Things to do in Whangarei

Activities, attractions and tours

Town Basin Marina showing a bay or harbor
Town Basin Marina
Town Basin Marina featuring a bay or harbor
Botanica & Cafler Park showing forests
Whangarei Falls showing a cascade and a river or creek

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Top places to visit

1. Town Basin Marina

If you love the water and art browsing, make a beeline for the Town Basin Marina when you arrive in Whangarei. Browse the shops, restaurants, cafés and docks of the Whangarei Marina, watch boats come and go, then follow the Town Basin Art Trail along the waterfront to be immersed in creativity and culture.
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Whangarei which includes sailing, a marina and a bay or harbor

2. Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Whangarei Quarry Gardens are a community-run project that feature landscaped gardens, a visitor centre and a café. Explore the many gardens that include a collection of camellias and an area with cacti and succulents. Whangarei Quarry Gardens is home to a regenerating forest that is teeming with indigenous plants.
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Whangarei Quarry Gardens featuring a park

3. Claphams National Clock Museum

See an enormous collection of historic, artistic and antique clocks at Claphams National Clock Museum in Whangarei. The museum’s collection includes approximately 1,500 clocks that range from Victorian cuckoos to small children’s clocks. Timepieces built by famous clockmakers, including London’s Edward John Dent, also feature in the museum’s displays.
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Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. Botanica & Cafler Park

Visit two of Whangarei’s best green spaces. First, enjoy the landscaped beauty of Cafler Park, then learn about ferns, cacti and other plant species in the green houses and gardens of nearby Botanica Whangarei.
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Botanica & Cafler Park showing a garden and interior views

5. Reyburn House

The Northland Society of Arts (NSA) has been the proud custodian of Reyburn House since 1966. Visit this heritage house in Whangarei’s Town Basin to see an art collection and to enjoy the location of this precious reminder of days gone by. The kids will love the adjacent Town Basin playground.
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Whangarei showing a garden, a house and heritage architecture

What to do in Whangarei

Areas of Whangarei

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One Tree Point

Though One Tree Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mcleod Bay and Mount Manaia.

One Tree Point
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Onerahi

4/5(1 area review)

While Onerahi may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina.

Onerahi
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Portland

While there might not be top attractions in Portland, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Northland Event Centre and Whangarei Art Museum.

Portland
Northland featuring a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbor

Whangarei Central

While visiting Whangarei Central, you might make a stop by sights like Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina.

Whangarei Central
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Marsden Point

While Marsden Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mcleod Bay and Mount Manaia.

Marsden Point
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Port Whangarei

When in Port Whangarei, you can plan a visit to Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Port Whangarei
Whangarei Heads featuring a bay or harbor

Whangarei Heads

Frequently asked questions

Is Whangarei worth visiting?
Whangarei offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Whangarei?
Kingdom of Zion and Whangarei Art Museum are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Whangarei while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whangarei?
The top tourist attraction in Whangarei is Kingdom of Zion, so make sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Whangarei?
Three days will give you time to check out many city highlights, including Town Basin Marina, Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Art Museum. The average stay in Whangarei is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tutukaka isn't far away.
Is Whangarei a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Whangarei, like Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Quarry Gardens, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Whangarei is Woodhill and Onerahi is 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Whangarei with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all of your group, check out these great ideas for what to do in Whangarei with kids.

What to do in Whangarei for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Whangarei, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Kiwi North: Museum or Claphams Clock Museum.
Are there free things to do in Whangarei?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Whangarei is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Town Basin Marina is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.