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 Whangarei, (Pop: 51,400) is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the
regional capital of
Northland Region.
Located
170 kms north of
Auckland, Whangarei is New Zealand's northern city and
commercial centre for the Far North/Northland region. Whangarei is situated between forested hills
and a deep water harbour and surrounded by fertile farmland with orchards.
Whangarei and the surrounding region has a indented coastline of over
200km in length inclusive of the off-shore islands of the Poor Knights and
the Hen and Chickens Islands. Because of its extremely indented coastline,
no part of the region is more than 40kms from the sea.
Whangarei region is a solid industry base of pastoral farming, horticulture,
manufacturing and construction, forestry, wood processing and tourism. Other
key sectors are retail and the arts.
Whangarei region basks in New
Zealand’s sub-tropical climate zone, with warm humid summers and mild
winters.
 Whangarei
city is located on the banks of the Hatea River that flows into the
Whangarei Harbour, being the country’s largest east coast harbour, boat
building and marine servicing industries.
A short drive north of the city is the picturesque Whangarei Falls. The
viewing platforms offer excellent views of the 26 metre (86 feet) falls and
the area is an excellent picnic spot.
A popular spot in the centre of the city is the Town Basin. This waterfront
area is a collection of cafes, restaurants, shops, art galleries and
museums, all built in a colonial style. Whangarei also has numerous parks
and reserves. A bush walk through Parahiki Scenic Reserve to the top of Mt
Parahiki (New Zealand's largest Maori Pa complex) offers great views
of the city.
The city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it an ideal base for those
interested in aquatic pursuits. A warm current in the area brings a variety
of fish species here, and the nearby Poor Knights Islands group is an
excellent dive location. The area is also popular with deep sea fishers. For
those desiring more sedate activities, the nearby beaches of Matapouri Bay
and Sandy Bay have excellent beaches.
New Zealand’s newest
deepwater port is located at Marsden Point, just south of Whangarei city and
adjacent to the country’s only oil refinery and other large industrial
services. A major dairy processing plant is situated at Kauri, just north
of the city.
Whangarei is served
by various
coach/bus operators providing regular daily services and Air New Zealand Link air services from
Auckland.
There are no passenger trains services from Whangarei to Auckland, Kaitaia,
Kerikeri or Paihia. |