Things to do in Whangarei

Activities, attractions and tours

Town Basin Marina showing a bay or harbor
Town Basin Marina
Town Basin Marina which includes a bay or harbor
Botanica & Cafler Park featuring forest scenes
Whangarei Falls showing a river or creek and a waterfall

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Top places to visit

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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Whangarei featuring a bay or harbor, a marina and sailing

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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Whangarei Quarry Gardens featuring a park

3. 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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Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. 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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Botanica & Cafler Park which includes interior views and a park

5. 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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Whangarei showing heritage architecture, a park and a house

What to do in Whangarei

Popular places to visit

Whangarei featuring a bay or harbor, a marina and sailing

Town Basin Marina

Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.

Town Basin Marina
Whangarei Quarry Gardens featuring a park

Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Enjoy the fruits of this remarkable community garden project as you explore areas planted with species of indigenous and subtropical plants.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Claphams National Clock Museum

Claphams National Clock Museum

Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.

Claphams National Clock Museum
Botanica & Cafler Park which includes interior views and a park

Botanica & Cafler Park

See one of New Zealand’s largest collections of native ferns in a tranquil garden complex and explore the adjoining park for a relaxing time.

Botanica & Cafler Park
Whangarei showing heritage architecture, a park and a house

Reyburn House

Visit Whangarei's oldest settlers house at its scenic riverside location in the Town Basin, to browse one of New Zealand’s delightful art galleries.

Reyburn House

Whangarei Art Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Whangarei Art Museum during your trip to Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whangarei Art Museum

Northland Event Centre

Catch an event at Northland Event Centre during your trip to Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Northland Event Centre

Hundertwasser Art Centre

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Hundertwasser Art Centre during your trip to Whangarei.

Hundertwasser Art Centre

Quarry Arts Centre

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Quarry Arts Centre during your trip to Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Quarry Arts Centre

Areas of Whangarei

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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 Mcleod Bay and Mount Manaia.

One Tree Point
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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 Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina.

Onerahi
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Marsden Point

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

Marsden Point
Northland showing a bay or harbor and a lake or waterhole

Whangarei Central

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

Whangarei Central
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Portland

While Portland might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Northland Event Centre and Whangarei Art Museum.

Portland
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Kamo

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

Kamo
Photo by HappyTravelers

Ruakaka

Frequently asked questions

Is Whangarei worth visiting?
Whangarei offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Whangarei?
Kingdom of Zion and Whangarei Art Museum are two great places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Whangarei while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whangarei?
The top tourist attraction in Whangarei is Kingdom of Zion, so make sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Whangarei?
Three days will give you time to check out many city highlights, including Town Basin Marina, Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Art Museum. The average stay in Whangarei is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tutukaka isn't far away.
Is Whangarei a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Whangarei, like Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Quarry Gardens, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from the city center of Whangarei is Woodhill and Onerahi is 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Whangarei with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all of your group, check out these great ideas for what to do in Whangarei with kids.

What to do in Whangarei for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Whangarei, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Kiwi North: Museum or Claphams Clock Museum.
Are there free things to do in Whangarei?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Whangarei is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Town Basin Marina is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.