Nature & parks in Whangarei
Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Whangarei, New Zealand
Nature & Parks in Whangarei
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Nature & Parks
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Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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What travellers are saying
- Shelley MAlbany, New Zealand434 contributionsNice stop for lunch on a trip north. Easy to find and good sized carpark. The loos are not the cleanest. Really nice track to the falls and lots of places to get photos and have a picnic. I think they would be incredible after a lot of rain. Path through bush is really well done.Written 12 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Dreamer145611899983 contributionsGreat foresight from one man and an awesome community to make these magnificent gardens. We thoroughly enjoyed our well ome from Alan, wander through the gardens and greetings from the volunteer gardens and appreciate the amazing space, plants and environment.
Easy to stroll and enjoy for a well deserved donation contribution. We probably spent a little over an hour but could have explored more, but went to enjoy morning tea at Quails cafe on site. (Good food and coffee.)
Definitely recommend a chilled visit hereWritten 28 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - JoteeParkHamilton, New Zealand192 contributionsLovely, well-maintained track. Beautiful native bush, especially heartening to see so many mature and juvenile kauri trees and nikau palms. Thriving bird life - we were serenaded by tui and kereru. Spectacular views from several spots along the way.Written 26 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JoteeParkHamilton, New Zealand192 contributionsWe had a wonderful few days as a group of 10 mum, escaping from our families.
The house was spotless and very well appointed. We were all very comfortable - one tip: make sure you keep the mosquito nets over the doors and windows, or spray your room before sleeping, preferably both.
The food was fabulous. Claire is a lovely host and a great cook. We were very well fed with a lovely variety of healthy, delicious meals. Those with differing food needs were kindly catered to with alternatives.
The walks were a good mixture of beach, farm and bush. There was enough challenge to keep the fitter ladies happy, but those of us who weren't as fit were still able to do everything. The views were nothing short of spectacular. And we had a couple of wonderful beach swims.
I would highly recommend this to any group wanting to unplug from everyday life for a few days, enjoy each other's company and get to know a beautiful part of NZ a little better.
Thanks Claire.Written 26 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Melanie T35 contributionsYou could see just as much if not more snorkelling than diving. Great experience and can recommend Dive! Tutakaka.Written 3 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- angelaannieAuckland, New Zealand6 contributionsMy daughter and I had a ball, father wasn’t keen! We had come prepared with head torches and water shoes, so we didn’t mind getting wet. These caves are not for the “ tourists “ who want to drive to the door and see some awesome caves. You have to be prepared to walk to them, scramble around rocks, get a bit wet and dirty. I wouldn’t recommend going into the caves for young children as the rocks are large and they wouldn’t have the reach to grip the boulders. But the surrounding rock formations outside of the caves are amazing!! So much fun had here playing hide and seek, climbing ect. Very unique rocks.
We went right through the middle cave(organ cave) popped out 159m later, steep entry and exit was tricky. Hadn’t had a lot of rain, so water was only ankle deep. Other caves looked a bit more challenging.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - L0ve2Travel002Johannesburg, South Africa19 contributionsIf you are looking for white sandy beaches and a perfect swimming beach - ruakaka is the place to be. It’s a beautiful stretch of beach! Highly recommendedWritten 11 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- angelaannieAuckland, New Zealand6 contributionsThis was a nice pocket of bush, and the broad walk up in the tree tops was awesome. Only a few old kauris left, but nice to be amongst them. We did this circuit at the end of the walk from the Falls. From AH Reid to the whangarei falls took about 25 mins, not the 45 they say on the signed. It is a pleasant flat walk, could not with push chair or cycle.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- AstonWhangarei, New Zealand6 contributionsA great place that gives birds a second chance at life. People like this are the reason we have such a great place to live in, with animals and wildlife still being around.Written 7 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- laurenr0cheWhangarei, New Zealand16 contributionsThis is an excellent walk for the fit and motivated - try to avoid the middle of the day in summer - you will be beat before you reach the best bits. Pack a water bottle, good shoes and an attitude for adventure. This is a wonderful, historic site and worth lingering over. Try to get there for sunrise or sunset.Written 19 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- L_DTravellersWhangarei, New Zealand153 contributionsNo need to go to the South Island for Pancake rocks, we have them here in Northland. Great track - mind the tides for the stream crossing and it's best to go when it is dry and there hasn't been a lot of rain in the past few days because there can be some very muddy parts. The trail is pretty well marked, and it's not flat but not hilly either. As long as you are reasonably fit, you'll be fine. You can do the loop, but it comes back along the road so we always walk along the water and just come back the same way because the views are so nice. One time we did see seals in the water, which was a great treat. One of the best kept secrets in Northland :)Written 13 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- petergriffithj17 contributionsWalk took us one hour fifty minetes. First half was a medium climb with nice views to
the right of Maunu district. When we entered the Forest the walk became harder with
Stepper descents and stepper climbs but trail was well marked to follow. There was
a great view from the last seat before the decent to Otaika valley.
Overall enjoyed the country walk especially as it was a nice sunny day.Written 20 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - 3xploreNZWhangarei, New Zealand8 contributionsThe park is located very close to town and has good parking for it's current capacity with around 12km's of grade 1 - 4 trails.
Although a very summer dependent park due to it's clay base, some recent work has allowed the trails to be ridden a lot more safely during the wetter months here.
A good little park with plenty for everyone here.Written 17 January 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Global323869796835 contributionsI had heard lots about the marine reserve and finally took my grandchildren there for a visit. It is so beautiful and peaceful. Fabulous clear water and I was sad I didn’t bring my snorkel. Saw fish jumping and had a swim. Magical place which is well worth a visit.Written 27 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Stewarts Vacation472 contributionsWe stumbled upon this little gem via Google maps. Dropped by 15 mins before closing time, thinking it would be enough time for a quick browse. It was bigger than we had expected with a fernery of NZ native ferns in 3 shade houses, a small outdoor section, a room specialising in desert succulents and a conservatory housing beautiful floral displays. We returned a few days later to spend more time enjoying the different exhibits. We would recommend allowing about 45 mins to view all of the plant houses. There are some seats available should you wish to linger and enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of these well laid out gardens. We met one of the staff members who was super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Opens daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. We will definitely return!Written 31 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whangarei
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Whangarei:
- Flexible Fully Guided New Zealand Bus Pass - Start and Finish Anywhere
- Full-Day Small-Group Glowworm Exploration Tour in New Zealand
- Group tour to Bay of Islands return from Auckland
- These places are best for nature & parks in Whangarei:
- Whangarei Falls
- Whangarei Quarry Gardens
- Mount Manaia Track
- Bream Head Coast Walks
- Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
- These are the best places for kid-friendly nature & parks in Whangarei:
- Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
- Mount Manaia Track
- Whangarei Quarry Gardens
- Whangarei Falls
- AH Reed Kauri Park
- These are the best places for couples seeking nature & parks in Whangarei:
- Bream Head Coast Walks
- Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
- Mount Manaia Track
- Whangarei Quarry Gardens
- Whangarei Falls
- These are the best places for groups seeking nature & parks in Whangarei:See more nature & parks for groups in Whangarei on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & parks in Whangarei:See more budget-friendly nature & parks in Whangarei on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adventurous nature & parks in Whangarei:See more adventurous nature & parks in Whangarei on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for nature & parks in Whangarei:See more nature & parks for adrenaline seekers in Whangarei on Tripadvisor