Whangarei
-
General Information
Other Name: -, District: Whangarei, State: Northland, New Zealand
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: English and Maori
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: December to February and September
International Access: Connected to all the major cities of New Zealand.Description
Whangarei is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. Although it is commonly classified as a city, officially it is under the jurisdiction of the Whangarei District Council, a local body created in 1989 to administer both the city proper and its hinterland.Location
The Hatea River flows south through the city and empties into Whangarei Harbour. The river has a spectacular 26 m waterfall in Tikipunga, 6 km north of the city.Climate
Whangarei has a subtropical climate and very few frosts. Summers rarely exceed 30°C, and there is plentiful rainfall, spread relatively evenly over the year.
This compact tree-shaded park near the centre of the city links a number of features of interest to both citizens and visitors. It can be entered from Water Street (alongside the Advocate building), from the city end of First Ave or from the Forum North carpark.
The name of the park commemorates Edward Eugene Cafler, born in France 1797, served in the Battle of Waterloo and after many adventures around the world and elsewhere in N.Z., settled in Whangarei in 1855. He was an enterprising businessman who built a majestic home near what is now the Town Basin and later a cottage in the vicinity of this park. He died in 1893 aged 95.
On its Water St. boundary the park begins with the Rose Gardens. The park is bounded on its western side by a stream which was once dammed to form a swimming pool. Walkways link with Forum North (and Forum North carpark), via a footbridge with First Ave and thus to the Fernery, Filmy Fernhouse, Conservatory & Cacti House.
The name of the park commemorates Edward Eugene Cafler, born in France 1797, served in the Battle of Waterloo and after many adventures around the world and elsewhere in N.Z., settled in Whangarei in 1855. He was an enterprising businessman who built a majestic home near what is now the Town Basin and later a cottage in the vicinity of this park. He died in 1893 aged 95.
On its Water St. boundary the park begins with the Rose Gardens. The park is bounded on its western side by a stream which was once dammed to form a swimming pool. Walkways link with Forum North (and Forum North carpark), via a footbridge with First Ave and thus to the Fernery, Filmy Fernhouse, Conservatory & Cacti House.
Claphams Clocks - The National Clock Museum is a unique visitor attraction presenting one of the largest collections of clocks in the southern hemisphere, established in the 1940s by Whangarei resident Archibald Clapham. Come face to face with these amazing timepieces, hear the unique chimes and cuckoos whilst learning about the international history of clock making. This is an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family. A full range of visitor services and souvenir shop is situated in the adjoining ''Quay Info'' information centre. Gather information on the numerous attractions and activities in Whangarei and Northland, as well other regions in New Zealand. A free booking service is offered for transport, accommodation, tours and activities. Stamps, phonecards and maps, plus an extensive range of quality souvenirs are also available. The idyllic surroundings of Whangarei''s Quayside also allows visitors to enjoy a harbourside stroll, a meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants or a browse in the nearby craft shops after their museum visit.
Twenty kilometres or so offshore fromTutukaka, the Poor Knights, named by Capt. Cook in 1769, are the jewel in the crown of the Whangarei District.
An 800m marine reserve now surrounds all the islands and rocks of the group, and landing is not permitted.
The sea floor at the base of the islands was once a beach that was drowned when the last ice age melted and slowly raised the water level some 70m up the rock face, creating as it rose a series of caves and overhanging shelves. A warm current from the north brings abundant plankton and supports subtropical fish, corals and other marine life. These unique features draw divers from throughout NZ and internationally to explore and enjoy this special place.
The larger northern island is Tawhiti Rahi and its southern partner is Aorangi. Both supported a considerable Maori population and in the early 1800s Aorangi''s people bred and traded wild pigs from the island with mainland Maori. A bitter dispute arose over one such deal, ending in a massacre of the occupants of Aorangi. Since then the island has been tapu.
In 1981 the marine reserve surrounding the islands was finally established, banning all commercial fishing within a 800m zone surrounding all islands and projecting rocks in the area. Limited recreational fishing is allowed within the zone. However, within two areas inside this zone all fishing is banned.
Outside these two zones recreational fishers may take the following species by spearfishing or trolling, snapper, trevally, shark, billfish, tuna, mackerel, kahawai, pink mao mao and trevally is allowed outside the prohibited area. In general terms the above fish are pelagic, moving freely about the sea.
Rock lobster, shellfish, sea eggs, corals and reef fish must not be damaged or taken from anywhere within the marine reserve. All netting is banned, as is the use of lights to lure fish. A visit to www.sportfishing.co.nz/poorknights.htm and the Department of Conservation''s website will provide you with further information.
Most charter boats that visit the Poor Knights operate out of Tutukaka , and information regarding services offered is available from the Whangarei Visitors Bureau, " Whangarei Online" and its online directories, the yellow pages, or from specialist fishing and diving shops. Visitors exploring the Poor Knights in their own vessels are urged to update on the regulations by securing pamphlets from fishing tackle outlets or by checking information boards at the Tutukaka Marina. Contact the Whangarei office of the Department of Conservation if in doubt.
An 800m marine reserve now surrounds all the islands and rocks of the group, and landing is not permitted.
The sea floor at the base of the islands was once a beach that was drowned when the last ice age melted and slowly raised the water level some 70m up the rock face, creating as it rose a series of caves and overhanging shelves. A warm current from the north brings abundant plankton and supports subtropical fish, corals and other marine life. These unique features draw divers from throughout NZ and internationally to explore and enjoy this special place.
The larger northern island is Tawhiti Rahi and its southern partner is Aorangi. Both supported a considerable Maori population and in the early 1800s Aorangi''s people bred and traded wild pigs from the island with mainland Maori. A bitter dispute arose over one such deal, ending in a massacre of the occupants of Aorangi. Since then the island has been tapu.
In 1981 the marine reserve surrounding the islands was finally established, banning all commercial fishing within a 800m zone surrounding all islands and projecting rocks in the area. Limited recreational fishing is allowed within the zone. However, within two areas inside this zone all fishing is banned.
Outside these two zones recreational fishers may take the following species by spearfishing or trolling, snapper, trevally, shark, billfish, tuna, mackerel, kahawai, pink mao mao and trevally is allowed outside the prohibited area. In general terms the above fish are pelagic, moving freely about the sea.
Rock lobster, shellfish, sea eggs, corals and reef fish must not be damaged or taken from anywhere within the marine reserve. All netting is banned, as is the use of lights to lure fish. A visit to www.sportfishing.co.nz/poorknights.htm and the Department of Conservation''s website will provide you with further information.
Most charter boats that visit the Poor Knights operate out of Tutukaka , and information regarding services offered is available from the Whangarei Visitors Bureau, " Whangarei Online" and its online directories, the yellow pages, or from specialist fishing and diving shops. Visitors exploring the Poor Knights in their own vessels are urged to update on the regulations by securing pamphlets from fishing tackle outlets or by checking information boards at the Tutukaka Marina. Contact the Whangarei office of the Department of Conservation if in doubt.
Whale Bay is a gem. Here is a beach that has escaped the deforming influence of the bulldozer and the ring of the axe. A beach left the way most beaches used to be.
About 1km north of Matapouri there is a large parking area on the right at the top of the hill. From this area a walking track descends for about 800 metres to the beach. Toilets are placed near the car-park end. The track is well formed and ends in a flight of wooden steps to the beach.
The track from Matapouri joins it near the car-park , and the track to the headlands branches off to the right. Visitors are strongly advised to lock vehicles and to remove valuables from view.
Whale Bay is a small sandy bay of a hundred or so metres, fringed with bush and, in particular, shaded by pohutukawa trees. You will need to take in everything you may require and leave behind only your footprints.
About 1km north of Matapouri there is a large parking area on the right at the top of the hill. From this area a walking track descends for about 800 metres to the beach. Toilets are placed near the car-park end. The track is well formed and ends in a flight of wooden steps to the beach.
The track from Matapouri joins it near the car-park , and the track to the headlands branches off to the right. Visitors are strongly advised to lock vehicles and to remove valuables from view.
Whale Bay is a small sandy bay of a hundred or so metres, fringed with bush and, in particular, shaded by pohutukawa trees. You will need to take in everything you may require and leave behind only your footprints.
See kiwi and geckos in their natural surroundings in the nocturnal Kiwi House. Purchase a souvenir of your visit from our gift shop. With ever changing exhibitions, the Whangarei Museum is home to many Maori and European treasures. Check our website for details of the current exhibition and special events such as Live Days www.whangareimuseum.co.nz. Open 7 Days 10am-4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Whangarei Museum and Kiwi House at Heritage Park is located 5 minutes drive from Whangarei central city and is on the bus route from the city.
Museum: Significant collections with changing and special exhibitions. Early settler collections at the Museum and the Clarke Homestead.
Kiwi House: Live kiwi encounters at the nocturnal Kiwi House in a natural setting and other native species at the Gecko House.
Heritage Buildings: Historic buildings from Northland including the Clarke Homestead, Oruaiti Chapel, Whangarei Women''s Jail, Riponui Pah School and Jane Mander''s Study.
Heritage Park: The 25ha park provides picnic areas, bush walks, Aracaria (Kauri) tree trail, waterfall, hire facilities and 360 degree views of Whangarei. Check out our Live Days and other events.
Whangarei Museum and Kiwi House at Heritage Park is located 5 minutes drive from Whangarei central city and is on the bus route from the city.
Museum: Significant collections with changing and special exhibitions. Early settler collections at the Museum and the Clarke Homestead.
Kiwi House: Live kiwi encounters at the nocturnal Kiwi House in a natural setting and other native species at the Gecko House.
Heritage Buildings: Historic buildings from Northland including the Clarke Homestead, Oruaiti Chapel, Whangarei Women''s Jail, Riponui Pah School and Jane Mander''s Study.
Heritage Park: The 25ha park provides picnic areas, bush walks, Aracaria (Kauri) tree trail, waterfall, hire facilities and 360 degree views of Whangarei. Check out our Live Days and other events.