Family fun
There are heaps of super activities for kids and families all around our district. Read on to discover creepy crawlies, stunning beaches, epic playgrounds and mammoth obstacle courses...
Playgrounds
Enjoy two of our most popular kids' playgrounds at the Town Basin, including Pūtahi Park with a water feature (expect to get wet!). Across the river is the incredible destination adventure playground with large scale climbing structures, sandpit and heaps of swings. Whangarei District Council has a useful map with local playgrounds.
Walks
The Hātea Loop – Huarahi o te Whai is 4.2kms of fun with wide spaces, sculptures to climb, wildlife to spot and boats to watch. Don't miss Te Matau a Pohe (a bascule bridge) opening at 12pm noon each day.
The walk between A H Reed Memorial Park and Otuihau - Whangārei Falls is magic for kids. Follow the river, cross the bridges, discover loads of places to picnic, run and play. Have a 'race' from Mair Park to the top of Parihaka.
Fishing
Sprat fishing; the classic kiwi experience. Pick up a handline and bait from a local store and drop a line from one of the many jetties scattered throughout the district. For starters, try the inner harbour jetties at Onerahi, Urquharts Bay or McLeod Bay. The pedestrian bridges at Whananaki and Pātaua North and South are also perfect for throwing a line over and for jumping off when the tide is in.
Bikes
Check out the BMX and skate parks at Riverside Drive, Onerahi, Ngunguru and Ruakākā, as well as the circuit and pump tracks, and coaching area at Pohe Island Bike Park.
Beaches
Choose from many sheltered beaches, often with shady trees and grassy areas to sit on. Some have playgrounds, picnic areas, BBQs and public toilets.
Explore Tamaterau, the estuary at Pātaua South, Waipū Cove, One Tree Point, Whangaumu (Wellingtons Bay), Kōwhārewa Bay, McLeod Bay and Ōakura.
Wildlife
Come and visit Northland’s only nocturnal kiwi house! Watch our playful national bird, the kiwi, foraging for food. You’ll also get to see cool native geckos and interesting weta. Whangārei also has plenty of beautiful bush walks, perfect for bug and bird spotting. Discover some of our cool and quirky locals by reading our blog "Six rare and unusual animals to discover in Whangarei".
Water activities
If you love hitting the water, you're in the right place! You can learn to surf, ride a horse through the waves, tackle the 'world's largest inflatable obstacle course' and kayak around the harbour. There are a range of local operators offering exciting activities.
Jail, Bones, Trucks & Jeeps, Cuckoo Clocks & More
Discover an old jailhouse and real moa bones at Kiwi North. There's vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and jeeps at Packard Motor Museum, and Claphams National Clock Museum has heaps of crazy novelty clocks and a cacophony of cuckoo clocks. If it's a rainy day, why not try to bowl a strike or beat the arcade?
Whangārei Libraries have a wonderful selection of children’s books and resources. Activities to entertain and delight are held regularly.
For more information and ideas for child-friendly things to do in Whangārei, drop into the Whangārei isite and have a chat to our awesome team.
Read our family-friendly guides