUR MT AUBREY WALK IS LONG AND STEEP BUT LEADS TO A BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN RIDGE.
Mt Aubrey walk
Whangārei District Council
Tutukākā Coast
SALT IN THE AIR, SLEEPY SEASIDE VIBES AND NOT A CARE IN THE WORLD. THE AGE-OLD RECIPE FOR LIVING THE GOOD LIFE HAS NEVER WAIVERED ON THE TUTUKĀKĀ COAST.
Tutukaka
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Ōakura Bay
Ōakura Bay
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This horseshoe bay is where teal water tickles soft golden sand and holiday homes sit invitingly just metres from the beach. The waves are punchy and keep surfers occupied for hours, while the clean beach pulls swimmers into its crystal waters. At low tide an investigation of the rocky outcrop is a must, as are the ice creams, bought from the dairy and devoured on a stretch of sea-fronting grass.
