Attractions

THINGS TO DO IN WHANGAREI

Whangarei offers visitors a varied and unique range of activites and attractions including beaches, walkways, marinas, galleries and much much more. Beyond Whangarei city and our stunning local coastline you will also find the jewels of Northland within an enjoyable drive from the Casa Blanca Motel.

Local Whangarei attractions include:

  • Boating and fishing are popular pursuits charter trips depart from Whangarei and Tutukaka Marina
  • Scuba diving at the Poor Knights Islands
  • Zion Wildlife Gardens
  • Whangārei Museum, Heritage Park and Kiwi House (Kiwi North)
  • Whangārei Heads beaches and walkways – the Parua Bay Tavern and Restaurant is an ideal place to stop for refreshments, lunch or dinner
  • The picturesque Whangārei Falls – viewing platforms offer excellent views of the 26 metre (86 foot) falls and the area is an excellent picnic spot
  • AH Reed Memorial Park and Kauri Walkway link to Mair Park, Mt Parahaki and the Town Basin
  • Town Basin Marina, cafes, galleries and shopping
  • Whangārei Craft Quarry and Quarry Gardens
  • Whangārei Art Gallery
  • Hundertwasser Art Centre -Wairau Māori Art Gallery
    Fernery and conservatory
  • Whangārei city: cafes, restaurants, cinema, bars, theatre, swimming pool, shops, banks, library, internet cafés
  • Tutukaka Coast beaches including Ngunguru, Matapouri, Sandy Bay and Whale Bay

WEST COAST AND DARGAVILLE:

Dargaville is only 45 minutes drive west of Whangarei so explore the west coast by day then come back to Whangarei for a wide range of dining choices, a movie or a drink at one of our many local bars.

  • Matakohe Kauri Museum

  • Baylys Beach and quad bikes

  • Waipoua Forest-home of Tane Mahuta, NZ’s biggest kauri tree

  • Hokianga Harbour

  • Kai Iwi Lakes

DAY TRIP SUGGESTIONS:

Exploring Whangarei City, visiting the Tutukaka Coast beaches & Poor Knights Islands and exploring the Whangarei Heads are all local day trip opportunities.

Below are suggested itineraries around other parts of Northland that you can enjoy from your accommodation at Casa Blanca Motel, Whangarei

 

The Bay of Islands

  • Only 1-hours drive north of Whangarei
  • Cruises, skippered charters, sailing, swimming with dolphins
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Kerikeri Stone Store, wineries and craft trail
  • Historic Russell (accessible by ferry)

Bream Bay

  • Waipu, Ruakaka and One Tree Point are only 30 mins south on SH 1
  • Waipu Cove and Langs Beach
  • Waipu Museum, cafes and galleries
  • One Tree Point and Marsden Cove
  • Marsden Point Visitors Centre free entry 7 days a week
  • Ruakaka beach
  • Waipu Caves and Golf Course
  • Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads beaches and galleries
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