Your family-friendly Whangārei weekend

Published on 08 April 2025

Discover the ultimate family adventure with our three-day itinerary in Whangārei, filled with fun activities, beautiful sights, and unforgettable experiences for everyone to enjoy!

Day 1 - Saturday:

On Saturday morning, travel into Whangārei city and head to the Whangarei Growers Market, where you can purchase fresh produce, coffees, and hot chocolates.

Then head across Water Street to walk through the Rose Gardens and Cafler Park, crossing the bridge to Botanica Fernery and Cactus House, where entry is free, and the gardens are jam-packed with fascinating plant species.

A walk through the central town is next for some shopping. Once your wallet is empty and your hands are full, head to the Whangārei Quarry Gardens, a short drive from the centre of town. Explore this subtropical paradise, with its pop-up sculptures, plant life, and water lily pond (you can also look for hidden painted rocks).

It's perfect timing for lunch at Quail Cafe, with its great food and subtropical setting.

After lunch, head back to the Tūtūkākā Coast, with a detour to Otuihau – Whangārei Falls, where you can view the falls from the viewing platform, then walk the loop through the forest to the bridge below. A twenty-minute car journey leads you back to the coast for some rest and relaxation.

For the evening's entertainment, plan your visit around the Tūtūkākā Twilight Market taking place on the green next to the Tūtūkākā marina from Labour Weekend to March. There is a variety of market stalls, food trucks, and music happening—a fun way to spend a Saturday evening.

Day 2 - Sunday:

A day out on The Perfect Day at the Poor Knights islands is a must-do. Departing at 10.00 am, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard around the marine reserve, experiencing the beauty under the water and around the Poor Knights. (Food is included in the cost). The boat returns to the marina at approximately 4pm.

If you're keen to explore on land rather than sea, spend the day on horseback, adventuring along the nearby coastline (available between December - May). Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the coast's fantastic beaches, including Sandy Bay, Woolleys Bay, and Whale Bay.

Lastly, it’s off to Matapōuri. Complete your beach afternoon with a feast of fish and chips from the Matapōuri store. It’s been a full-on day of fun and adventure, so head back to your accommodation for the evening!

Day 3 - Monday:

Head to Schnappa Rock for breakfast and wander through the shops and galleries at the marina before departing the Tūtūkākā Coast.

Before leaving Whangārei, stop at The Town Basin, where you can visit the galleries, shops, and Claphams Clock Museum with its array of clocks, as well as the intriguing Rolling Ball Clock. Explore the Hātea Loop Walk, a 4.2km walk with many artworks and sculptures.

There are two fun adventure playgrounds to burn off some energy before the car journey to your next destination. To finish a fun morning, enjoy ice cream at the Fudge Farm in the Town Basin or Bocky Boo Gelato in the city centre.

This itinerary was created by Dianne, one of our knowledgeable isite team members. Make the isite the first stop on your Whangārei adventure.

This is just a taste of the activities and sights on offer around Whangārei – we look forward to welcoming you back again to discover more!