Whangarei is a subtropical city by the edge of a beautiful harbour. Mount Parahaki watches over the city – you can walk or drive to the summit for great views. The coastal drive to Whangarei Heads is another way to appreciate the region’s scenery. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find a boat marina, cafés, restaurants and a variety of appealing shops. West of the city centre, in the suburb of Maunu, there’s an excellent museum and a native bird recovery centre, which nurses birds back to health. Whangarei is a good place to stock up on essential supplies if you’re planning to spend a few days at one of the region’s beaches.
Functional facts: Approx. population 45,800, i-SITE Visitor Centre, domestic airport.