Discover Whangarei
Escape the real rat race and experience a balanced and excellent lifestyle in the smaller, northernmost city of New Zealand that is Whangarei. This is a thriving but compact city with a vibrant arts and cultural community. The heart of the city is closed to traffic with great retail shopping and dotted with pleasant gardens, seating and sculptures. Flowing through the city is the Hatea River, coming ashore to the city as an international yachting community hub, a safe haven from the Pacific hurricane season and known to the locals as the Town Basin. Experience the sophisticated yet relaxed hub of stylish cafes, restaurants, museums, art galleries and specialty shops.
Key highlights of the area:
The art scene – This is centred by the unique architectural Hundertwasser art, a tribute to artists, visionary and ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Hatea River – flowing through the city, this is bordered by the Hatea Loop, a easy walkway dotted by sculptures and spectacular views.
Mount Parihaka – once the site of the largest Māori Pa in New Zealand, now home to several well-maintained walking trails, rising 241 metres above Whangarei.
Whangarei Heads – a stunning peninsular with beautiful white sand coastal and harbour beaches, set against volcanic peaks and native forests.
Tutukaka Coast – Southwest of Whangarei, a coast of pristine white sand beaches, coastal bush walks and home to the renowned Poor Knights Marine Reserve.
Whangarei City Centre – a great selection of boutiques, chain stores, cafes and restaurants for a complete shopping experience.
