We love Whangarei!
There’s something reassuring and familiar about a place you’ve visited multiple times. It’s like wearing worn-in shoes – comfortable and you know your way around in them.
As a mum I love Whangarei. It’s well serviced, has a choice of big supermarkets and so many beaches, walks and happy times spent with family in and around the area. There’s even a Kmart and Warehouse in town for the shopper in you.
Loving it and knowing it as we do, I thought I’d share a few of the awesome things there are to do in Whangarei.
5 Cheap & Free Things To Do In Whangarei
1. The Loop Track
Head to the Whangarei Basin. It’s easy to find right in town along the waterfront. You’ll likely pass by this awesome playground on the way.
Packed with cafes and boutiques, you could wile away many hours here. There’s even a clock museum called Clapham’s if you have the time!
You also won’t want to miss the quirky Hundertwasser building model that heralds the coming Hundertwasser Art Centre that they’re aiming to develop on the waterfront.
Then, from anywhere around the Hatea River you can find the Loop Track, which takes you on a scenic 4.2 km sealed path past the new hook draw bridge, which opens daily at 12 pm (and otherwise as needed).
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The track also meanders past sculptures, rest areas, a BMX pump track, dog agility park and playground if you have energy to burn.
If you walk it on a Saturday, heading back to the Town Basin you’ll stroll under the canopy bridge on the end of the marina, which holds the weekly Artisan’s Fair.
2. The Artisan’s Market
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Held under the Canopy Bridge at Whangarei Town Basin weekly on Saturdays 9-1.30pm, this high-quality market has something for everyone.
A great example of Northland’s thriving creative and artistic community.
There’s also a night market on Fridays from 5-9 pm featuring global food, products and entertainment.
The night market season runs October – March annually.
3. The Quarry Gardens
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It’s open 7 days from 9-5 pm on 37A Russell Road in Whangarei and there’s something for everyone to enjoy there. There are even guided tours in electric golf carts meaning all levels of fitness and age can enjoy it.
When you’re not ambling in the beautiful, multi-level gardens you can head to the onsite Quail Café.
4. HeadsUp Monster Scooters, Mountain Bike & Paintball Park
There’s a café on-site too which is great as once you climb the steep driveway, there’s be no going back!
This is action-packed, adrenaline-pumping fun. They offer family and individual rates plus shuttles back up once you’ve done a run down.
Helmets are provided but no other gear is required. We showed up and did it in shorts and t-shirts during the summer and were fine.
5. Walk the local tracks
Whangarei has heaps of walks from leisurely to the I-know-I’ve-walked-all-day kind. They all lead to beautiful places so I’ve picked a range of the ones we’ve done and enjoyed.
- Bream Head – 5 to 6 hours one way
This fantastic, challenging track climbs through coastal forest to reveals panoramic coastal views and ruins of a WWII radar station. Requires moderate fitness and approx. 6 hours to complete this 7.5km track.
- Mount Manaia – 2 hours return
A steady climb through native bush to the summit of Mount Manaia for breathtaking views of the Whangarei Harbour. A 4km return climb with several steps.
- Mount Aubrey to Reotahi – 2 hours return
A steep, scenic reserve that rises up above McLeod Bay along a ridge providing stunning views of Whangarei Harbour, Marsden Port and Pataua. It’s a 1.5km walk.
- Reotahi Coastal Track – 1 hour return
Nearby Reotahi provides an easy walk along the Whangarei Harbour coastline. Dotted with pohutukawa trees, it skirts the marine reserve and historic meat works remains.
Two Useful Websites for Walks near Whangarei…
- All Trails has descriptions and maps of walks in the Whangarei Heads area.
- www.doc.govt.nz is a good source for track information for all of New Zealand.
And in case you have any energy left after nailing these Top 5 Things to do in Whangarei, perhaps you’d like to try a few of these…
Other Things to do in Whangarei
- Clapham’s National Clock Museum
- Adventure Forest
- The Art Museum & Quarry Arts Centre
- The Packard Motor Museum
- Diving in Tutukaka
- Horse riding with Tuidale Stables along Uretiti Beach
For more info on any of these activities head to whangareinz.com
Travel Distances to Whangarei
Maybe you’re wondering how far Whangarei is from where you are?
Or how long it will take to get there? Try the free tools below.
Want to go but not sure where to stay?
Whangarei has tons of options for where to stay.
From hotels to backpackers but have you ever stayed free?
We signed up with Kiwi House Sitters and, for just $84 for 12 months, we have access to free accommodation across New Zealand in exchange for house/ pet sitting.
Homeowners can sign up to use the service for free. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before agreeing.
This is a great way to travel cheaply, see the country and help others.
Road trip anyone?
Do you have any top tips for visiting Whangarei?
Comment below.
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Thanks!
Meagan
