Content > Auckland Car Rental > Grandpa’s Guide to Driving in Whangarei

 

I went to the public library this afternoon. Take it from the old man; anybody’s not too old to keep reading and learning. And reading isn’t only done for studying lessons. For some, reading is a hobby.

 

Aside from traveling and road trips, reading is also in the long list of my hobbies and favorite recreations.

 

Here, ask yourself. Why do you read? To get information right? Well, I have here important information just for you. 

If you like to travel and like to have fun in a new place, Whangarei City is the destination for you.

 

Whangarei City —“Bountiful Land” in Maori translation— is the regional capital of the Northland Region in New Zealand. It is also an official part of the Whangarei District. The city’s population is about 51,900.

 

Whangarei is only a 2-hour drive from the city of Auckland. You’ll know that you have arrived at the city of Whangarei if you’ll see “a city that meets with the sea”. The medium-sized, laid-back city is located at the top of North Island.

 

When wandering in the heart of the town, you will find charming gift shops and boutiques that offer unique merchandise —a bit different from what you’ll find in the shops in the bigger cities.

 

If you’re wondering about the city’s nightlife, well, it’s pretty relaxed in Whangarei. But there are many restaurants and bars for party-people to choose from.

 

 

Here are some of the wonderful places where you can see the charming sights of Whangarei.

 

1.  Mount Parahaki

Drive to the summit of Mount Parahaki and marvel at the jaw-dropping view of Whangarei 

 

Mount Parahaki is the highest point in the city of Whangarei. It was once the location of the largest Maori Pa in New Zealand. Today, the excavations are still present. And the area can be accessed by a short walk through the lush forest from the summit.

 

 

2. Whangarei Falls

See the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand —the Whangarei Falls

 

The Whangarie Falls is one of the “must see” in Whangarei city.

 

The falls are totally magnificent. Aside from being the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand, it is also a popular place for swimming during summer. You can also enjoy many walking tracks amidst the native bush along with sheltered picnic areas.

 

If you want to take on a challenge, try walking over the bridge overlooking the falls.

 

3. Quayside 

Want to eat and be entertained? Drive to the Quayside at the Town Basin

 

Quayside — the best place to look for stylish cafes, restaurants, art galleries, a glass blowing studio and the National Clock Museum.

 

You’ll be mesmerized by the modern style of landscaping that merges perfectly with the colonial architecture that creates a wonderful meeting place for locals, tourists, and yachts from all over the world.

 

4. Whangarei Harbor

Take a picturesque short drive past bays and beaches of the Whangarei Harbor to the Whangarei Heads

 

Whangarei Heads is on the northern side of the Whangarei Harbor, 29 kilometers southeast of the Whangarei city and 8 kilometers northwest of Ocean Beach.

 

 

This is one of the best areas to enjoy a sunny day while taking part in many different recreations and water sports.

 

You will also find the Smugglers Cove —a remote and beautiful white sandy beach bordered by pohutukawa trees—  the perfect spot for picnics.

 

As I’ve said a while ago, reading isn’t only about studying. It’s one of the ways of gaining new information thus, adding to your knowledge. I hope that after reading my little excerpt about Whangarei city, you’ll be more than happy to visit the place.

Usually —upon seeing beautiful things and places— no matter how hard we try to put our observations in words so that we can describe it to other people, there is nothing more perfect than to see it for yourself.

 

Well, those were just few of your Grandpa Ben’s words of wisdom. *chuckling*

 

Visit and have a road trip around Whangarei and see the secrets of the place for yourself.