Things to do in Whangarei

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Town Basin Marina

Whangarei Attractions

You'll soon learn why travelers love spending time in Whangarei. Regardless of your age or interests, there are numerous sights and experiences to throw yourself into. Secure your flights, pack your bags and prepare to explore this vibrant metropolis.

Explore the sights of Whangarei with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {4 fun activities in Whangarei fun activities in Whangarei}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

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Whangarei must see attractions

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 which includes a garden

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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Whangarei showing a garden, heritage architecture and a house

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 interior views and a garden

5. 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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Clapham\'s Clocks which includes outdoor art

What to do in Whangarei

Free Things to Do in Whangarei

Traveling on a tight budget in Whangarei? Spend time, not money, on awesome experiences.

Pou - Spend some time here and learn more about the arts and culture of the region.

Mair Park - Make this place among your first stops for a bit of fun during your vacation.

Town Basin Marina - This is a buzzing location where you can soak up the vibe and discover the local way of life.

Whangarei Falls - There's something soothing about being around water, so spend a while here.

Abbey Caves - Let nature's rugged beauty calm your soul.

Mair Park - Whether you can distinguish your bamboo from begonias, it's easy to find beauty in this spectacular display.

Things to Do in Whangarei with Kids

There are lots of memorable experiences in Whangarei that the whole gang will love. Here are a few of the top family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whangarei? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Whangarei on a sunny day?
When the forecast is full of sunshine, these outdoor activities are hard to pass up:


What to do in Whangarei on a rainy day?
If the weather takes a turn for the worse during your visit, hang up your umbrella and have a go at these awesome indoor activities:


Are there cheap things to do in Whangarei?
Keep more of your hard-earned pennies in your wallet with these thrifty and fun things to do:


What can you do in Whangarei for free?
You’ll hardly have time to take your wallet out of your backpack with so many terrific free things to do:

  • Whangarei Falls
  • Town Basin Marina
  • Pou
  • Abbey Caves

Discover the most popular places to visit in Whangarei

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Town Basin Marina

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.

Town Basin Marina
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Whangarei Quarry Gardens

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Enjoy the fruits of this remarkable community garden project as you explore areas planted with species of indigenous and subtropical plants.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens
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Reyburn House

Visit Whangarei's oldest settlers house at its scenic riverside location in the Town Basin, to browse one of New Zealand’s delightful art galleries.

Reyburn House
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Botanica & Cafler Park

5/5(1 review)

See one of New Zealand’s largest collections of native ferns in a tranquil garden complex and explore the adjoining park for a relaxing time.

Botanica & Cafler Park
Image for Claphams National Clock Museum

Claphams National Clock Museum

Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.

Claphams National Clock Museum
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Whangarei Art Museum

3/5(1 review)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Whangarei Art Museum in Whangarei. Wander the marina and beaches in the area.

Whangarei Art Museum
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Mt Manaia

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mt Manaia during your travels in Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Mt Manaia
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Mair Park

5/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Mair Park, a lovely green space in Whangarei.

Mair Park
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Quarry Arts Centre

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Quarry Arts Centre in Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Quarry Arts Centre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Whangarei

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One Tree Point

While One Tree Point might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reotahi Bay and Mcleod Bay.

One Tree Point
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Onerahi

While Onerahi might 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.

Onerahi
About 3 hr drive away from Auckland you can feed and tour wild cats. The lion from Narnia posters is here too! Beautiful and majestic, it's well worth the trip! #adventure #newzealand #realmiddleearth #zoo #fun #animals #wildcats

Kamo

Kamo might not have many top sights, but Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Falls are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kamo
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Marsden Point

Though Marsden Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reotahi Bay and Ruakaka Beach.

Marsden Point
Whangarei Quarry Gardens showing a garden

Kensington

While Kensington isn't home to many top sights, Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Town Basin Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kensington
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Regent

While Regent isn't home to many top sights, Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Art Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Regent
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Whangarei

Waipu

Waipu

Whangarei Heads featuring a bay or harbor

Whangarei Heads

Photo by HappyTravelers

Ruakaka