An eight-year-old's summer guide to Whangārei
Published on 16 December 2024
Whether you're a born & raised local or visiting from afar, it can be tricky to think of new ways to entertain your kids.
Never fear; we're here to make this summer a breeze by interviewing a local eight-year-old about her favourite things to see, do and eat in Whangārei.
My favourite playgrounds in Whangārei are:
"The Town Basin playground! The spiderweb is the best and I’ve been climbing to the top since I was two."
Where to find it: The Town Basin Playground is a must-visit for kids of all ages, with plenty to climb on, slide down, bounce off and swing on. It's located next to the river between Reyburn House and Claphams Clocks.
"I also like the Mander Park playground and climbing to the top of the poles. I really love climbing."
Where to find it: What's the best way to make sure a playground ticks all of the boxes? Ask the local kids to help design it! Recently upgraded and suitable for all ages, Mander Park is conveniently located just off SH1 with parking on Central Avenue. Discover more playgrounds with Whangarei District Council's interactive map.
My favourite beaches in Whangārei are:
"I love going to Waipū Cove, it means a lot to my family. We sometimes go camping at Whananaki, at the DOC campground, which is super fun.
Where to find it: One of Whangarei's most popular summer spots, Waipū Cove is known for its picture perfect white sandy beach and excellent surf. Waipū Cove is located 45 minutes south of Whangārei.
"Mum likes Pātaua North too."
“The pōhutukawa at Pātaua North provide much needed shade, and the estuary is awesome for young kids as it’s shallow and safe” – Mum.
Where to find it: On the other side of the district and 40 minutes north of Whangārei, Pātaua North offers both an exciting surf beach and a sheltered estuary. The estuary is accessible via Aubrey Road.
My favourite walks are:
"We walk the Hātea Loop a lot and get to go on the swings and monkey bars. Sometimes we have an ice cream from the Fudge Farm!
Where to find it: We love a walk here in Whangārei, so it's lucky that we have so many to choose from! The Hatea Loop is a must-do 4.2km fully accessible walkway in the heart of Whangārei which takes in the wonderful Town Basin, playgrounds, art trails and the Te Matau a Pohe bascule bridge. Time your visit for 12pm to see the bridge rise dramatically into the air.
"I like the walk from Whangārei Falls to the canopy walkway (A H Reed Memorial Park) and we just did the walk from Waipū Cove to Langs Beach. I liked the rocks."
Where to find it: The walkway that connects A H Reed Memorial Park and Otuihau - Whangārei Falls wanders through beautiful native bush, quiet paddocks and along the river. You can walk from either direction by parking at the A H Reed carpark on Whareora Road, or at the Otuihau - Whangārei Falls Boundary Road carpark. Finally, the 2km Waipū Coastal Walkway is a fun coastal walk featuring rock formations similar to the famous pancake rocks at Punakaiki. Park at the south end of Waipū Cove or Waterman Drive near Langs Beach.
“We’ve also done the Pukenui Forest Loop Walk but accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up doing the much harder loop in the pouring rain. Make sure you don’t enter the fenced section, keep walking!” – Mum.
Where to find it: The Pukenui Forest Loop is an 8.2km loop walk through stunning native bush. It can be steep in parts, and slippery when wet. Parking is at the end of Amalin Drive in Te Kamo. Learn from their mistakes - continue past the entry gate unless you want to end up on the Taraire Ridge Track somewhere near Maunu!
My favourite places to eat are:
"The chicken pho at Mean's Vietnamese is so yummy, and I love the meat on chips from the kebab shop in Te Kamo. I would eat sushi EVERY DAY if I could, it’s the best!"
Where to find it: Mean's Vietnamese Cafe is a busy city centre eatery specialising in delicious Vietnamese Cuisine. Turkuaz has two locations, one in Te Kamo and one in Rathbone Street. Don't worry, both serve meat on chips. Whangārei has a large selection of excellent sushi shops including our eight-year-old's particular favourite, Legend Sushi in Te Kamo.
"Sometimes we get a cream doughnut from the Kamo Bakery and Hot Bread Shop. Bocky Boo has yum ice-cream, but my favourite treat is a $2 lolly lucky dip from The Fudge Farm."
Where to find it: Whether you love a classic bakery 'dollop of jam' doughnut or a gourmet experience, you'll find it here in Whangārei. For more sweet treats, check out our local's guide, which has several excellent recommendations.
My favourite activities are:
"I love hanging out with my friends from school, and sometimes we get to go to Flip Whangarei and jump off the car into the big pit. This year my birthday party was bowling with my friends; I’m pretty good at bowling."
Where to find it: Wondering what to do on a rainy day? Let the kids bounce their excess energy out at Flip Whangārei, or test their bowling skills at ActionZone.
"I really want to go to the waterpark this summer!"
Where to find it: Did you know that the world's largest inflatable obstacle course is tucked away on the outskirts of Hikurangi? Adrenalin Adventure Park is the ultimate place to cool down over summer, with the Waiwera hydro slides, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and more.
Looking for more local intel for your trip to Whangārei? Head to our Be Inspired section to discover more secrets, itineraries and handy guides. Thank you to our special eight-year-old friend for sharing what she loves about Whangārei!