Discover Whangarei

Whangarei offers a wide range of reasons to stay: riverside walks, cycling options, public art, a distinctive clock collection and local produce each give a visit its own character. The centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. When researching accommodation, this urban setting may be just as important as deciding whether you would rather spend your time outdoors, enjoying culture or visiting a market.

Riverside walks and bush trails

The Hātea Loop – Huarahi o te Whai is a 4.2-kilometre, fully accessible circuit along the Hātea River. It is suitable for walking and jogging, as well as for bicycles, mobility aids, scooters and pushchairs. The loop therefore brings together different ways of getting around on one route; you can explore Whangarei here on foot or using one of the listed means of transport.

The Hātea River Walkway offers a different atmosphere, winding through native bush and making a peaceful walk. It is easy to reach from the city centre. If you are looking for peace and greenery during a day in the city, you can plan the walkway as a separate walking option.

Cycling options for different interests

Pohe Island Bike Park offers a range of options, from a covered, flat practice area for beginners to more challenging skills, pump and circuit tracks. While the Hātea Loop is a 4.2-kilometre circuit along the river, the park brings together a practice area and various types of tracks. The bike park is open to the public and free of charge; check the latest access information before your visit.

Town Basin, clocks and art

Whangarei’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot; the waterfront Town Basin offers restaurants, cafés, museums, galleries, playgrounds and shopping. At the heart of picturesque Town Basin is Claphams National Clock Museum. It houses one of the largest and most historically significant clock collections in the Southern Hemisphere.

Children can take part in a clock hunt through the museum’s exhibition. This playful activity offers a different way to engage with the collection and can give a shared discovery experience structure during a museum visit.

Another way to discover Whangarei’s culture is the Street Prints Manaia Art Trail. The walk features 15 large-scale art murals on the theme “Tuia te muka Tāngata” (“Weaving the Threads of Humanity”). The theme gives the works a shared point of reference; at the same time, you encounter large-scale art in the city rather than in a single exhibition.

Local produce and a trip to the surrounding area

Whangārei Growers Market offers locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as preserves, honey, eggs, beef and flowers. So a visit to the market showcases a variety of local produce alongside fruit and vegetables. Market dates can change; check the latest times before your visit.

Nearby, at Kiwi North in Maunu, you’ll find the only Kiwi House in the Northland region. The site is about ten minutes from Whangarei city centre. It adds a regional destination to the city’s attractions and can be considered as a separate focus when planning a stay.

Discover more destinations: Whangarei Heads, Ruatangata West, Kauri, Parua Bay, Langs Beach, Ngunguru, Helena Bay, Tutukaka

For the broader travel overview: Whangarei District.