Eight beautiful places to propose in Whangārei
Published on 20 March 2025
Looking for an epic spot to pop the question? Here are some knee-dropping romantic locations suggested by Whangārei locals.
How about the best "hidden gem" beach in New Zealand?
Whale Bay is a picturesque oasis with white sand, old growth pōhutukawa, gentle waves and paradise atmosphere. A ten-minute forested walk leads you down to the small and well-protected bay but bring a picnic because you won't want to leave.
Where to find it: The Whale Bay walk starts on Matapōuri Road on Tūtūkākā Coast.
The kiwi coastal village
Pātaua South has a gorgeous and varied coastline to explore including surf beaches, kid-friendly bays and white-sandy hideaways. There's an iconic footbridge over to Pātaua North and fun beach activities everywhere you go. Take a picnic and enjoy this relaxed coastal village.
Where to find it: Just one of the awesome beaches on the Whangārei Heads peninsular.
A special place in town
Cafler Park is an easily accessible central city park with rose gardens, the Botanica Conservatory and fernery, mature trees and the Waiarohia Stream. It's a lovely and easy place for a picnic, just a short walk from the central city and Town Basin. Propose here, then immediately hit the town to celebrate!
Where to find it: Whangārei city is about 2 hours' drive north of Auckland or 1 hour south of the Bay of Islands. Cafler Park has entrances from Water Street or the Forum North entertainment centre.
Beautiful rocks everywhere... and one on your ring
The karst limestone landscape around Lake Waro is historic and distinctive with a combination of sheer rock structures and a deep artificial lake. The easy and family-friendly loop track around the lake takes about 30 minutes - but bring your togs if you're in the mood for a freshwater dip.
Where to find it: Access from King Street in Hikurangi, about 15 minutes' drive north from Central Whangārei. History of Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve.
A stunning view
Parihaka is a beautiful and steep native forest walk to a summit with panoramic views. Once home to a large fortified pā site, the ancient volcanic cone is 241 metres high, offering views out over Whangārei City and the distant harbour.
Where to find it: Walk to the summit through popular native bush tracks in Parihaka Scenic Reserve.
Under a glowing sunset
A favourite spot of many, Matapōuri on the Tūtūkākā Coast is a gorgeous family-friendly beach with distinctive rock formations, forest views, pōhutukawa and an historic township. If you're looking for the perfect beach-proposal at sunset, put Matapōuri in your top 5!
Where to find it: Plan your trip to the glorious Tūtūkākā Coast.
A huge perfect beach that feels like a secret
Ocean Beach is a stunning, 5 kilometre white-sand surf beach with large sand-dunes, abundant wildlife and fabulous views to the headlands. At its northern end is the quiet Proctors Beach and then the often-deserted Kauri Mountain Beach, with distinctive rocky cliffs and bustling coastal ecology. A legendary place to pop the question.
Where to find it: There are multiple entrances, part of a peninsular in the Whangārei Heads area. Navigate to Kauri Mountain Road for the quiet end, or Ocean Beach Road for the popular surf area, Ocean Beach.
High among the treetops
The Canopy Walk in AH Reed Memorial Park is a raised boardwalk so you can walk amongst the tree-tops of ancient kauri and native forest. The bubbling Wai Koromiko Stream runs through the middle of the park, starting at the 23-metre-high Paranui Falls.
Where to find it: AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park is an easy 15-minute drive from Central Whangārei with entrances on Whareora Road. If you're keen for a longer walk, you can also access this from tracks in Parihaka Scenic Reserve (go north) or Whangārei Falls (go south).
Plan your romantic trip
Go on, love-doctor, make a whole itinerary! Check out Roady's top 11 picks or our 50 first date ideas. And good luck you crazy romantic, we hope you'll get a great big YES!