Tourist information - Whangarei
New Zealand’s warmest city is able to show you an easy-going good time. The centre of a district famous for its exceptional beaches and romantic countryside, Whangarei enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, and there’s rainfall enough to keep surroundings lush, green as well as attractively semi-tropical.
An easy drive or perhaps flight from Auckland, the city sits at the western end of a large, unspoilt harbour. In and throughout the houses and structures are pockets of native bush and also attractively landscaped parks.
Translated from Maori, Whangarei means "cherished harbour". It certainly is cherished by the keen fisherman along with sailors who use the town basin marina as being a base for their expeditions, by the surfers who can put themselves on a drop-dead-gorgeous surf beach within half an hour, and also by the visitors who find the city’s soothing ambience an excellent antidote to an over-stressed life.
Because of its abundant sea life as well as semi-tropical growing climate, Whangarei has always been a popular place to live. Maori populations were well founded when the first European visitor to the country, Captain James Cook, arrived in 1796. In fact, Mount Parahaki the highest point within the city - once was the site of the largest Maori Pa (fortified village) in New Zealand. The excavations are still visible along with interpretation of the area is provided at the site, which can be accessed by a pleasant walk through native forest from the summit. Have a picnic with you as well as spend several hours soaking up the panorama.
In the heart of the city, Quayside at the Town Basin is a sophisticated, yet leisurely centre for eating and also entertainment. Modern landscaping blends perfectly with colonial architecture to create a gathering place for locals, visiting travelers along with yachters from around the world. And also stylish cafés and also restaurants, there are museums, art galleries and specialty shops. The Clock Museum is a must see event.
A short walk from the Town Basin finds you at the central city shopping area, home to a delightful new retail centre called Quality Street. Behind the eye-catching turn of the century facades is a selection of shops, cafés along with night spots. The atmosphere of this trendy precinct is often enhanced with live music.
Other choices for evening entertainment include a night at the movies (Whangarei features a modern cinema complex) or even live theatre staged by a local drama group.
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