Things to Do Around Whangarei Heads
Below is a list of restaurants, visitor activities and some places of interest in and around Whangarei Heads , Whangarei and surrounding Northland Region, all of which are easily accessible from your accommodation at Flutes. Water activities such as scuba diving, boat trips, deep sea fishing and sea kayaking are very popular in summer and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the thriving art and theatre scene in and around Whangarei
Zion Wildlife Gardens must be booked in advance at all times. If you would like us to make any activity reservations for you before you arrive at Flutes we will happily do so.
Tours – are available , see our tours and shuttles page. We can provide day trips to link with Fullers Attractions in the Bay of Islands . Equally we can provide transport for you to and from any of the locations and activities listed below.
Restaurants:
There is a great selection of cafes and restaurants in the area. The Deck Cafe is very convenient ,being a short walk from Flutes.Whangarei Restaurants are many and varied , although a 30 minute drive will be necessary in most cases.
- The Deck Licensed Café
- Top Sail Restaurant
- Parua Bay Tavern
Whangarei: Activities:
Walking and Beaches:
Walk The Walks on Whangarei Heads :
Mount Manaia Track , Mt Aubrey Track , SmugglersCove , Peach Cove Track , Bream Head/ Te Whara Track, and part of the Te Araroa walkway, are just some of the many varied and beautiful walks available on Whangarei Heads. Walks are many and varied, to suit all capabilities
In Whangarei:
Whangarei Falls and AH Reed Memorial Kauri Walkway – A short drive from Whangarei Heads are the dramatic Whangarei Falls. You can either view these from above, take a short walk to the bottom or enjoy a longer 1 hour round-trip bush walk to the AH Reed Kauri Walkway. Other options include :Mt Parahaki Walkway, Quarry Gardens
Ocean Beach (recommended for surfing) , Pataua, Frogtown, Smugglers Cove and Taurikura.
Both Whale Bay and Sandy Bay on the Tutukaka Coast are well worth a visit
Water Activities:
Plenty of great fishing opportunities for Snapper, Kahawai and Kingfish. Exploring the coastline and islands by boat.
Surfing Lessons & Board Hire – Can be arranged at Pataua. The Whangarei Coast is good for Surfing (Ocean Beach!)
A Perfect Day
Full day sightseeing & snorkeling trip to the Poor Knights Islands. This relaxing trip includes lunch, snorkeling and kayaking at The Poor Knights Islands. The cruise takes in breathtaking scenery, marine life, sea birds, native flora and a historical account of the islands - all aboard the purpose built multi-deck "Perfect Day" cruise boat. For more info www.aperfectday.co.nz
Scuba Diving
Poor Knights , wreck diving (HMNZS Waikato & HMNZS Tui), night diving. The Poor Knights Islands were named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the world's top 10 dive locations. The islands are a marine reserve below water and a wildlife reserve above water. The islands are located 23km off the coast of Tutukaka.
For more information see www.diving.co.nz
Golf:
In the"winterless ”Northland region of New Zealand golf can be played all year round. Some high-quality courses within easy driving distance are listed below. All these courses welcome non-members and most have green fees under $NZ50 per day for non-affiliated players. Whangarei has 4 excellent golf courses, with many others easily accessible throughout Northland from Flutes.
Other Activities:
Options available as a result of proximity (20 mins drive) to Whangarei Airport: Skydiving
Scenic flights over the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga
Other Places of Interest:
Quarry Gardens, Fernery, Filmy Fernhouse, Conservatory and Cactus House, Reyburn House
During 2011 Whangarei District Council has openly sought to develop a 'sense of place' around Whangarei. The Town Basin, and its many visitors, have definitely seen benefit from that. The provision of a Central Hub which includes a new location for Whangarei Art Museum, a modernised i:site, alongside the already existing cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping has provided a swift improvement .The canopied bridge is being used to provide theatre such as The Artisan's and the Twilight Markets
Whangarei Theatre
Whangarei has 2 theatres which offer productions 3-4 times per year- they are very different , each with their own individuality. If you are visiting the area it is well worth checking what is on: click on the venues listed for details .The Riverbank Theatre , home to The Whangarei Theatre Company; The Octagon Theatre . In addition Forum North is a Conference and Expo Centre which hosts theatre,cinema cocerts and exhibitions.
The January Summer Festival Ruakaka races are becoming the highlight of many holiday makers summer. This day is unique in that it features both gallops and harness racing (15 races in all) plus loads of free entertainment for all the family. Over 7,000 people enjoy a relaxed, entertaining day out.
Longview Estate (Whangarei) is the nearest, others such as Marsden Estate, Cottle Hill Winery (Keri Keri), AkeAke, Fat Pig Vineyard, Pukeko Vineyard, (Waimate North), are further North.Flutes can provide Vineyard Tours . Omata Estate (Russell), Okahu Estate (Kaitaia), KariKari Estate (KariKari Peninsula)
Local Art:
2012 saw the inaugual 'Whangarei Heads Art Trail', an event where many of the local artists opened their studios/homes to the public over 2 days at Easter. The extent to which they are inspired by the beautiful area in which they live was clear to all.In Whangarei you can visit Whangarei Art Museum, Quarry Craft Co-op, Reyburn House, The Bach, Burning Issues Gallery, Possibly a Hundertwasser Gallery in the future?