Roady's Top 11 Picks in Whangārei
Published on 18 March 2025
Travel content creators Roady travelled to Whangārei to capture awesome shots of the district and enjoy some local hospitality. Here they share eleven of their favourite places to eat, sleep, and explore - make sure you add them to your list for your next trip to Whangārei!
Kayaking in and around Whangārei Heads
The iconic landscape of the Whangārei Heads peninsula is spectacular from all angles, including from the harbour. Jump on board a kayak and explore the quiet bays, rocky outcrops, and thriving marine reserves.
Where to find it: Pacific Coast Kayaks offers guided kayaking tours and kayak hire in both Whangārei Heads and the wider district, including the Tūtūkākā Coast. Whangarei Heads Watercraft Hire also offer kayaking and gear hire in Whangārei Heads.
Explore the Poor Knights Islands with Dive Tutukaka
The Poor Knights Islands are recognised as one of the world's best dive sites, with National Geographic including Northland and the Poor Knights in the 25 Best Places in the World to Visit in 2025. While the marine reserve can be explored via a private boat, a guided snorkelling or diving trip is a must-do.
Where to find it: Dive! Tutukaka are based at the Tūtūkākā Marina and offer guided snorkelling and diving trips to the Poor Knights Islands.
Have a pizza at McLeod's Pizza Barn
Stopping in for a pizza and a beer at McLeod's Pizza Barn is a rite of passage in Waipū. The Pizza Barn is a local institution and offers mammoth pizzas with a side of locally brewed, award-winning beer.
Where to find it: McLeod's Pizza Barn and McLeod's Brewery are at 2 Cove Road, Waipū.
Gallop along with Waipu Horse Adventures
Riding a horse along a white sand beach often features in bucket-list travel guides. Here's an opportunity to tick off that must-do in our very own backyard!
Where to find it: Bream Bay based Waipu Horse Adventures offer guided rides for all abilities. There are also horse-riding options in Sandy Bay and Whangārei Heads.
Wander around Otuihau Whangārei Falls
Otuihau Whangārei Falls is one of Whangārei's most photographed landscapes, and a favourite of locals and tourists alike. There's a viewing platform from the top, or you can enjoy the short loop walk that takes you to the bottom of the falls. Keen walkers can continue along the Hātea River Walkway all the way to A H Reed Memorial Park and Mair Park, eventually reaching the Town Basin.
Where to find it: Otuihau Whangārei Falls is in Tikipunga, on the way to the Tūtūkākā Coast. Parking is off Boundary Road.
Check out Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
It's hard to miss the quirky colours and bold design of the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery. Located in the heart of the Town Basin, this eye-catching building celebrates the life and art of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After wandering through the gallery, explore the afforested roof or enjoy a drink and bite to eat at Aqua Restaurant and Bar.
Where to find it: The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is located at the Town Basin, 81 Dent Street.
Dine at the Parua Bay Tavern
If you're looking for a classic Kiwi pub in one of Whangārei's best locations, look no further than the historic Parua Bay Tavern. Beloved by locals, this is the perfect place to sit outside with a cold drink and watch the boats cruising past. It's also family-friendly, with a pirate ship playground.
Where to find it: 1034 Whangārei Heads Road, Parua Bay. There is parking opposite the pub on the corner of Crisp Road.
Pop your feet up at Mabel Glamping in Waipū
If you're looking for a romantic retreat with sweeping views, Mabel in Waipū will tick all your boxes. Explore the nearby beaches and caves before heading to your private cabin complete with an outdoor bath, all just two hours from Auckland.
Where to find it: Mabel is located in Waipū and booked via Canopy Camping.
Try a cocktail from Astroboy
If you love a cocktail with a little dramatic flair, you'll love Astroboy's bright and slightly bonkers cocktails. From gummy bears to bubbles of smoke, you'll find a tasty beverage to surprise and delight you. The food is also excellent, with Astroboy taking out the People's Choice Award in the Hot Grill Summer burger competition, and Best Fritter and People's Choice at the 2025 Northland Fritter Festival.
Where to find it: Astroboy is at 69 Bank Street, Whangārei.
Soak in the tub at Down the Road
Orchard Cottage at Down the Road offers a quaint and stylish hideaway in the beautiful rural setting of Whangārei Heads. Sitting snug within 30 hectares of native bush, this quiet space is a perfect base while you explore the stunning and dramatic landscape of the Whangārei Heads peninsula. Enjoy the nearby walks and beaches, then return home to relax in the side-by-side outdoor baths. (They also welcome well-behaved pups!)
Where to find it: 641 Owhiwa Road, Parua Bay. The cottage is 2.5 hours from Auckland, and half an hour from Whangārei.
Enjoy a dip at Waipū Cove
Locals have long proclaimed that Waipū Cove is the best beach in the country, and now it's official! This Bream Bay beauty took out the title of NZ's Best Beach, being voted Best Family Beach and Best Camping Beach by NZ Herald readers. It was also runner up for Best Surf Beach. Learn to surf, take a dip, relax with a book on the sand or let the kids build a mammoth sandcastle, the choice is yours.
Where to find it: Waipū Cove is located 45 minutes from Whangārei and just under two hours from Auckland. You can reach it from Cove Road by departing State Highway One and travelling via Mangawhai and Langs Beach, or from Whangārei via Waipū.
Roady are NZ travel experts and content creators, who not only share their adventures on their instagram and Tiktok pages but on the Roady app where you can discover Aotearoa's hidden secrets and tick off your travel wish list. WhangareiNZ are excited to collaborate with Roady to share just how awesome Whangārei is!