Whangārei Must-Do's

Northland’ s Only City - Proud of its gleaming marina and wellpolished places to wine and dine, Whangārei is blessed with good looks and a sharp style. As a hub for international yachties and a pedestrianised city centre, you'll likely see more boats than cars.

Town Basin Marina - In the heart of the city, the gleaming marina is flush with boats, art galleries, boutique shops and eateries including the award-winning The Quay restaurant.

Whangārei Town Basin © David Kirkland

Fudge Farm - Straddling Whangārei’s jostling harbour, old-fashioned fudge is churned on site. The premises’ dessert café flanks the waterfront and dishes up decadent ice cream sundaes.

Te Matau a Pohe Bridge - You can pass this cutting-edge road bridge and drawbridge on the onehour Hātea Loop Walkway. It looks particularly striking when it lifts over the Hātea River at sunset.

Hātea Loop Walkway - A fully accessible walkway for wheels as well as walkers (and pooches on leashes, too) this 4.2km path follows the Hātea River around Whangārei Town Basin. The route passes art galleries and glass-blowing, Whangārei’s oldest house, Whangārei Art Museum, the city’s Te Matau a Pohe’ drawbridge and more.

Waka and Wave Stone Sculpture - This standalone sculpture is in the shape of a koru (the unfurling of a silver fern) and in the style of Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Botanica - Give yourself at least one hour to enjoy a colourful and exotic range of plants. From the heated conservatory sprawling with tropical flora to a Japanese garden, it’s a lovely spot for picnics and to pause.

Claphams Clock Museum - A fine collection of time-pieces with guided tours that bring history to life in ways you never knew were possible via the humble clock.

Whangārei Art Museum - Neat, compact and located on the water's edge, the city’s handsome museum showcases a diverse and everchanging mix of homegrown talent and far-flung artwork. It's free to visit.

Kiwi North – Kiwi House, Museum & Heritage Park - A multi-faceted experience for the whole family. Spy kiwi and tuatara in the nocturnal house and delve into Northland's rich history.

Whangārei Native Bird & Recovery Centre - Visit this award-winning centre for injured birds. Where possible, birds are nursed back to health, with more than 60 percent rehabilitated and successfully released.

Whangārei Quarry Gardens - A subtropical haven, freckled with sculptures and created by volunteers in a former stone quarry. Book a one-hour guided tour in an electric golf cart and then eat cake at Quail Café.

TOP TIP: The fabulously impressive Hundertwasser Art Centre, designed in the style of the late artist and a celebration of his life and achievements, will open late 2021. Sharing the same brightly-tiled building is Wairau Māori Art Gallery, the national home of contemporary Māori art.

Hundertwasser Art Centre © Whangārei District Council

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