The 18 best free attractions in Whangarei

Whangārei Falls is absolutely beautiful and so tranquil. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy the view, and a small hiking trail that makes the visit even more special. You must add it to your trip. It’s a place not to be missed!

This was much prettier than I was expecting. The trail down to the waterfall is beautiful. It was a struggle for my 69yr old father but he did it. The waterfall is available to be viewed from several different areas. Bathrooms on site and well maintained

Really nice walk down and back. Great set of water falls very majestic. The trees and flauna smell amazing. The tree over the bridge stops right after the brige is also a highlight.

Whangarei Falls is an absolute gem, just a short drive from the city and super easy to get to. The waterfall itself is stunning, especially after rain when it's really flowing. Good parking, toilets, and picnic areas too. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area!

Amazing water falls and still in walking distance from a Woolworths, hard to get more central than that. The falls are magnificent and access is easy from car park to track thru Bush. Track is easy and suitable for all ages. Picnic tables available for those wishing to relax or longer bush walks all the way to Town Basin for those wishing to burn some calories.

A beautiful and pleasant place. I loved that you can view the waterfall from different angles and even get really close. I recommend wearing sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.

beautiful waterfalls that you can see from lookout above and if you walk the 5-10min down also from the front 🥰 no entry fee, so definitely worth to step by 👍🏻

Went at the 3pm feeding time, what an amazing experience seeing the kiwi & learning everyone's queries by the love staff member who feeds him & the 2 lovely ladies at reception were very helpful & explained all regulations with absolute kindness. The museum had some awesome artifacts. My favorite was seeing a complete skeleton of the Moa. Because we went so late in the day we unfortunately missed out on the train rides but overall an awesome experience.

Loved it here! They feed the kiwi at 11am. Make sure you arrive early so your eyes can get used to the darkness first. The carer was super nice as well and answered all my questions. They also have a moa skeleton in the museum part, super interesting! You could spend a lot of time o the premises, it wouldn't get boring. Also a cute little gift shop in the front!

We had a really lovely time here. The lady on the front desk gave us loads of recommendations of what to do in the local area and the ranger was amazing. He answered so many questions, tried to help us find all the animals and was so polite. Very informative and friendly, he really knew his stuff! We weren’t allowed to take pictures in the Kiwi room but we spent 20+ minutes watching him run around the enclosure. He even pecked at the window right by our faces! 🥹

It was my lucky day! I arrived around 10 a.m., at the same time that the single kiwi was being fed. The attendant then joined us in the viewing area to answer any questions we had. Did see the kiwi running about the darkened enclosure hunting for food - invertebrates. Additional enclosures with geckos and locusts. Large grounds with various exhibits plus a museum. All this for $25 (adult). Perhaps check in advance of your visit to confirm the feeding time(s).

Checked out the kiwi they had, best time is feeding time 11am or 3pm, have to let your eyes adjust for at least 5 minutes, took kids to the miniature trains, loved it, also big steam train everyone can climb aboard, runs I think every 3rd Sunday, well worth it, good family day.

I visited this Museum in Whangārei and it was truly impressed by the variety of historical artifacts and exhibits. I especially enjoyed seeing the preserved animals, insect species, and even a kiwi bird display. It’s a great place to explore local history, nature, and culture all in one visit!

A really great little museum/heritage sight with the highlight definitely being the kiwi enclosure. They are more likely to come out at feeding time (3pm) but we were told they are active most of the time, we just had to be patient. We checked back a few times during our 1.5h at the centre…they have a cctv screen so you can see if anything is moving. We saw one that was walking around and feeding 😀 There are also lots of geckos to look for. The rest of the centre is well laid out and perfect for a family day together.

If you like plants, then this is a must do. A great back story of self-help and community action bought to life in a post industrial setting. Some of the collections are world-class, and once you have admired the considerable handiwork of the team that run the place, the cafe is a very pleasant place to have a coffee or a light meal.

A lovely walk around these sub tropical gardens. Nice cafe too! Cyclone Gabrielle unfortunately took out the arid section, but the rest is beautiful.

So lovely here. Sadly damaged in some special areas from cyclone Gabrielle but it's coming back with lots of care and time. Definitely come back in the summer.

The café is pretty good to have a coffee and something to eat, but if you want, grab a takeaway coffee and go for a wonder around the gardens. Absolutely spectacular. I only get there a couple of times a year but love walking through the gardens. Very peaceful setting by the lake and the walk, checking out the gardens, is very relaxing. A must visit.

Great outdoor activity to do by yourself or with others. Grounds are well looked after by the amazing volunteers, beautiful assortments. Plenty of rest areas and photo spots.

Old quarry in the valley that was converted to gardens. Some beautiful botanical specimens. walking tour, lovely sandwich, tea and coffee shop. Tour guides very knowledgeable.

Enjoyed my time in Quarry Gardens and will probably return for another visit. All staff were friendly and happy to chat. Flowing water is usually a pleasant form of relaxation The gardens are a very valuable venue to have for the city

This place is simply beautiful. Nature is the best therapy! There are nice options for both kids and adults! Feels funny to “review” an area of forest but still highly recommended!

AH Reed Memorial Park is a peaceful escape with towering kauri trees, lush native bush, and a lovely canopy walkway. The tracks are well-kept and easy for all ages, with streams and birdlife adding charm. A serene spot to connect with nature, perfect for a relaxing walk close to Whangārei Falls.

A lovely shady bush walk on a hot sunny day. Boards with a map explain the area. There is a shoe washing facility at the beginning of the trail to disinfect shoes and prevent the the spread of kauri tree dieback disease. A bridge takes you over a stream. The main bush hiking track is 3 hours one way, so we chose a short walk into the bush instead. The path is clearly visible. Different species of trees surround the path, and we noticed a tree with a branch that started growing one way and then changed its mind and curved back on itself; an amazing feature of nature.

Visited AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park River Walk and it was a peaceful and refreshing experience. The towering kauri trees, gentle river, and well-maintained paths made it a perfect nature walk.

Great place to relax and walk amidst nature ! The kauri trees are just amazing !

A really nice piece of native forest, and the canopy walkway is fantastic, allowing some great views. With a couple of Kauri and a waterfall, it's worth the trip. I walked up from the Mair Park section, and carried on up to Whangarei falls. That was a workout!

A beautiful forest walk. Lots of people enjoying the lovely weather, including some with their dogs in a no-dogs area. A bit steep on the north end, but manageable with lots of well-maintained stairs. I'm definitely planning on coming back regularly to enjoy the high boardwalk next to a couple of giant Kauri. It could probably benefit from a second set of bathrooms near the popular swimming area to help alleviate the terrible smells along parts of the shore.

The lookout itself is not closed, the road is. Also the Drummond track is closed. Went up via the Dobbie track - lots of stairs. At least 40 mins one way for an unfit person (me).

Staying in the nearby top 10 campsite, found and made the walk on impulse. Quite the hike to get up there (although several people passed me jogging) and I didn't realise there was such a memorial up there! Fantastic view, and great historical information! Part of the track is currently closed due to storm damage, but there is still access.

Beautiful and peaceful place

Gorgeous view of Whangarei. You are unable to drive right up to the lookout parking as the road is closed due to slips. It's about 1.5 km walking to the lookout.

Sunset time you should visit this in Whangarei. Almost over 180 Degree of Panoramic views of Whangarei town, harbour alll the way up to Whangarei heads. Best view lookout point.

Spectacular views and very easy access from town. Small car park. Easy climb from the car park to the lookout. There is a toilet available at the lower (coach) parking area.

A steady climb and lots of steps. Only 1 small bench to have a rest on the way.

It’s the main centre of town by the water. A small and lovely basin where you can walk the Hatea Loop, enjoy meals at several cafes, a cocktail even, or roam the shops, eat ice cream and chocolates, and peruse a few souvenier shops. There’s a new well-equipped children’s playground near the fantastic timekeeping machine on display, as well as Clapham’s Clock Museum. You’ve also got the Hundertwasser Museum and Hihiaua Cultural Centre. There’s a water fountain area for the kids to play in and events are held there from time to time.

Great place for families with younger children. Playground is huge with interactive activities, and there's short walk along the Harbour to a sculptured park. Plenty of cafes and an ice cream parlor, tourist goods shops and the Hundertwasser art gallery

Whangārei's Town Basin is located towards the eastern side of the city, along the banks of the Hatea River. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the unique interface of city and Hātea River harbour-side. The marina is also popular with international yachting visitors, many of whom make Whangārei a regular stopover during the summer months. The Whangarei Town Basin Art Trail takes about 15 minutes each way and is a flat walkway following the river downstream to the start of the Whangarei Harbour. En route, you will find a range of stunning local sculptures with an ocean theme, attractive information boards outlining the history of the area, and plenty of park benches for sitting back and relaxing. If you like a bit more walking, carry on over the walking bridge to complete the 4.2km Hatea Loop Walkway. It is a loop walkway, a 4.2km flat walk suitable for all ages. The path is ideal for walking, cycling, scooting, running, and you can hire bikes or scooters from opposite the playground. There are heaps of cafes, shops, and art galleries to spend a good half a day with your family.

Great coffee, delicious food and beautiful backdrop overlooking the river. Lots of history, art and walkways to explore!

Day time or Night time a lovely location for food or just a place to relax

Visited the Town Basin in Whangārei and it was a beautiful experience. The waterfront views and relaxing walkways made it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the local vibe.

Amazing and cute city downtown. Really impressed by the Hundertwasser image like view and surroundings. Me and my gf took a beam ride on the scooter to make a 20 minute loop around it. Loved it and really fun to discover. + parking for free at the pak n save + architecture + great cafes + scooters - a lot of stuff closing at 5

I love this spot, and the entire Hatea River Walk. This whole area is definitely my favourite place to visit in Whangarei! The walk along the river is fantastic, particularly from the entrance at Whareora Road, and ending near the aquatic centre. You can even walk to the top of Mount Parahaka, though currently closed to the public. If not, walking alongside the river is great for exercise and to experience nature at its best. Mair Park is full of ducks and natural beauty, and the crossing bridge is also a good photo spot. The carpark to the park alone is situated on Rurumoki Street off Hatea Drive near town. There is plenty of roadside parking there. From there, it is only a five minute walk to the park. I highly recommend this place for any visitor to Whangarei

🌳 Mair Park – Nature’s Soothing Escape Visited Mair Park last week and loved how peaceful it felt. The park has several good walking tracks, great for a light hike or a slow stroll. Surrounded by trees and birdsong, it’s one of those rare, very soothing places where you can just breathe and relax. Perfect for a quiet solo walk, a picnic, or simply sitting by the river and watching the world slow down. 🌿✨

It's lovely and peaceful in here but the slide for kids in the playground are more for bigger kids since it doesn't have the regular stairs when going up.

Great family area, play ground for the kids and a public toilet. Lots of bush tracks where you can walk along the river or up to the top of Mt Parahaki. Feed the ducks or just lay on the grass and enjoy the sunshine

I went up to check m out mountain biking tracks mainly, the entrance is on the right of the first car park, notice board posted as photo in this review. The side of the hill has just been logged so I’m not sure if any of all of the tracks are affected - I’d like to find this out before returning. Strolled up to the lookout, worthwhile yo have checked out the look out and they have a panoramic map-board if the surrounding area - really extensive and cool views giving a neat overview of this region - highly recommend (photos also posted).

Mair Park is one of those beautiful hidden treasures that once you find you always enjoy returning. From the vast native forests with towering trees and ferns, to the grassy flat picnic spots along the waters edge. A real gem in Whangarei.

Lovely walk, feeding ducks and pigeons. Playground for kids

Had a wonderful time, challenged myself and tried some intermediate trails. My hands were super sore but overall I think it was a blast!

Awesome trails of all levels,gd warm up crusin up memorial drive to get to the top

Awesome trails here and worth a day out here. A few newer trails that are running great but also a few that are in need of some attention. Jumps also have great potential but could do with some loving. A good day of riding to be had here!

Beautiful walk if you need to feel lost! 😂😊

Absolutely amazing! Tons of trails to do and could be there whole day easily, brings back the memories of going there 15 years ago during a intermediate school trip, loved it and will definitely come back!

Pretty good, only did a few tracks but beware of the cutty grass! It’s fine if you don’t mind it but I find it uncomfortable.

Good park and tracks but the jumps are more designed for BMX bikes. However tons of fun if you have a second person to shuttle you from bottom to top.

We did the 5 hour Taraire Ridge Track, a really challenging walk through the native forest. We would recommend that walk in a clockwise direction as this is the easiest gradient, and follow the orange arrows. A hiking pole maybe needed on some quite slippery trails.

Long and not easy track. But if you like quiet places without people, this is the place for you. There were a lot of ups and downs, we didn’t meet a single person the whole way. the track is well-marked with signs.

Great trail so close to Te Kamo. Do the easy loop, the hard loop or just turn around for a shorter walk. Beautiful forest and birds. A real gem.

Nice native bush walk, we did pukenui loop and chose to go left at the fork meaning we went clockwise around the loop. We felt this was the best way to go on a wet day, as it meant we went down the steep parts into the gulley that had no steps and climbed the steps back out of the gulley on the other side. Only saw a couple of people while there, and there is a beautiful tranquil stream that you follow with lots of Kauri along the way. Make sure to bring a water bottle and even some snacks as it's all hill climbing

Was looking for walks near kamo and saw this, never been before so thought I'd give it a go with the family. Super pretty native bush, will have to do the bigger the loop ( 5hrs) next time. Did the shorter loop (3hrs) had the kid with us bring a backpack to put the small kids in, there is a nice flat path at the start but is super steep in parts but totally worth it. Big kauri tree on the smaller loop. Nice carpark( no loos) good family hike or run if you're as keen as some of the people we saw on this walk 😯

We entered the track part way, through a path between some houses at the end of Karanui Road. The path we took was fairly flat and mostly under bush cover. We took this path to get to the Toyota Kiwi Guardian post. 20 mins approx one way to the post and then back

Great walk, nice scenery, a few more hills up and down than I thought there would be, had to keep an eye on the orange tags as sometimes there was no real track.

“Whangārei Falls: Loud, Beautiful, and Doesn’t Judge You” Whangārei Falls — the perfect spot where nature flexes its beauty without making you hike 10km for it. The walk down to the base is just around 10 minutes (unless you stop every 3 steps for photos like I did). Easy path, beautiful scenery, and you’ll hear the falls before you even see them — very dramatic entrance. Plenty of parking and toilets are on-site. Not the cleanest loos in the universe, but hey, they get the job done. The place is easy to find, with clear signs and no mountain goat-level climbs involved. The waterfall itself? Stunning. Tall, powerful, and surprisingly calming. Didn’t see anyone swimming — so either it’s not allowed or Kiwis just know better. Either way, I stayed dry and admired the view like a responsible adult. "Logan was here… caught feelings, not a swim."

Whangārei Falls is absolutely beautiful and so tranquil. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy the view, and a small hiking trail that makes the visit even more special. You must add it to your trip. It’s a place not to be missed!

Very scenic place that does get busy during holidays. It’s only a short walk from the car park. You can walk around the waterfall and have a short hike into the woods. Parking is free and the carpark has a public toilet too.

This is one of the best times to visit this place. Lots of water flowing down the waterfall due to lots of rain. Awesome view and experience. This was my 4th time coming to this place. Won't be the last though.

The falls were originally known as Otuihau, and have been a common picnic spot since at least the 1890s Otuihau Whangārei Falls is a picturesque 26.3 metre-high waterfall, cascading over basalt cliffs An easy, circular, surfaced walk around the falls, including a flight of steps. The main track is a 3 km loop walk which takes you through areas of regenerating kauri forest. Multiple picnic tables, seating, and viewing spots. There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid. Dogs are allowed on leash. However, dogs are prohibited in the A H Reed Memorial Park's main reserve. Parking There is a public car park off Boundary Road. Must visit here highly recommended ✅

Bit of a suprise - close to town & free entry is the Falls Park. Parking on site, & clean public toilets. Views of the from the top both sides - pretty falls with good flow but not a big drop. Able to walk across just above the falls showing the stream. Then able, if you want, to walk down to the pool below the falls (not recommended to swim bur some were) for a good view. The track is a loop & very solid & safe. The walk is through pretty rainforest. There is a longer week along the stream but we didn't have time sadly. Well worth a visit from 5min to an hour or longer if you want to get some serious nature time.

There's an easy 20-30 min walk to the falls and a longer walk along the river, it is all very easy and quiet. Dogs are welcome on leash on most of the track. There's rubbish bins and toilets at the car park, self-contained camper vans are allowed to stay overnight.

Great place to spend an hour with the family. The playground has features which are suitable for toddlers and up, I would say 5+ can use the entire playground freely, but our toddler (2) loves it. It’s right next to the town basin loop so a good outing if you circle the loop also.

Returning every year I find the City of Whangarei continues to make positive additions for all people and families. The Pohoe playground, the nearby pump track and the paved tracks are wonderful additions, beautifully finished.

Best playground we have been to in a long time. Something for kids to play on at all agers. Toilets were also clean.

Really cool playground which had things for both my 3yo and 1yo. I did wish there was more shade - we mostly stuck under the one shaded area which was the sandpit as it was a very hot day

Great for the kids. A nice place to take a picnic and watch the sun go down while the kids play.

Finally made it down to this fantastic park. It has something for every age and even has some wheelchair and pram-accessible paths, swings and children's games. They can climb high or low and push themselves. Everyone was having fun. Also has accessible toilets and drinking fountains with loads of parking. If you have more time you can pop down to the Camera Obscura or walk along the path right around the loop. This can be a destination in itself or a stop-off on a walk around the basin.

Fun new playground my great grandson loves.

Amazing colours of the season. Good flowers plantation we saw in February 2022.

Love this place ❤ Beautyful gardens are well looked after Playground is so fun. & nicely clean & shaded

I always attend ANZAC at this venue. Beautiful setting

Good park in the centre city. Nice playground and beautiful garden.

Beautiful place to visit. Especially at night!

Laurie Hall Park is a great asset in central Whangarei (CBD) - whether for a quiet walk or to visit one of the attractions. The beautifully landscaped and simple plush site is worth a visit. A fully shaded children's playground is a small simple combination of nice challenges - is well placed at the SW corner of the site. The man made waterfall (donated by Winstone-Northland) is a unique feature - even without running water. The Whangarei and Districts War Memorial is an awesome central feature. Gardens , seating and clear grass areas allow plenty of opportunities for a picnic or to quietly reflect and relax.

The most amazing setting for the Anzac dawn ceremony. The natural amphitheatre supported by lighting of the large pohutukawa tree was pure magic.

1h easy return walk to the falls.

A great walk, with fantastic views of the harbour and out to the Hen and Chicks, giving people a good idea of the chain of ancient volcanics. DoC workers have done an incredible job in creating access to the Manaia summit. It is a steep and energetic walk. My only disappointment is that the information at the base of the walk is now illegible: Sun and weather have blacked out what could be interesting and worthwhile information for visitors from NZ and further afield.

If you like a step workout this is the perfect walk/hike for you. A great walking track with over 1100 steps. Amazing trees to distract you from the number of steps and great views. Definitely worth the effort.

The view is absolutely worth it! The trail is well-maintained but quite steep. It took me about 1 hour up, 15 minutes at the top, and 30-45 minutes back down. The path runs mostly through the forest, so there’s plenty of shade, but it’s quite windy at the top.

Absolutely stunning! The walking and the 1,153 stairs (according to my wife) is well worth the view. We even saw a little Kiwi on our way back down which was a buzz! Heaps of kererū, tūī, pīwakawaka, bugs, and mushrooms. We also managed to spot a miromiro (tomtit), and a riroriro (grey warbler). Plenty to see if the stairs are killing ya! If you're from Auckland, you could think of the climb as Camp Sladdin plus haha.

Such an amazing walk, surrounded by native bush in the shade almost the whole time. Easy walk up if your fit! The view at the top is amazing and so worth it although the wind is incredible so don't expect to stay up there for lunch! Nice to have plenty of parking and toilets at the beginning of the track. Can be a difficult walk if your not so fit but worth doing anyway, just take plenty of rests 🤣. Plenty of man made steps all the way up so no slipping and sliding on the way down. Bring water and plenty of energy with you 😁👍 Enjoy the hot sweat on the way up and once at the top, experience the cold thrilling chill of the extreme wind but dont let it blow you off the top! There isn't many barriers to prevent this! The walking track is well maintained, they did a good job. Plenty of places on the way up where you can grab a awesome view in different directions. Almost 360 degree view at the top. Go for it! Bring your family & Friends and show them how fit you are! 🌳🚶‍♂️🥾

Do look out for the pothole on the left coming into the parking lot, couldn't see it from my car. See photo taken from the parking lot on 24 February 2025. Beautiful view and walk, worth the 1000 stairs.

Great views a top. 2 hours total return for average climbers. Very steep climbing and too many Steps built to reach to the top. Lookout point is tiny track on top through wooden platform. Take care as no guard rails. Super steep climb so be prepared. Hiking stick will be helpful.