Linda's Guidebook of Local Attractions
Whangarei harbour
A wonderful clean and clear spectacular water harbour for swimming and all water activities. Views of the mountains beyond are reminiscent of tropical islands like Raro or Tahiti.
From above McLeods Bay you can access from the Manaia Club to the track around 600m up the mountain for spectacular views. More for the energetic hiker.
Approx 1hr from home.
16 locals recommend
Mount Manaia Track
2129 Whangarei Heads RdFrom above McLeods Bay you can access from the Manaia Club to the track around 600m up the mountain for spectacular views. More for the energetic hiker.
Approx 1hr from home.
Seen across the harbour, Mt Aubrey sits above McLeods Bay and beside Mt Manaia, just a little lower...carpark on Reotahi Rd, Whangarei Heads. Great views at approx. 400m high. Bush walk for the reasonably fit. 1 hr drive from home.
17 locals recommend
Mount Aubrey
Seen across the harbour, Mt Aubrey sits above McLeods Bay and beside Mt Manaia, just a little lower...carpark on Reotahi Rd, Whangarei Heads. Great views at approx. 400m high. Bush walk for the reasonably fit. 1 hr drive from home.
Wharf at Ralph Trimmer Dr, popular for fishing. Or walk along beach and fish under the oil pipelines, and walk to the point.
Papich Rd alongside logging. Park and bush walk track to waters edge and wharf for fishing
Mair Rd access to spectacular Bream Bay and surf beach. Walk to the point if desired.
9 locals recommend
Marsden Point Oil Refinery
Ralph Trimmer DriveWharf at Ralph Trimmer Dr, popular for fishing. Or walk along beach and fish under the oil pipelines, and walk to the point.
Papich Rd alongside logging. Park and bush walk track to waters edge and wharf for fishing
Mair Rd access to spectacular Bream Bay and surf beach. Walk to the point if desired.
Just 70m from the house. Launch the kayak here or watch the boats launch and return from fishing trips
Marsden Yacht Club
One Tree Point RoadJust 70m from the house. Launch the kayak here or watch the boats launch and return from fishing trips
HeadsUp Adventures
189 Whangarei Heads RdA driveable distance, and looks like great fun!
Walk around the housing and canals, cross the Lock, eat or drink at the 'Marina Cafe', view the America's cup boat on display. Market monthly.
11 locals recommend
Marsden Cove Marina
48 Rauiri DrWalk around the housing and canals, cross the Lock, eat or drink at the 'Marina Cafe', view the America's cup boat on display. Market monthly.
Sightseeing
Along the stretch of Bream Bay surf beach with surf life-saving patrol for safe swimming.
Lovely local café at the beach...or dairy around the corner.
Picnic area
Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving Patrol
Ruakaka Beach RoadAlong the stretch of Bream Bay surf beach with surf life-saving patrol for safe swimming.
Lovely local café at the beach...or dairy around the corner.
Picnic area
A cute township to browse or eat out in cafe's or try the reknown McLeod's Pizza and award winning brewed beer spot. A set-off point for Waipu Cove or Langs beaches.
13 locals recommend
Waipu
A cute township to browse or eat out in cafe's or try the reknown McLeod's Pizza and award winning brewed beer spot. A set-off point for Waipu Cove or Langs beaches.
Lovely sandy beach for swimming. Coastal track from the end of the beach across the stream and up over the hills.
7 locals recommend
Waipu Cove Beach
813 Cove RdLovely sandy beach for swimming. Coastal track from the end of the beach across the stream and up over the hills.
An easy and free way to visit glow-worms up close, see limestone formations. Need non slip shoes and a torch! Water at various levels.
Nice native bush and limestone rock formations within 500m of the cave entrance. 30min drive from home.
56 locals recommend
Waipu Caves
Waipu Caves RoadAn easy and free way to visit glow-worms up close, see limestone formations. Need non slip shoes and a torch! Water at various levels.
Nice native bush and limestone rock formations within 500m of the cave entrance. 30min drive from home.
Waipu Museum
36 The CentreInteresting memorabilia from early settlers
Matakohe - Beautifully displayed and very interesting and informative of early years of Kauri trees and kauri gum use...and living.
60km from home.
39 locals recommend
The Kauri Museum
5 Church RdMatakohe - Beautifully displayed and very interesting and informative of early years of Kauri trees and kauri gum use...and living.
60km from home.
Whangarei - Interesting scenic area around the yachts and boats at the city centre. Cafes, interesting shops, clock museum. Visit the new and interesting building, art galery and cafe in the Hundertwasser Gallery. 25min drive from home.
36 locals recommend
Town Basin Marina Village
QuaysideWhangarei - Interesting scenic area around the yachts and boats at the city centre. Cafes, interesting shops, clock museum. Visit the new and interesting building, art galery and cafe in the Hundertwasser Gallery. 25min drive from home.
Whangarei - An energetic walk up good paths through park and native bush for lovely views of the city at the top. You can also drive up. 30 min drive from home.
14 locals recommend
Mount Parihaka Lookout and Memorial
Whangarei - An energetic walk up good paths through park and native bush for lovely views of the city at the top. You can also drive up. 30 min drive from home.
Whangarei - Interesting tall falls seen from an easy stroll just past carpark, or down a lovely bush track to view from the bottom pool looking up.
There is a walkway from the falls into town.
63 locals recommend
Whangarei Falls
6 Ngunguru RdWhangarei - Interesting tall falls seen from an easy stroll just past carpark, or down a lovely bush track to view from the bottom pool looking up.
There is a walkway from the falls into town.
Several starting points just 5 min from the town centre, to pop in to view up close the great Kauri trees, waterfall and stream. A very easy to reach, and handy way to get relief from the heat and enjoy the bush sights and sounds.
12 locals recommend
A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park
199 Whareora RdSeveral starting points just 5 min from the town centre, to pop in to view up close the great Kauri trees, waterfall and stream. A very easy to reach, and handy way to get relief from the heat and enjoy the bush sights and sounds.
Paihia is a lovely area to spend the day shopping in the somewhat touristy shops along the waterfront, and lunch at a cafe...one on a deck overlooking the water with an aquarium inside is worth a stop.
Boat trips leave for dolphin watching. A ferry takes 10min to cross to Russell which is fun.
7 locals recommend
Paihia Wharf
Paihia is a lovely area to spend the day shopping in the somewhat touristy shops along the waterfront, and lunch at a cafe...one on a deck overlooking the water with an aquarium inside is worth a stop.
Boat trips leave for dolphin watching. A ferry takes 10min to cross to Russell which is fun.
A long drive, but achieveable in a full day out. On a good day its rather special seeing the 2 oceans meet. Also quite a long but easy walk along the path from the carpark.
65 locals recommend
Cape Reinga
A long drive, but achieveable in a full day out. On a good day its rather special seeing the 2 oceans meet. Also quite a long but easy walk along the path from the carpark.
Interesting inland fresh water lakes with white silica sandy shore. Clear cool water, perfect on a hot day. Approx 1hr 30 min drive.
13 locals recommend
Kai Iwi Lakes
296 Domain RdInteresting inland fresh water lakes with white silica sandy shore. Clear cool water, perfect on a hot day. Approx 1hr 30 min drive.
Amazing desert of sand dunes to climb. Take a boogie board or rent one on site to fly back down.
8 locals recommend
Giant Sand Dunes
47 Te Paki Stream RdAmazing desert of sand dunes to climb. Take a boogie board or rent one on site to fly back down.
Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway
Gillies StreetA fun and scenic trail over the countryside.
In Whangarei..an interesting museum and the chance to see live Kiwi birds.
29 locals recommend
Kiwi North - Kiwi House, Museum & Heritage Park
500 State Hwy 14In Whangarei..an interesting museum and the chance to see live Kiwi birds.
Latest attraction down at the Whangarei marina and parkland area
Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Latest attraction down at the Whangarei marina and parkland area
Worth a look from the top park area..or walk the track to look up at it from the coolness of the base.
63 locals recommend
Whangarei Falls
6 Ngunguru RdWorth a look from the top park area..or walk the track to look up at it from the coolness of the base.
Forum North
7 Rust AveShows held here...a theatre with good seating visability from any seat
Whangarei Tenpin Bowling
129 Port RdA place to spend a rainy day, perhaps.
Lovely garden walk in a sub tropical setting with a great cafe on site amongst the trees...just a gold coin to enter.
34 locals recommend
Whangarei Quarry Gardens
37A Russell RdLovely garden walk in a sub tropical setting with a great cafe on site amongst the trees...just a gold coin to enter.
Lots of interesting clocks on display, and outside is the only ball clock in the southern hemispere...check it out
10 locals recommend
Claphams Clocks - The National Clock Museum
Lots of interesting clocks on display, and outside is the only ball clock in the southern hemispere...check it out
A lovely area worth strolling around to view the marina and attractions. Areas to sit and rest. Cafe' choices.
Whangarei Town Basin
A lovely area worth strolling around to view the marina and attractions. Areas to sit and rest. Cafe' choices.
Whangarei Art Museum
91 Dent StAnother attraction at the Town Basin
Walk in, scramble around rocks and enjoy the amazing rock formations outside the caves. 3 caves in a limestone park. Take a head torch and good shoes. Enjoy the glow worms.
Abbey Caves
120 Abbey Caves RdWalk in, scramble around rocks and enjoy the amazing rock formations outside the caves. 3 caves in a limestone park. Take a head torch and good shoes. Enjoy the glow worms.
Take the ferry for the short ride across the harbour to walk the quaint old area. There is a track up the hill to the Flagpole.
Book a meal at the amazing Duke of Malborough right on the waterfront.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
Take the ferry for the short ride across the harbour to walk the quaint old area. There is a track up the hill to the Flagpole.
Book a meal at the amazing Duke of Malborough right on the waterfront.
Interesting attractive moon shaped beach for walking end to end or for the views of. Good swimming. can walk through to Whale Bay.
22 locals recommend
Matapouri Beach
26 Wehiwehi RdInteresting attractive moon shaped beach for walking end to end or for the views of. Good swimming. can walk through to Whale Bay.
The latest offering...this one is a paid guided tour and is reviewed favourably. Easy walk through for all ages, to view glow worms, limestone formations and native bush walk.
Waipu Caves Farm Park
The latest offering...this one is a paid guided tour and is reviewed favourably. Easy walk through for all ages, to view glow worms, limestone formations and native bush walk.
Extreme Mini Golf
2 Reyburn StI havnt been but it could be fun
A Beautiful surf beach just 20 min drive from home... with pinkish/white sand and interesting rocks. Stunning rocky shoreline views from the Coastal walkway between Waipu Cove and Langs. A manageable walk for the fit and able..
Langs Beach Northland
A Beautiful surf beach just 20 min drive from home... with pinkish/white sand and interesting rocks. Stunning rocky shoreline views from the Coastal walkway between Waipu Cove and Langs. A manageable walk for the fit and able..
A track leads to views and down to this beautiful little bay. Ejoy a swim.
36 locals recommend
Whale Bay
A track leads to views and down to this beautiful little bay. Ejoy a swim.
Take the ferry for the short ride across the harbour to walk the quaint old area. There is a track up the hill to the Flagpole.
Book a meal at the amazing Duke of Malborough right on the waterfront.
The Happy Ferry - Paihia to Russell
Marsden RoadTake the ferry for the short ride across the harbour to walk the quaint old area. There is a track up the hill to the Flagpole.
Book a meal at the amazing Duke of Malborough right on the waterfront.
Food Scene
One Tree Point - Wonderful all day café for undercover dining beside the boat launching and amongst the launches.
Walk the marina area around the inlets, over the lock, and amongst the modern housing. Just 3km from home.
16 locals recommend
Land & Sea Cafe, Bar & Eatery
30 Rauiri DrOne Tree Point - Wonderful all day café for undercover dining beside the boat launching and amongst the launches.
Walk the marina area around the inlets, over the lock, and amongst the modern housing. Just 3km from home.
Small centre but with all essential services, Fresh Choice-great cost food store, café, pizza and kebab, Dr's, pharmacy, bank etc
8 locals recommend
Ruakaka Town Centre
Peter Snell RoadSmall centre but with all essential services, Fresh Choice-great cost food store, café, pizza and kebab, Dr's, pharmacy, bank etc
Urban Remedy
159 One Tree Point RoadJust around the corner, licensed, so you can dine and stroll home.
At the Big Tomatoe. Great atmosphere inside, or out under the grape vines. Nice food. Close by, just 5min drive.
16 locals recommend
Porthouse Bar and Eatery
163 State Highway 15AAt the Big Tomatoe. Great atmosphere inside, or out under the grape vines. Nice food. Close by, just 5min drive.
One Tree Point Store
Great Snapper Fish and Chips..just a stroll up the road.
KEBAB & PIZZA FACTORY
Handy..at shopping centre.. for your Pizza or Kebab fix.
Two Birds cafe
2 Peter Snell RdA very popular cafe in Ruakaka Shopping centre..yum choices.
Great coffee stop while checking out the views and swimmers at the Surf club beach
6 locals recommend
The Bach Cafe
Ruakaka Beach RoadGreat coffee stop while checking out the views and swimmers at the Surf club beach
Up north in Kerikeri..Busy, bustling Café, Bakery, Butchery/Deli and Store open 7-days a week.
The Old Packhouse Market
505 Kerikeri RdUp north in Kerikeri..Busy, bustling Café, Bakery, Butchery/Deli and Store open 7-days a week.
Great eatery and lovely at high tide, sitting inside with views, or outside for waterfront atmosphere.
Approx 40 min drive from One Tree Point.
70 locals recommend
Parua Bay Tavern
1034 Whangarei Heads RdGreat eatery and lovely at high tide, sitting inside with views, or outside for waterfront atmosphere.
Approx 40 min drive from One Tree Point.
Iconic Pizza barn with award winning craft beers and great pizza's indoor or outdoor seating amongst interesting memorabilia
52 locals recommend
McLeod's Pizza Barn & Brewery
2 Cove RdIconic Pizza barn with award winning craft beers and great pizza's indoor or outdoor seating amongst interesting memorabilia
Right opposite Waipu Cove Beach with parking available. A very nice cafe.
37 locals recommend
The Cove Cafe
910 Cove RdRight opposite Waipu Cove Beach with parking available. A very nice cafe.
Helena Bay Cafe
After a long coastal drive viewing beaches up north. Lovely cafe.