Whangarei – the door to the North

The City of Whangarei has a great selection of activities and attractions to enjoy. From waterfront shopping villages to scenic bush walks and stunning waterfalls, you’ll find it all here. The town basin in the middle of the City is made up of boutique shops selling everything from original artworks to souvenirs.  Hire a bus in Whangarei to enjoy all it has to offer.  There are cafes and restaurants lining the cobbled pathways that overlook the town marina and regular markets to visit. Whangarei has a group of excellent wildlife attractions to visit including a native bird recovery centre, a tiger and lion park and a kiwi house where you can see kiwis living in their natural environment. Whangarei is also within easy reach of over 100 picturesque beaches and is the gateway to one of the most world-renowned diving sites in the world, the Poor Knight Islands. Just as beautiful as the beaches are the natural attractions of the native forest.

Whangarei Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in New Zealand and is easily accessible being just 5km from the City Centre. The other popular attraction is AH Reed Kauri Park which is home to a stand of 500-year-old Kauri trees. You can view them from the well-marked walking tracks or walk amongst them along the treetop boardwalk. Whangarei has a lively arts and crafts scene with The Quarry Arts Centre being the best place to see local works. Nestled in beautiful bushland this centre provides the visitor with the opportunity to watch the artists at work and get involved if they wish. Visit the Abbey Caves to see stalagmites, stalactites and glow worms. 

Take a bus drive along the beautiful Tutakaka coast for stunning scenery and connection to diving and fishing charters. Other Whangarei activities include kayaking, skydiving, scenic flights and mountain biking. Create your own tour and let someone else do the driving? Two hours north of Whangarei you will find the beautiful Bay of Islands which offers excellent fishing, island adventures and Maori culture. Whangarei is the perfect place to base your Northland holiday and has more than enough attractions and activities to keep you entertained, book a bus with us today.