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A usual pattern I see with backpackers in New Zealand is a tendency to land in Auckland, then immediately working their way down to cities such as Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington. And I find this a shame because if you have time, there is so much hidden beauty to be found further north.
Take Whangarei, for example, which is New Zealand’s most northerly city. In my opinion, beyond its walls, you will find some of the most incredible landscapes the country has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing place to watch boats sail through or want to venture on gorgeous day hikes, this city and its surrounding region is definitely worth the trip.
In this article, we’ll let you in on some secret (and not-so-secret) top things to do in Whangarei, including budget-friendly experiences as well as once-in-a-lifetime excursions.
Where to stay in Whangarei (freedom camping recommended)
As mentioned in our previous New Zealand articles, many travelers are split between renting or buying a camper van or using public transportation and staying in hostels. Even though Whangārei itself is easy to get to from Auckland (three-hour bus), I’m a strong advocate for having your own vehicle so you can explore beyond the city.
With regards to Whangarei, yes, a couple of tourist attractions in the main town. However, most of what you want to see is within an hour’s drive away. With this in mind, if you have a self-contained campervan or car, there are three freedom camping spots in Whangārei, including one at the information center.
For your New Zealand road trip, I recommend downloading the CamperMate app for all the latest updates on the best camping areas and local amenities.
Top things to do in Whangarei
City center
As touched on, the city itself doesn’t offer a huge amount of attractions, and can be easily done within a day. That being said, it’s worth a venture into the center to experience the laid-back New Zealand lifestyle, the diverse maritime landscape and some European-inspired art.
Visit the Hundertwasser Art Center
Inspired by the visionary Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the art center is a celebration of bold colors, organic forms, and harmony with nature. If you’re a fan of the famous Gaudi, this will be right up your street. Every part of the gallery has perfect attention to detail. You’ll find unique architecture, ever-changing exhibitions and panoramic views on the rooftop. I’d recommend pre-buying tickets to avoid waiting in line on the day.
Watch the rolling ball clock
I promise this is way more exciting than it sounds (or maybe I’m just a bit of a nerd). The Rolling Ball Clock is an extremely clever timepiece next to Clapham’s National Clock Museum. Using 35 balls, this sculpture perfectly tells the time using a series of timing racks, indicating hours, minutes and seconds.
The piece is captivating to watch, as each ball plays a vital role in maintaining the clock while doing loop the loops, riding in elevators and switching tracks. I personally spent around an hour with a takeaway coffee, just mesmerized by the whole process and the unbelievable engineering involved.
Stroll along the Town Basin
The Town Basin is the most picturesque part of the city, lined with boutique cafes and restaurants that overlook the harbor. Known for its international yachting community, this is the perfect place to check out the luxury boats while strolling along the waterfront.
During October, the city hosts the Whangarei Maritime Festival, a fun-filled, two-day event that showcases a variety of both modern and antique boats with tours on and off the river.
Whangarei Falls
You can’t go to Whangarei without seeing its famous waterfalls. Conveniently located near the city center, Whangarei Falls Park offers trails which wind through lush native bush, offering multiple viewing platforms for different perspectives of the waterfall.
It’s an extremely peaceful spot for nature photography, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the atmosphere with a picnic. With well-maintained paths and picnic areas nearby, it’s an ideal outing for anyone looking for a peaceful escape without leaving the city.
Outside of the city
Stepping outside of the cultural center will lead you to a completely different landscape, filled with stunning beaches, rolling hills and impressive mountains. Whether you’re up for a scenic hike, a relaxing day by the sea, or a drive through the lush countryside, the activities below offer countless opportunities to experience the best of New Zealand’s North Island.
Hiking day trips
Mount Manaia
This popular day trek is a challenge – but extremely worth it. Located a 30-minute drive away towards the coast from Whangarei, you’ll reach the trailhead, which starts in McLeod Bay. From there, the track is a slow but steady climb through native bush, ascending 450 meters to the summit of Mount Manaia, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Whangarei harbor and the surrounding coastline.
On the way down, the trail will take you through World War II forts and other structures before you reach a beach to cool down after a sweaty hike.
Smugglers Bay Loop Track
Along the Whangarei Heads coastline, the Smugglers Bay Loop track is a beautiful, short day hike that winds through farmland and coastal bush, offering sweeping views of the harbor and out to the ocean.
After about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at Smugglers Bay, an idyllic, sheltered beach that’s perfect for a quiet swim – you’ll often find only a handful of other people there with you. The return loop takes you over a gentle ridge with more scenic vistas, making this 1.5-hour walk both easy and rewarding.
Tutukaka Lighthouse walk
If you’re looking for a real day adventure, I recommend checking out the Tutukaka Lighthouse walk. After a 35-minute drive, you’ll reach the trailhead, taking you across grassland with stunning views of the coast. That said, the most exciting part is the journey down to the beach and onto Kukutauwhao Island. As you can only reach the island during low tide, you’ll need to do some research beforehand so you don’t get stranded!
If you’re lucky with the tide crossing, a steep climb up the island’s slope will take you to the lighthouse, offering some of the best views in the North Island, including those of Poor Knights Island, renowned for its thriving marine life.
Unique day trips and excursions
Connect with Maori culture
Your Kiwi Cultural Connection with Tu Tika Tours offers an intimate 3.5-hour Māori cultural experience. Led by local hosts Mervyn and Rangimarie Harding, the tour includes visits to culturally significant sites, such as majestic waterfalls and ancient Māori pā (fortified villages), and features activities like flax weaving and learning a Māori song.
The experience concludes with a shared lunch of fresh, locally cooked fish and chips. With small group sizes (up to five participants), this tour is perfect for those looking for a personalized and immersive introduction to Māori culture and traditions. Tickets cost NZD $395 (around USD $234) per person via the Tu Tika Tours website.
Waipu Horse Adventures
To the South of Whangarei lie some of the most beautiful beaches New Zealand has to offer. I love getting in touch with nature. So what better way to explore the best of New Zealand than on horseback?
In this region, Waipu Horse Adventures are the recommend provider. These experts will take you on guided rides along pristine stretches of coastline, across rolling dunes, and through peaceful countryside trails. Suitable for beginners or experienced riders, this experience is a bucket-list opportunity to connect with nature and see the Northland’s coastal landscapes in the most magical way imaginable.
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