Whangarei the gateway city to Northland and the stunning Bay of Islands is New Zealand's only sub-tropical climate zone and the hot summers and mild winters mean that you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round.
From local hot spots to popular attractions, there’s always something to do when staying at either of our two Distinction and Discovery Whangarei hotels.
Boasting an aquatic playground of 100 beaches, enjoy the world’s best sub tropical
diving at the
Poor Knights Islands off the Tutukaka Coast with over 125 species of fish and the largest sea cave in the world.
Visit the acclaimed
Whangarei Quarry Gardens, hike the numerous coastal and forest trails and visit the spectacular
Whangarei Falls. Experience art and nature in perfect harmony when you visit the unique
Hundertwasser Art Centre and
Wairau Maori Art Gallery.
To the west of Whangarei, explore ancient
kauri forests including New Zealand's largest tree, Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest.
Just 1 hour’s drive north of Whangarei, the
Bay of Islands is studded with 140 subtropical islands and sheltered beaches, big game
fishing,
wineries and colonial-era towns. Visit the culturally significant
Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the historic signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (between Maori and the British Crown) took place in 1840.
Journey to the top of NZ to popular
90 mile beach, famous for its
sand boarding dunes and onto the iconic
Cape Reinga lighthouse where two oceans collide and Maori spirits begin their final journey at the ‘spiritual place of leaping’.