A 13-year-old's teen-friendly guide to Whangārei
Published on 06 September 2024
Who better than to give advice on what 13-year-olds like than an actual teenager? Here is a 13-year-old's guide to all of the fun things to see, do and eat during your time in Whangārei.
My favourite places to hang out with friends are...
"The Movie in the Park nights are always fun."
Where to find it: While the Town Basin film events are yet to be confirmed, the local schools often host Movies in the Park or Film on the Field nights as fundraising events. Most local events are listed on Eventfinda or local community pages.
"My friends and I normally hang out down near the Town Basin; it's easy to walk to Okara Park or the CBD to grab something to eat."
Where to find it: It's hard to miss the Town Basin, which is located in the heart of Whangārei on the edge of the Hātea River. The Hātea Loop Walkway connects the Town Basin with Okara Park, and it's an easy 400m walk into the CBD.
"Actionzone is a big hang-out place; it has ten-pin bowling, laser tag and the arcade. There's also Timezone in the CBD".
Where to find it: Actionzone Entertainment Centre, located at 129 Port Road, offers endless loud, flashing activities that will keep visitors of all ages wildly entertained. Timezone is located at 49 John Street and has a wide variety of arcade games.
My favourite things to eat in Whangārei are...
"Fudge Farm has the best ice-creams, but if I want to try something new, Mrs Kwaka's always has massive brownies, buns and slices."
Where to find it: The NZ Fudge Farm is located in the Town Basin, where they sell delicious old-fashioned fudge and ice-cream by the scoop. Mrs Kwaka's can be found in two locations, one on Vine Street in the CBD, and at Huanui Orchards at 279 Ngunguru Road, Glenbervie.
"Whangārei has really good sushi! My go-to is Maru Sushi in the CBD."
Where to find it: Whangārei definitely punches above its weight when it comes to good sushi. We're spoilt for choice, with excellent options in most central suburbs. Maru Sushi is located at 28 Cameron Street, and there are several other excellent options all within a few minutes' walk. Why not try them all?
"If I'm choosing dinner then it's Jimmy Jacks or Turkuaz in Kamo for a chicken kebab."
Where to find it: Jimmy Jacks Rib Shack is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and epic ribs. Their Skillet Cookies are worth saving space for! 117 Bank Street, Whangarei.
Turkuaz has two locations, one at 24 Rathbone Street and the other at 392 Kamo Road in Kamo.
My favourite outdoor activities in Whangārei are...
"I love that you're never far from a beach in Whangārei, so it's easy to go for a swim after school. Whangaumu is deep and great for swimming, but I also love Whale Bay in Matapouri."
Where to find it: WhangaumuBay, also known as Wellington's Bay,is located 30 minutes from Whangārei and ten minutes from Ngunguru. There are public toilets at the main parking area on Whangaumu Street. Pack a picnic lunch and your sunscreen!
The parking for Whale Bay is 650m past Matapouri, and the walk to the beach is approximately 500m.
"Mum will sometimes make me do a bush walk with her. My favourite is probably the Waimahanga Walkway - it's really pretty."
Where to find it: The Waimahanga Walkway is a collection of linked pathways between Onerahi and the Town Basin. The path is generally flat and can be done in sections, or you can walk from the Beach Road Reserve to the Hātea Loop Walkway (approximately 7.5km).
Where you park depends on how far you wish to walk, but there is public parking at the end of Waimahanga Road.
A big thank you to Zoe for sharing her favourite things about Whangārei!
Remember, this is just a glimpse into what this city has to offer. There’s so much more to discover, from hidden gems to local favourites. So, pack your bags and start your own adventure in Whangārei!