Things to do in Whangarei

Activities, attractions and tours

A waterfront with boats docked, a pier with a red-roofed building, and greenery along the shore.
A marina with multiple sailboats docked, surrounded by lush greenery and hills in the background.
A close-up of green leaves with visible veins.
A waterfall cascading into a calm pool surrounded by lush greenery.
A rural landscape with a winding road, green fields, a hill with trees, and a small building.

Things to do

Close up of glowworms

Starburst Cathedral deep inside Milky Way Glowworm Cave

RM190
per adult
Starburst Cathedral deep inside Milky Way Glowworm Cave
Motorcycle Trike Tours in and around Whangarei

Whangarei Trike Tour to Waterfalls, Beaches & More

RM536
per traveller
Whangarei Trike Tour to Waterfalls, Beaches & More
New Zealand: Milky Way Glowworm Cave Tour

New Zealand: Milky Way Glowworm Cave Tour

RM107
per adult
New Zealand: Milky Way Glowworm Cave Tour
The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is located by the picturesque Town Basin marina.

Hundertwasser Art Centre: Explore the Legacy

RM71
per adult
Hundertwasser Art Centre: Explore the Legacy
Private And Exclusive Day Trip Transport To Waitangi Treaty Ground And Paihia

Waitangi Treaty Ground Day Trip Private Transport From Auckland

RM2,048
per traveller
Waitangi Treaty Ground Day Trip Private Transport From Auckland
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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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A marina with several sailboats docked, a small bridge, and a restaurant named "Nevo's Restaurant & Bar" with a red roof.

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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A garden with a waterfall, red and pink flowers, and a rocky landscape.

3. 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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A yellow building with a white porch, surrounded by lush gardens and a winding path.

4. 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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The Clapham National Clock Museum entrance with a mural of clocks and gears.

5. 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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A greenhouse with a sign that reads "Fernery."

What to do in Whangarei

Stay near popular Whangarei attractions

A marina with several sailboats docked, a small bridge, and a restaurant named "Nevo's Restaurant & Bar" with a red roof.

Town Basin Marina

9.2/10 (360 reviews)
Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.
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Where to stay in Whangarei

Find the best Whangarei areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Whangarei
Learn more about Whangarei
A coastal landscape with a rugged cliff, a bay with a small town, and rolling hills.

One Tree Point

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

A waterfront with boats docked, a pier with a red-roofed building, and greenery along the shore.

Whangarei Central

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

Two lions behind a chain-link fence with a 'Keep Hands Clear' sign.
Photo by Tara Jabbari
Open Photo by Tara Jabbari

Kamo

While Kamo isn't home to many top sights, Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Falls are some notable places to visit nearby.

Onerahi

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 Mt Manaia and Whangarei Art Museum.

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 Mount Manaia and Ruakaka Beach.

A wooden pier extending into turquoise water, surrounded by a mountainous landscape.

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.