Whangarei

About

Whangarei was once home to the largest Māori Pa - fortified city - in New Zealand. At the Town Basin Māori canoes would congregate as indigenous people used the harbour for transport, before becoming a port for exporting kauri gum, timber and coal after the European settlement. The Whangarei Museum takes you on a journey through time, exhibiting Māori artefacts, photographs of early settlements, military collections and more. Now, the quayside is a hub for international yachting and the marina is peppered with trendy bars and restaurants. The city is known for its vibrant arts culture, evident by the numerous shops and galleries lining the waterside. The Whangarei Art Museum and The Bach Art & Crafts House are popular spots to admire local artists’ work. Whangarei Falls is a stunning waterfall just 10 minutes from the city centre; a short walk takes you to the focal point, a 26-metre drop into a plunge pool surrounded by lush trees and greenery.