Whangarei Town Basin Marina
Whangarei is the northern most city in New Zealand, on the way to the Bay of Islands, or more importantly to the Tutukaka Coast (we are parochial up here) and the Poor Knights Islands. It has a fabulous marina and some top shops, and the best sub-tropical diving. More on Whangarei here
Make time to stop and stay on your trip North – here are my top picks – the Google Map below might help
- Eat at the Fat Camel for traditional Israeli and middle eastern food – fresh and simple and great value. Its worth looking for in the Quality Street Arcade. Try the Borekas – flaky pastry filled with cheese and herbs and salad – just $6
Perfect Day Snorkelling at Poor Knights Islands
- Go diving on the Poor Knights Islands with Dive Tutukaka – I love the Perfect Day Snorkelling Trip.
- Drive out to Whangarei Heads – one of the most fabulous harbour drives in the world – walk to Smugglers Cove at the end of Urquarts Bay
- Visit the AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park on Whareora Road – walk the boardwalks and see fabulous native NZ bush close up.
- Visit the Town Basin Marina and walk down the river to the amazing Waka and Wave Sculpture
- Visit the Whangarei Library and Art Precinct there – see the carved Pou representing the different peoples who have settled in Northland. Visit the cafe and read the latest magazines and newspapers over coffee.
- my pick for somewhere to stay would be – stay in a friendly B&B or cottage on Whangarei Heads
Whangarei Heads
A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park
View Whangarei Highlights – what to see when you visit in a larger map
A weekly Artisan’s Fair will be held in the canopied Victoria Bridge every Saturday 10am-3pm October to April. Visit the Farmers Market first, and then down to the Artisan’s Fair and wander along the new waterfront sculpture garden – a great day out! http://www.whangareinz.com