A campervanner's guide to Whangārei

Published on 03 April 2025

You've packed the campervan, caravan or van and are ready to explore Whangārei. Now comes the hard part...choosing what to do!

Maggie from the Whangārei isite Information Centre shares her local knowledge and tips, helping you make the most of your time here in the beautiful Whangārei District.

If you're visiting Whangārei for the first time, make the isite your first stop! There are freedom camping brochures available, and the team have a wealth of local know-how. The freedom camping carpark next to Te Matau a Pohe bridgeis a good place to park while you explore the area. You can also book one of the inner-city holiday parks, such as the Whangārei TOP 10 Holiday Park. It is very central, and you can walk to many interesting parts of Whangārei.

Half day itinerary:

Walk the Hātea Loop in the Town Basin or venture into Māir Park, which leads to Otuihau Whangārei Falls via the Hatea River Walkway. It only takes 20 minutes from the Bascule bridge or Top 10 Holiday Park to the city centre and Town Basin area. Here you can visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery, Claphams Clocks Museum, Whangārei Art Museum, Hihiaua Cultural Centre, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and shops. If you have a bicycle there are several shared paths you can use to reach Onerahi, Te Kamo, Raumanga and Tikipunga.

Full day one:

Visit Kiwi North in the morning. First look around the Whangārei Museum, then aim to be at the Kiwi House before 11am when the first feeding takes place - the kiwi will be more active and looking for food. There is also an old homestead to see, a Native Bird Recovery Centre and Planetarium North.

After lunch you can drive to Otuihau Whangārei Falls and go for a short loop walk down to the bottom of the waterfall (20 minutes). The other option is to walk to A H Reed Memorial Park which takes about 25 minutes. Here you can visit our 500-year-old Kauri trees, and the canopy walk. A H Reed is also accessible by and has two designated freedom camping spaces.

Full day two:

Today you can drive to the Whangārei Quarry Gardens and enjoy the scenery with a short walk and the café in a beautiful setting. It's a short drive (or walk) from the Quarry Gardens to the Quarry Arts Centre, and five minutes' drive to Botanica Whangārei.

In the afternoon you can drive along the Whangārei Harbour towards Whangārei Heads and Ocean Beach. On your way you will pass Parua Bay where there is an NZMCA camping area, or you can stay at Ocean Beach carpark for one night. There are a few shops in Parua Bay, the Parua Bay Tavern, and an eatery in Reotahi. You can go for extended walks along the beach, walk the Busby Head Track or Mount Manaia.

Full day three:

Today you can explore the beautiful Tūtūkākā coast. From there you can do a tour to the Poor Knights Islands or enjoy a nice swim at Whale Bay, accessed via a 15-minute bush walk. Another option is Matapōuri, which is a very popular swimming beach. In Tūtūkākā and Ngunguru you will find a few cafes, restaurants, and a dairy.

You can overnight either at the Tutukaka Holiday Park or at one of several freedom camping areas (outside 18 December to 8 February).

Final half day:

It's time to leave! Heading north? It's only an hour's drive to Paihia. On the way you can enjoy a short walk at the Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve in Hikurangi.

Heading south? Stop at Ruakākā Beach to go for a short walk or enjoy a coffee. In Waipū you will discover a friendly village with cafes and quirky shops. There is also the Waipu Scottish Settlers Museum, which tell the story of the Scottish ancestors’ journey to New Zealand.

More information on Whangarei's freedom camping locations is available at wdc.govt.nz

Maggie is one of the knowledgeable staff at the Whangārei isite Information Centre. Is there somewhere else you think visitors need to explore? Let us know at info@whangareinz.com.