This coastal city in Northland has New Zealand's warmest temperatures year-round. Its deep-water harbor, native kauri forests and volcanic peaks draw both locals and travelers.
Whangarei, New Zealand's northernmost city, lies in a subtropical region surrounded by volcanic formations and Pacific coastline. You can climb Mount Parihaka's 259-meter peak, take photos at the 26-meter Whangārei Falls, or explore the Hundertwasser Art Centre's gold-domed architecture and contemporary Māori art collections. The Town Basin area has cafes and art galleries alongside moored boats, while local beaches like Smugglers Bay fill with swimmers and surfers during summer months.
Walking the Hātea Loop
The 4.2-kilometer Hātea Loop walkway circles through Whangarei's waterfront district. You'll walk past the Town Basin marina, cross the Te Matau a Pohe bridge, and continue over the Canopy Bridge. Stop at Clapham's Clock Museum to see its collection of 1,600 timepieces dating from the 1720s to present day. The flat, paved surface makes walking easy, and most people complete the loop in about an hour.
Exploring Mount Parihaka
Mount Parihaka stands 259 meters above Whangarei, formed from an ancient volcanic dome. The summit contains archaeological remains of what was once New Zealand's largest Māori Pā (fortified village). You can choose from three tracks to the top: a 30-minute direct route, or longer paths through native kauri and puriri trees. Look for the information panels that explain the mountain's volcanic formation and its role in Māori history.
Art and Culture Scene
The Hundertwasser Art Centre, which opened in 2022, represents architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser's final design project. The building has curved walls, gold-topped domes, and a roof covered with local plants. Inside, you'll find contemporary exhibitions in the main gallery and indigenous artwork in the Wairau Māori Art Gallery. Walk through the city center to see the Street Prints Manaia Art Trail's 15 large-scale murals depicting local stories and cultural traditions.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Drive 30 minutes from central Whangarei to reach the Tutukākā Coast's swimming spots and surf breaks. At Matapouri Bay, you'll find white sand and shallow water good for families. A 10-minute forest walk leads to Whale Bay's sheltered beach. To reach the Poor Knights Islands, take a boat from Tutukākā Harbor. The islands' waters have 30-meter visibility and contain schools of fish, rays, and coral formations.
Climate and Visiting Times
Winter temperatures in Whangarei stay above 8°C (46°F), while summer days reach around 24°C (75°F). Rain falls throughout the year, with the wettest months from May to August. Plan your visit between March and May or September and November when the weather remains stable and you'll encounter fewer tourists at the main sites.
