West to East Coast Circuit (Long version)

From Whangarei head West to Dargaville
Stop off at Blah Blah Blah in Dargaville for a great coffee and a snack.
Continue on your journey heading north.
Visit the amazing Kai Iwi lakes that are the most beautiful blue and green colours
Travel through the Waipoua Forest and see the biggest Kauri Tree in NZ (Tane Mahuta)
Continue onto Omapere on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour
Continue on up to Rawene
Catch a Ferry across to Kohukohu
Keep heading up towards to Kaitaia you can go through the Broadward forest or through the windy Mangamuka Roads.
Once you reach Kaitaia there is only one road north to the top of NZ
You may wish to visit the gumdiggers Park in Kaitaia.
Travel past the Hohora harbour on your way to Cape Reinga.
You have reached the top of NZ a very spiritual special place.
Come back down the same way and once you get to Kaitaia go onto SH 10.
Work your way back to Whangarei via the spectacular East Coast.
There are many beautiful beaches along the way such as Cable Bay and Taupo Bay.
Stop in at the world famous Mangonui Fish shop for a yummy meal.
Come back through Kerikeri and visit the Makana Confectionery factory.
There are many wonderful shops and historic buildings in Kerikeri
You may wish to travel by passenger Ferry to Russell or go on the car Ferry via Opua
Head home to Whangarei on SH1.
Make a quick detour to Kawakawa to visit the famous Hundertwasser toilets.
Back to Whangarei for breakfast, lunch or tea at the beautiful town basin.

West to East Coast Circuit (short version)

From Whangarei head West to Dargaville.
Stop off at Blah Blah Blah in Dargaville for a great coffee and a snack.
Continue on your journey heading north.
Visit the amazing Kai Iwi lakes that are the most beautiful blue and green colours.
Travel through the Waipoua Forest and see the biggest Kauri Tree in NZ (Tane Mahuta)
Continue onto Omapere on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour.
Change direction and head East towards Kaikohe.
Visit Kerikeri and Paihia.
You may wish to travel by passenger Ferry to Russell or go on the car Ferry via Opua.
Head home to Whangarei on SH1.
Make a quick detour to Kawakawa to visit the famous Hundertwasser toilets.
Back to Whangarei for breakfast, lunch or tea at the beautiful town basin.

Free things to see and do around Whangarei

Visit the Whangarei Falls in Tikipunga.
Visit the Whangarei Quarry Gardens in Russell Road (donation appreciated).
Visit the Quarry Arts Centre.
Visit Abbey Caves.
Go to Botanica Gardens – Fernery Conservatory & Cacti House.
Look at Whangarei from the top of Mt Parihaka lookout.
Visit the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre (donation appreciated).
Take the kids for a play at the amazing play ground at the town basin.
Visit Mair Park. A peaceful native bush area with lots of walks and places for picnics.
Visit the Quay at the town basin and see the amazing galleries and other awesome shops.

Whangarei Activities

Visit the Claphams National Clock Museum, Quayside at the Town basin.
Visit the Museum & Kiwi House at Heritage Park in Maunu.
Have an adrenaline rush at the Adventure Park in Glenbervie Forest.
Go to the Marsden Point Oil Refinery Visitor Centre.
Go to the Whangarei Aquatic wave and heated pool Centre at Riverside.

Market Days
Fresh, locally grown produce is available at the Growers Market in Water Street.
Saturday mornings 6am-10.30am

Quarry Market Day
Artwork from local artists.
Food and entertainment.
First Sunday of the month, 10am-3pm at the local Quarry Arts Centre.