Kerry’s Recommendations for Exploring Whangarei!
Food Scene
Reasonably priced in a stunning location. gate to plate experience. Whether it is sourcing grass fed Angus or Hereford prime from local Northland farmers or fresh oysters direct from Paihia they try to ensure what they provide is grown right on our doorstep. Through their very own Vege shack located on the rich volcanic soils of Maungakaramea they sustainably grow most of the vegetables you will enjoy when dining at The Quay.
30 locals recommend
The Quay
31 QuaysideReasonably priced in a stunning location. gate to plate experience. Whether it is sourcing grass fed Angus or Hereford prime from local Northland farmers or fresh oysters direct from Paihia they try to ensure what they provide is grown right on our doorstep. Through their very own Vege shack located on the rich volcanic soils of Maungakaramea they sustainably grow most of the vegetables you will enjoy when dining at The Quay.
Bright, airy special-occasion dining room with water views & intricate, farm-to-table local cuisine.
12 locals recommend
TopSail
206 Beach RdBright, airy special-occasion dining room with water views & intricate, farm-to-table local cuisine.
Parks & Nature
Whangarei Heads is a stunning holiday destination, beautiful sub-tropical climate, sparkling white sand beaches, rich native bush, volcanic peaks.
20 locals recommend
Whangarei Heads
Whangarei Heads is a stunning holiday destination, beautiful sub-tropical climate, sparkling white sand beaches, rich native bush, volcanic peaks.
The walk between the Park and the waterfall follows the Hatea River. There are many picnic spots and fresh water swimming holes. This is an easy walk, with some short steep climbs, that is suitable for all ages and it is a popular running track for many locals.
12 locals recommend
A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park
199 Whareora RdThe walk between the Park and the waterfall follows the Hatea River. There are many picnic spots and fresh water swimming holes. This is an easy walk, with some short steep climbs, that is suitable for all ages and it is a popular running track for many locals.
Idyllic white sand, bush fringed beach.
Walking access only from either the car park on Matapouri Road (30 mins round trip), through groves of ancient Puriri trees or via Matapouri Bay (40 mins one way).
Great for swimming, snorkelling and picnics.
Basic toilets and well maintained pathways.
No direct road access is available so you need to park at the top of the hill on Matapouri Road.
36 locals recommend
Whale Bay
Idyllic white sand, bush fringed beach.
Walking access only from either the car park on Matapouri Road (30 mins round trip), through groves of ancient Puriri trees or via Matapouri Bay (40 mins one way).
Great for swimming, snorkelling and picnics.
Basic toilets and well maintained pathways.
No direct road access is available so you need to park at the top of the hill on Matapouri Road.
The Waipu Caves are completely undeveloped, unguided and absolutely free. Entry is at your own risk. The glow worms are totally beautiful and surreal!
56 locals recommend
Waipu Caves
Waipu Caves RoadThe Waipu Caves are completely undeveloped, unguided and absolutely free. Entry is at your own risk. The glow worms are totally beautiful and surreal!
Arts & Culture
Discover Whangarei, through the heart and creativity of its artists. Many of these public works are a response from the artists to Whangarei – the place and the people, the history and the environment and in their own each unique way, are a celebrations of the Whangarei District.
8 locals recommend
Town Basin Loop Track Sculpture Trail
Discover Whangarei, through the heart and creativity of its artists. Many of these public works are a response from the artists to Whangarei – the place and the people, the history and the environment and in their own each unique way, are a celebrations of the Whangarei District.
Burning Issues Gallery are specialists in contemporary New Zealand handmade glass, ceramics, sculpture, paintings and jewelry. The high standard of work in the gallery is well recognised internationally and throughout New Zealand. We take pride in highlighting the work of the best of Northland's object artists and jewelers to local and international visitors.
Burning Issues Gallery
8 QuaysideBurning Issues Gallery are specialists in contemporary New Zealand handmade glass, ceramics, sculpture, paintings and jewelry. The high standard of work in the gallery is well recognised internationally and throughout New Zealand. We take pride in highlighting the work of the best of Northland's object artists and jewelers to local and international visitors.
Shopping
Tuatara Design Store is the Whangarei gallery and gift store - a great place to find that special piece of unique Northland Art, cultural items, and gifts.
Tuatara Design Store
Tuatara Design Store is the Whangarei gallery and gift store - a great place to find that special piece of unique Northland Art, cultural items, and gifts.
Entertainment & Activities
Northland's first dedicated downhill mountain bike trails and Monster Scooter trail park, HeadsUp features WORLD CLASS trails in a beautiful nature setting.
11 locals recommend
HeadsUp Adventures
189 Whangarei Heads RdNorthland's first dedicated downhill mountain bike trails and Monster Scooter trail park, HeadsUp features WORLD CLASS trails in a beautiful nature setting.
The Vuletich family is the pioneer of wine making in the Whangarei region. Longview Estate is the first and only winery in New Zealand that has the most primitive and distinctive white diamond vines for more than 50 years. It masters the complete system of white diamond soil climate cultivation and brewing. In addition to the representative white diamonds, the Longview Estate includes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Gerwurztraminer, etc., which are widely cultivated in the world. Their performances are quite impressive.
Longview Wine Estate
472 State Hwy 1The Vuletich family is the pioneer of wine making in the Whangarei region. Longview Estate is the first and only winery in New Zealand that has the most primitive and distinctive white diamond vines for more than 50 years. It masters the complete system of white diamond soil climate cultivation and brewing. In addition to the representative white diamonds, the Longview Estate includes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Gerwurztraminer, etc., which are widely cultivated in the world. Their performances are quite impressive.
Essentials
PAK'nSAVE Whangarei
Walton StreetWalton Street, Whangarei 0110
Countdown Whangarei
Okara DriveWhangarei Retail Centre
Okara Drive
Whangarei
Drinks & Nightlife
Located in central Whangarei, our restaurant and cocktail bar offers a cosy yet contemporary dining experience, while their garden bar provides a fun, relaxed
9 locals recommend
Split Bar & Restaurant
15 Rathbone StLocated in central Whangarei, our restaurant and cocktail bar offers a cosy yet contemporary dining experience, while their garden bar provides a fun, relaxed
The Guinness is good. There's an Irish band on a Wednesday and a pub quiz in a Thursday. It has a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Make sure to order a plate of 'smashies' - homemade, piping hot and crispy roast potatoes.
8 locals recommend
McMorrissey's Irish Pub & Eatery
9 Vine StThe Guinness is good. There's an Irish band on a Wednesday and a pub quiz in a Thursday. It has a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Make sure to order a plate of 'smashies' - homemade, piping hot and crispy roast potatoes.