Whangārei & Surrounds

Four nights in and around Whangārei

Auckland – Whangārei - Tūtūkākā – Auckland

Whangārei combines a classic city break with coastal exploration, making this the perfect destination for a kiwi-style getaway.   

Just a two hour drive or short 25 minute flight from Auckland, Whangārei (Aotearoa New Zealand’s northern-most city) is nestled between forest clad hills at the heart of the beautiful Whangārei harbour. It’s known for its vibrant art scene, Māori history, fresh subtropical produce, stunning beaches, and marine playground. It is the gateway to the stunning Whangārei Heads, and the world famous Tūtūkākā Coast which is the launching point to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.   

Two Northland Journeys complement this itinerary; Where Giants Gather along the Whangārei Heads coastline, and Into the Wide Blue Yonder which takes a circular route along to Tūtūkākā and back.   

This itinerary is suitable for FITs, families, and groups.   

Auckland – Whangārei

Day 1

Approximately halfway between Auckland and Whangārei lies the little town of Kaiwaka and the funky mosaiced Eutopia Cafe, the perfect stop to break up the drive with a coffee and a bite to eat.  

Next stop is the vibrant Whangārei Town Basin, starting point of the Where Giants Gather journey, and home to the iconic Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery. This must-visit attraction is an architectural masterpiece designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser who is also known in New Zealand for the world-famous Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. Inside there are over 80 pieces of original artwork on display, original photos and information about Hundertwasser’s life, as well as the Wairau Māori Art Gallery - the world's first Māori dedicated Public Art Gallery. Visitors will be captivated by the afforested rooftop with over 4000 trees and plants as well as stunning views over the Town Basin Marina. A lift makes this attraction accessible to everyone, and you should allow for a minimum 1-2 hours here to include the guided tour. Aqua Restaurant is located inside the building, serving local ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner making this a great spot for lunch before the next stop.  

Kiwi North provides an easy way to engage with Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique wildlife and history just outside of the city centre. Set on 25ha of farmland, forest, and bush, Kiwi North includes a kiwi house, museum, and heritage park. The nocturnal kiwi house transforms day into night, allowing visitors to observe New Zealand’s elusive and iconic kiwi bird foraging for food and interacting in their enclosure, a natural living environment, just as they would in the wild. The museum includes fascinating local artifacts including Moa (a large flightless and now extinct endemic bird) bones, while the Heritage Park includes the original Clarke Homestead (c1886) as well as many other historic buildings. Allow at least 1-2 hours for this visit.  

Whangārei has accommodation to cater to all needs, from hotels, motels, and B&B’s to holiday parks. The Distinction Hotel is a great option for groups to stay within easy walking distance of the Town Basin, while Quest Apartments is located in the heart of the CBD. The Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park is a great option for families in a scenic setting with spacious surrounds, not far from the centre of town.  

For dinner, try The Quay or Number 8, both in the Whangārei Town Basin.  

Whangārei

Day 2

Tu Tika Tours provides an immersive and authentic experience with local Māori family, the Hardings. Merv and Rangimarie begin the half-day tour with an informal welcoming ceremony into their home, before heading off to visit culturally significant locations around the area, including a waterfall, kauri forest, and an ancient Māori pā site. This incredible cultural experience inspires, informs, and entertains, concluding with lunch and an informal farewell ceremony.  

The afternoon can be spent exploring subtropical gardens at the Whangārei Quarry Gardens which includes the fantastic Quail Cafe, or with a guided tour through the quirky Claphams Clock Museum in the Whangārei Town Basin. Nearby is the Hātea Loop – a 4.5km flat walking track which skirts the harbours edge, and the self-guided Whangārei Street Art Trail through the City Centre.  

For dinner, try Loco in the Town Basin or AstroBoy in the City Centre.

Tūtūkākā

Day 3

The Northland Journey Into the Wide Blue Yonder makes the 30 min drive east of the city to the Tūtūkākā Coast one of discovery and adventure. Tūtūkākā is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, a world-renowned destination 25km offshore, which were rated by the famous Jacques Cousteau as one of the top-ten dive sites in the world - the water is known for its clarity and an abundance of sea life. Sea currents and visibility up to 30 meters underwater allow the diver, (and kayaker or snorkeler) to see a highly populated, rich, and diverse tapestry of marine life. Dive! Tutukaka offers a full-day diving experience while the Perfect Day Cruise is a day of kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding around these spectacular islands.  

Tūtūkākā also has a great variety of accommodation. Lodge 9 is perfect for couples, while Pacific Rendezvous and the Tutukaka Holiday Park are great options for families at different price points. Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka is conveniently located close to the marina.  

For dinner try Schnappa Rock for fresh local seafood and ingredients.

Tūtūkākā

Day 4

The Tūtūkākā coast offers an abundance of fantastic beaches and walks for those keen to explore on foot, while Sandy Bay Horse Treks provides a great way to explore the coastline on horseback, offering trail rides or the exclusive ocean swim trail.  

For those wanting to learn a new skill, the Tutukaka Surf School is located in the Tūtūkaka marina centre, offering board hire, or surf lessons and coaching at nearby Sandy Bay.  

For dinner try Te Ākau Roa or enjoy a casual pizza dinner at Marina Pizzeria.  

Tūtūkākā – Auckland

Day 5

Heading south back to Auckland, The Welcoming Coast journey provides a scenic detour through Bream Bay, Waipū and Mangawhai before reconnecting back to State Highway 1. The Waipu Museum tells the story of the Scottish heritage of Waipū, while McLeods Pizza Barn and Brewery is a much loved stop for award-winning craft beer and delicious food. Waipu Cove is a great safe place for a swim, an ice-cream at the Waipū Cove Store, or a cold beverage at The Cove Cafe while Mangawhai is home to the iconic Bennetts of Mangawhai chocolate shop – a must-stop spot to stock up with gifts and treats.