Things to do in Whangarei

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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.

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 { 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.

Things to do

New Zealand: Milky Way Glowworm Cave Tour

New Zealand: Milky Way Glowworm Cave Tour

$27
per adult
New Zealand: Milky Way Glowworm Cave Tour
Private And Exclusive Day Trip Transport To Waitangi Treaty Ground And Paihia

Waitangi Treaty Ground Day Trip Private Transport From Auckland

$514
per traveler
Waitangi Treaty Ground Day Trip Private Transport From Auckland
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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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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."

Recommended things to do in Whangarei

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

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 and neighborhoods 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

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 Mount Manaia and Mcleod Bay.

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

Whangarei Central

If you're spending some time in Whangarei Central, Town Basin Marina and Reyburn House are top sights worth seeing.

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

Kamo

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

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 Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Quarry Gardens.

Marsden Point

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Whangarei

A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, a sandy beach, and a dense green forest area.

Waipu

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

Whangarei Heads

A beach with waves, a seagull, and mountains in the background.

Ruakaka

Frequently asked questions

Is Whangarei worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there are many things to do in Whangarei.
How do I spend a day in Whangarei?
Kingdom of Zion and Botanica & Cafler Park are two great places to begin your adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Whangarei while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whangarei?
You can't go home without exploring Kingdom of Zion, ranked the top tourist attraction in Whangarei.
Is three days enough to stay in Whangarei?
You can easily tour popular sights like Town Basin Marina, Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Botanica & Cafler Park with a three-day break in Whangarei. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Tutukaka.
Is Whangarei a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Whangarei is a good place to see on foot. Have fun wandering between Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Then take a stroll around Woodhill, located 1 mile from downtown, and Onerahi, which is roughly 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Whangarei with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Whangarei with kids.
What to do in Whangarei for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Whangarei for adults including Kiwi North: Museum and Claphams Clock Museum.
Are there free things to do in Whangarei?
In Whangarei, Town Basin Marina is a popular spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Whangarei.

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