Whangarei District

With the completion of the impressive new Ara Tūhono – Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway, the Whangārei district, which starts at Waipū, is
less than an hour and a half drive from Auckland city, and Whangārei city is now a comfortable two hours drive.

Shortened drive-times are just one reason this beautiful destination is the ideal place for your short break. There’s many other, including loads of fresh things to see and do. The waterside Town Basin precinct is a wonderful place to start with boutique shopping and great dining  options. Enjoy fantastic art and craft galleries including the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery which celebrates painter, architect, ecologist and visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser and contemporary Māori artists. Enjoy original artworks, tapestries, ecological work, architectural models and, on top of the building is the award-winning Afforested Roof. Yes, that’s a living forest on a roof  top. Other galleries at the Town Basin showcase superb works of art from Northland artists.

Discover the beautiful coastal areas of Waipū, Ruakākā, Whangārei Heads and the Tūtūkākā Coast, not just for some of the best beaches and  worldclass water activities, but also for superb coastal and forest walks. And if you’re after some really great outdoor activities, enjoy six  gorgeous waterfalls, kayak, cycle and mountain bike, dive, snorkel, paddleboard, surf, fish, golf and go horse trekking along a white sandy  beach.

Weekend markets are just waiting to be discovered, including New Zealand’s first growers market, held every Saturday morning all year round, and where the locals go for fresh, high quality produce. Māori culture is part of everyday life in the north, and if you’re seeking for a  better understanding of Māori customs and traditions, Whangārei is the perfect place to experience a truly authentic and unforgettable
guided tour of local places combined with exceptional storytelling.