√ Whangarei Museum / Northland Regional Museum

This open-air museum lies 8km west of Whangarei on Highway 14 (the Dargaville road), in the grounds of the Clarke Homestead (established 1885). The nucleus of the museum is the former doctor's house, to which a number of other houses, a schoolhouse and a chapel were later added.

√ Claphams Clock Museum

The Clapham Clock Museum has a collection of some 800 clocks, the earliest dating from the 17th C. Visitors can listen to the unique chimes and cuckoos as well as learn about the international history of clock making.

√ Mount Parahaki

On Mount Parahaki (242m) is a large war memorial. From the top of the hill there are fine views of the town and harbor. The hill can be climbed either on foot (from Mair Park; about 1 hour) or by car (on Memorial Drive).

√ Marsden Point

A prominent landmark in the Whangarei area is the striped tower (120m high) of the former power station on Marsden Point, 30km southeast of Whangarei. In Marsden Point visitor center an audio-visual show illustrates the development of this industrial area and the technology of the refinery.

√ Poor Knights Islands

24km east of Tutukaka are the Poor Knights Islands, a favorite area for divers. There are cruises and fishing trips to the islands from Whangarei.

Other than these, there are various tourist attractions that are located in the surroundings of Whangarei such as Reed Memorial Kauri Park, Waipu, Whangarei Falls etc.

√ Zion Wildlife Gardens : - Here you can visit the big cats that include both the rare Barbary lion and the royal white tigers.

√ Whangarei Museum and Kiwi House : - A great museum for families and includes the Kiwi House where you can see live kiwi. The house is set in 25 acres of park-like grounds.

√ Bushwacka Experience : - Ride four-wheel-drives on a farm and bush tours. Suitable for children over 12 years of age.

√ Chipmunks Indoor Playground : - A great indoor playground to relax and watch your children play.

√ Bluewater Farm Park : - Your children will enjoy meeting the wonderful farm animals at Bluewater Farm Park.

√ The Papermill : - The Papermill began in 1989 as a project designed to lift the self-esteem of intellectually disabled people. These special papermakers give you the opportunity to watch them work or you can make your own.

Whangarei has entertainment attractions to suit all tastes and budgets including theatre, opera, music, concerts, family shows, free events, movies, nightlife, pubs, casinos, gambling and horse racing.

Nightlife : - Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from, and there are also four casinos, in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Arts and Culture : - Whangarei is a hub of arts and crafts, with many different art galleries offering something very different, from jewellery to paintings, weaving, glass and ceramics. The Quarry Arts Centre operates workshops and classes or head to the Community Arts Centre for local art in a beautiful Art Deco building. The Whangarei Art Museum is another interesting display of local art or visit the famous Claphams Clock Museum and blow your mind with the tick-tock of 1,400 clocks!

With a variety of dishes to offer, try out some of the most sought after dishes which includes lamb, pork, sea food and a variety of the national desserts with fresh fruits and berries.

While the main centres support a few elegant, silver-service restaurants, the trend is towards more relaxed cafe-bar dining. There is a wide variety of international food available including Japanese, Indian, Halal, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Malaysian, and Thai. There are more than 900 Asian restaurants throughout New Zealand.

At the Quayside Town Basin in Whangarei, there’s a boat marina surrounded by restaurants, cafés and shops – the perfect spot to relax for an afternoon. There are also a number of beauty spas where you can while away the hours with a little pampering. There are also a number of galleries specializing in New Zealand, Maori and Pacific art and crafts, as well as handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, glass and paintings. There’s also a multiplex cinema in Whangarei, if you’re keen to keep up with the latest blockbusters.

→ Walking and Hiking : - Whangarei ia home to beautiful bush walks and surprising hiking trails to explore. The Whangarei Falls which happens to be the most photographed location in New Zealand and get enchanted with the 26 meters of waterfall or explore the remains of Parihaka Reserve volcano. Check out the beautiful locales of Whangarei and the harbour.

→ Diving and Snorkeling : - Test your diving skills at one of the highest and best diving spots in the clear and subtropical water and explore the underwater diversity.

→ Water sports : - It does not matter in the least if you are not interested in diving. You can still have an equally good time fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or even going for boat cruises.

→ Natural and Cultural Heritage : - Live a life with the small nature tour and learn about its rich natural and cultural diversity or visit the Kiwi House Heritage Park or visit the nation’s iconic bird, Kiwi.

→ Caving : - If you are not afraid of the dark and can muster up enough courage to explore the dark caves, a magical sight of thousands of glow worms and lime stones will be enough to surprise you out of your wits! Team up with a local guide and explore the Waipu caves further south which is more challenging.

∗ Bus and Coach : - Adams Bus Services operate City Link bus services Monday – Saturday as well as the Summer Beach Bus and Midnight Movers Nightlife Services.

∗ Cycling : - For an adventurous tour, explore Whangarei’s natural beauty, stunning coastlines and temperate climate on a bike.

∗ Taxi : - A choice of local taxis is available, providing transport around Whangarei district and meeting scheduled flights at the airport.

∗ Rental Cars : - Rental cars are available from central Whangarei and Whangarei airport.  One way hire may be available in some instances – check when you make your enquiry. You will need to be at least 21 years of age to rent a vehicle and possess a current driver’s licence or international driving permit.

√ By Road

Whangarei is just 160km or two hours north of Auckland. State Highway One is a scenic route north with stunning views at the entrance to the district from the Brynderwyn range, or follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway from Kaiwaka which leads via the idyllic coastal beaches of Langs Beach and Waipu Cove.

√ By Air

Whangarei Airport is a domestic airport with daily scheduled flights to and from Auckland and Wellington airports. There are also charter operators offering helicopter and fixed wing flights around the region.

√ By Sea

While there are no scheduled passenger shipping services, for international yachties Whangarei is a popular port of entry to the country.