Whangarei

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Top 10 attractions in Whangarei

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Whangarei Falls

Whangarei Falls

3.5
4.0/5
1 reviews
This waterfall is very high and has a strong current. The waterfall is surrounded by green trees and has many trails and viewing platforms.Whangarei · 4.7 km from downtown
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

9
4.7/5
905 reviews
Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey on a short bus ride through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you on a shared walking tour around the movie set, showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how movie magic was made here. △ Immerse yourself in the fairy tale town of The Hobbit △ Ejoy the fenced garden and the mirror lake △ Admire New Zealand's stunning sceneryNew Zealand · Matamata
Sky Tower
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Sky Tower

8.7
4.6/5
1k reviews
As a landmark of Auckland, the Sky Tower is 328 meters high and is connected with other buildings to form a huge sky city. The Sky Tower has three transparent elevators, with a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, It only takes 40 seconds to the observation deck, where you can overlook the entire Auckland city. You can watch a beautiful sunset and the night view of Auckland If you go there in the evening. Additionally, the Sky Tower is also a goodplace for a high-altitude walk, which is led and guided by a coach on the 192-meter-high outer ring platform of the Sky Tower. △ Climb the 328-meter-high Sky Tower △ Overlook the beautiful city night view △ Challenge more exciting projectsNew Zealand · Auckland
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

8.6
4.5/5
827 reviews
Waitomo Glowworm Cave is a limestone cave in the western mountainous area of the North Island of New Zealand, and it is also a scenic spot in New Zealand. Waitomo in Maori means "surrounded by green water". On the wall of the cave, dotted green light dots are layered upon layer upon layer. These green lights flicker on the black water, and the light and shadow are doubled. This is a wonderful world belonging to the green elves. 1. Three caves with different characteristics make up the Glowworm Cave The Glowworm Cave is mainly composed of three caves with different characteristics, Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Alanui Cave. The Glowworm Cave is a stalactite cave with a history of more than 10,000 years. There was a small ice-covered lake on the mountain of this cave. After the ice and snow melted, it flowed into the cracks in the rock formation below, and gradually eroded into the current cave. Cathedral Cave inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, this huge cave is known for its echoes of space. Ruakuri Cave is a legendary underground cave where the sound of water from an underground waterfall can be heard. The entrance of Alanui Cave is the visitor center, and the vaulted greenhouse with membrane structure is very imposing. 2. Thousands of glowworms enter the cave for a tour. You need to take a boat to enter the depths of the cave. After getting on the boat, the guide will pull the guide rope above to push the boat forward. The strange spot of light in the cave is the light emitted by thousands of fireflies. You will find patches of green and white light on the rocks. Looking closely, there are jagged translucent filaments hanging from the ceiling of the cave under the light and shadow. The silk has clear water droplets like a curtain of crystal beads. These beautiful filaments with slime are the firefly's fishing tool to attract and prey on light-following insects. This firefly has only been found in New Zealand and Australia. 3. Black Labyrinth Tour, Abyss Tour and Odyssey Tour In addition to the "black water rafting" in the Glowworm Cave, if you are brave enough and your endurance is good enough, you can also experience the Black Labyrinth Tour organized by the legendary black water rafting company , Journey to the Abyss and Journey to the Odyssey. These three journeys will take 3-5 hours respectively, and will involve rock climbing in caves, abseiling, and rafting on tires. Of course, if you participate in these tours, you can not only enjoy free hot showers, but also delicious hot soup and local New Zealand pancakes for you to enjoy. Plus, get a free visit to the Waitomo Caves Museum.New Zealand · Waitomo Caves
Auckland War Memorial Museum
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum

7.5
4.6/5
342 reviews
Auckland Museum is regarded as one of the finest Museums in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its unique collection of Māori and Pacific treasures. It is also a war memorial for the Auckland province. Housed in one of the country's finest heritage buildings, the Museum tells the story of New Zealand as a nation; from award-winning natural history exhibits to galleries which investigate New Zealand's cultural origins. Scars on the Heart, the Museum's war memorial gallery, tells the story of New Zealand at war, while He Taonga Māori - the Museum's Māori treasures gallery, displays over 2,000 priceless Māori artefacts, including rare carvings and the last great Māori war canoe carved from a giant Totara tree. The Museum is home to an ever-evolving host of galleries and special exhibitions, including Tāmaki Herenga Waka, a contemporary gallery dedicated to the stories of Auckland and the people who call it home. The Imaginarium is the new children's gallery where learning is curiosity lead, and awe-inspiring.New Zealand · Auckland
Raumanga Scenic Reserve Waterfall & Walkway

Raumanga Scenic Reserve Waterfall & Walkway

2.1
Whangarei · 2.8 km from downtown
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

6.4
3.2/5
30 reviews
A speedboat specially designed for watching dolphins will depart from the Viaduct Harbour and shuttle through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HaurakiGulfMarinePark). In about 4 and a half hours, you have a high probability of encountering dolphins and whales. It will be a wonderful yacht trip.New Zealand · Auckland
Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve

Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve

3
5.0/5
1 reviews
Waipu · 23.4 km from Whangarei
Mount Eden
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Auckland

Mount Eden

6
4.6/5
508 reviews
Mount Eden is a dormant volcano located a few kilometers south of downtown Auckland. It has an elevation of about 196 m, formed by the successive eruptions of three craters. The most recent eruption is estimated to have occurred tens of thousands of years ago, leaving behind a bowl-shaped crater at the summit that is about 50 m deep. The crater floor is covered in lush green grass, looking from afar like a giant bowl filled with greenery turned upside down amidst the city. From the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, follow the gentle trail uphill. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the crater rim. A circular wooden boardwalk runs along the rim, with the deep volcanic crater on one side and a panoramic view of the city on the other. The Māori people once built a fortified village here, and the remains of terraced fields and sweet potato storage pits on the slopes are still visible today.New Zealand · Auckland
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Waikato

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo

5.9
4.8/5
13 reviews
The legendary black water rafting activity at Waitomo Caves is a unique and exciting adventure experience on New Zealand's North Island, attracting many adventure lovers with its mysterious underground landscape and unique activity format. Waitomo Caves is famous for its spectacular stalactites and glowworms, and black water rafting provides visitors with a new perspective to explore this natural wonder. Black water rafting is a comprehensive adventure activity that combines rafting, climbing and walking. Participants put on wetsuits, sit on rubber tires, and float along the underground river, enjoying the brilliant glow of the glowworms in the cave along the way. These glowworms form a starry sky on the top of the cave, adding a mysterious and romantic color to the entire adventure. During the activity, professional guides will lead the team through narrow passages and underground waterfalls to ensure the safety of each participant. The guides will also share interesting knowledge about the formation of the cave, geological features and glowworm ecology, making the whole journey not only exciting but also educational.New Zealand · Waitomo Caves

Experiences you can't miss in Whangarei

Featured Day tours in Whangarei

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Hundertwasser Art Centre Admission Ticket
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 22.80CAD 24
Hole in the Rock Tour & Bay of Islands Cruise
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4.7/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 110.20CAD 116
Unique Cultural Experience Waitangi Treaty Grounds 2-Day Pass
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4.8/5
· 36 reviews
Free cancellation
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25 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 59.27CAD 62.39
Cultural Experience & Hāngī dinner incl. Day admission
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4.8/5
· 37 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
97.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 151.21CAD 159.17
Sheep World Country Tour from Auckland
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4.8/5
· 31 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
96.8% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 230.88
Auckland: Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise
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4.4/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 13 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 357.37CAD 376.18

Featured Outdoor experiences in Whangarei

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From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour
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5.0/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 110.18CAD 115.98
Bay of Islands - Mini Tour (75-90 mins)
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 56.99CAD 59.99
*Popular Tour* - Bay of Islands: Nature Adventure Tour
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5.0/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 189.20CAD 199.16
Paihia: Bay of Islands Trike Tour Experience
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 30–60 mins
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 94.98CAD 99.98

Free things to do in Whangarei

What travellers say about Whangarei

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王海娃子October 28, 2019
4.0
Whangarei Falls is only a medium-level waterfall in terms of drop and flow, especially for Chinese people who are used to seeing the great rivers of China. But fortunately, the environment is quite quiet, and I felt much better immediately!

Whangarei Falls

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_FB***17October 15, 2026
4.0
Hobbiton was an amazing experience with beautiful scenery, charming surroundings and incredible attention to detail. The entire place was well maintained, and walking through the village felt like stepping into a magical world. The lush green hills, iconic hobbit holes and picturesque landscapes made the visit truly memorable.What I appreciated most was how accommodating and considerate the staff were towards my friend with OKU (disability) needs. Their willingness to assist and ensure my friend could enjoy the experience made a real difference. It was wonderful to see a popular tourist attraction making an effort to be inclusive and welcoming to visitors with different needs.The surroundings were absolutely stunning, and there were plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos and appreciate the unique atmosphere of the village. Every corner had something interesting to discover, and the scenery made the entire visit enjoyable .

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

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MaxicanOctober 17, 2026
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Experience at Sky Tower, Auckland! 🇳🇿Sky Tower is definitely one of Auckland’s must-visit attractions! Standing 328 metres tall, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The Main Observation Deck at 186 metres and the Sky Deck at 220 metres provide spectacular views from above. For adventure lovers, there’s also the thrilling SkyJump and SkyWalk at 194 metres. Built in 1997, this iconic landmark is truly an engineering masterpiece. An unforgettable experience and highly recommended for anyone visiting Auckland, New Zealand! 🇳🇿❤️

Sky Tower

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_TI***9rOctober 7, 2026
5.0
The guide was so fun and knowledgeable, and everything went smoothly. It was all so beautiful and immersive — I felt completely drawn into the experience. The only downside was that there were no photos, but honestly, that was also one of the best parts! I was able to be fully present and really enjoy it.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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_TI***u6August 21, 2026
5.0
Excellent museum with lots of interesting exhibits on Māori history, natural history and military history of NZ.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

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linmingxinFebruary 11, 2025
5.0
We arrived at the meeting point at 7:30 and set off on time at 8:00. The boat can carry 100 people at full capacity, and there were more than 70 of us. After a 1-hour sail, we found dolphins and various seabirds, and then sailed into deeper waters to find Bryde's whales. On the way back, we also saw a little seal taking a nap. The whole experience was great, but it really depends on luck. Not every time you go out to sea, you can see whales. We returned to the dock at 1:30 pm and didn't feel seasick. The overall experience was great!

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

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derricJanuary 28, 2020
5.0
Waipu Cave is a very interesting place in the North Island of New Zealand. It is about a 2-hour drive from Auckland. After leaving the highway, you need to walk about 40 minutes on the gravel road. The entrance of the cave is very easy to enter among all the caves I have explored. The cave is spacious and flat. There are also many fireflies, which are dotted on the cave wall like stars in the sky. Moreover, this is not a popular attraction. There are almost no tourists. They are all knowledgeable enthusiasts who come to explore the cave. There is no charge at all.

Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve

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yccuiMarch 13, 2025
5.0
Climb to the highest point of Auckland, Mt Eden, formed by a volcanic eruption, and get a bird's eye view of the entire city, including the iconic Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Central Business District and the huge conical crater ruins.

Mount Eden

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最甜的好爸爸11August 18, 2026
5.0
This expedition exceeded our expectations, and my son and I had a great time. Those 12 years and older can participate in the 3-hour expedition. Those 16 years and older can participate in the 5-hour advanced version. 1) Upon registration, you will need to fill out and sign some information, including whether you have any underlying medical conditions. 2) Then the instructors will gather everyone and remind you of the precautions. Our group had 11 people. 3) The instructors will lead everyone to put on the caving wetsuits, diving socks, and rain boots. Remember to bring your own swimsuit and wear it underneath. The site will also provide a fleece top (available in small and large sizes). Pay attention to the front and back of the clothing; the instructors repeatedly emphasized "inside out." It's normal for the clothing to be a bit tight. Remember to bring a towel; you can rent one if you forget. There were three instructors in our group, who repeatedly emphasized not to urinate inside the wetsuit and to use the toilet before caving. Swimming is not required. There are two waterfalls; you need to face away from the water, bend your knees, and place the lifebuoy under your buttocks. Hold the lifebuoy tightly with both hands and jump backward. The instructors will guide you throughout and will ask if you cannot jump and will explain other ways to get down. The instructor was very patient. I'm relatively short, less than 1.6 meters, but I was fine inside. The water was up to my armpits at its deepest point. Note that the underwater rocks made it uneven, with each step revealing a different depth. I'm not very athletic, and the instructor noticed this, so in some places she would have me hold onto her shoulders to help me walk slowly. Also, there was a larger person in our group who was quite afraid of diving, and the instructor took extra care of him. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. When we turned off our headlamps, lined up, and sat in life rings, with the person in front holding onto the legs of the person behind, we looked up and saw a vast expanse of starlight and twinkling fireflies, marveling at the beauty. We went on August 17th, and the temperature inside the cave was around 15 degrees Celsius year-round, warmer than I expected. Afterwards, there were hot showers and tomato soup – so wonderful! This was the best experience of our trip to the North Island; my son was incredibly happy. This mother bravely accompanied him. The photos cost 26 NZD, definitely worth keeping.

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo

Popular cities near Whangarei

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Whangarei?

Don't miss these attractions in Whangarei: Whangarei Falls, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, and Sky Tower. If you like Cultural experiences, try Hundertwasser Art Centre Admission Ticket. If you enjoy Day tours, try Hundertwasser Art Centre Admission Ticket.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Hundertwasser Art Centre Admission Ticket, Auckland join-in tour 1-day tour: Honey center + Sheepworld Farm & Café + city [English tour], and Nighttime kiwi bird spotting experience in New Zealand's North Island [round-trip from Auckland | optional small group]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 19, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Whangarei is around CAD 22.8 – CAD 357.37. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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