Whangarei Travel Guide
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169km (105 miles) NE of Auckland; 62km (38 miles) S of Paihia; 58km (36 miles) E of Dargaville
On my last visit to Whangarei (pop. 46,000), the place seemed dreary and dull -- but not any longer. Like so many provincial New Zealand towns, it's got its act together and the development of the Town Basin has given it a fresh sparkle. With international yachts moored quayside and a sprouting of cafes, galleries, and gift stores, it's a pleasant place to wander.
If you're a keen scuba diver, you'll certainly want to base yourself here -- nearby Tutukaka and the Poor Knights Islands are the supreme diving spots. They're part of a fascinating marine reserve and one of the world's top dive locations. Big-game fishing is the other star attraction, and if you consider shark cage diving an attraction, well, that's here, too.
Approximately 1 hour south of Whangarei and 1 hour north of Auckland is the village of Warkworth, at the heart of the Kowhai Coast. It gives access to the very pretty Sandspit area, where you can catch a ferry to Kawau Island or visit a range of excellent swimming beaches. It's not exactly off the beaten track, but Sandspit offers some fine accommodations and the chance to mellow out away from fellow tourists.
