10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Whangarei for Couples© Northland Inc
10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Whangarei for Couples

10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Whangarei for Couples

© Northland Inc

Whangarei’s Most Romantic Experiences

Venture to one of New Zealand‘s warmest climates and less-visited cities, Whangarei. New Zealand’s northernmost city is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, a top scuba diving location, amazing beaches and harbours its very own inner-city finds of gardens, arts and romantic restaurants. With that in mind, Whangarei is a worthy option for a romantic weekend away or a stop on your New Zealand honeymoon itinerary. Discover some of the amazing experiences to have together in this list of romantic things to do in Whangarei for couples.

1. Embark on an Uncrowded Multi-Day Walk at Bream Head

While there are many fantastic walks in Whangarei that we list in the 10 Best Walks in Whangarei, Bream Head Coast Walks takes the trophy when it comes to romantic hikes. The three-day walking experience is on private land, making for a serene uncrowded experience. After a couple of days taking in the stunning ocean vistas, beaches and more, you’ll unwind at the walk’s lodge accommodation with fabulous homemade meals included. For more experiences in the area, check out the 15 Best Things to Do at Whangarei Heads.

Location: 395 Ody Road, Taurikura, approximately 34 km (21 mi) from Whangarei city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© Northland Inc

2. Learn How to Surf Together in Tutukaka

Nothing strengthens the bond quite like learning something new together. With that in mind, how about learning to surf at Whangarei’s surrounding beaches? NZ Surf Academy offers adult surf lessons at Sandy Bay, Wooleys and Matapouri beaches on the Tutukaka Coast, while Tutukaka Surf Northland NZ is another great surf school at Sandy Bay. Check out more of the area’s glorious beaches in the 10 Best Beaches in Whangarei.

Location: Tutukaka Coast, approximately 30 km (19 mi) from Whangarei city centre. Meeting points are arranged with the operators.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© David Kirkland - Northland Inc

3. Buddy Up in a Scuba Diving Trip to the Poor Knights Islands

Speaking of learning a new skill, you could also become qualified scuba divers at one of the top dive locations in New Zealand, the Poor Knights Islands, just off the coast of Tutukaka. A mesmerising array of marine life is present in the protected waters surrounding the islands making the Poor Knights Islands a must for nature-lovers. There are scuba courses available or enjoy a one-off dive with options for all levels with Dive! Tutukaka. Alternatively, snorkelling tours and scenic cruises around the islands with Fish Tutukaka and Perfect Day. For more ways to experience the area, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Tutukaka.

Location: Tutukaka, approximately 28 km (18 mi) from Whangarei city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Check Out the Art and Cafe Scene of the Town Basin

It’s not all active adventures in Whangarei, as you can certainly enjoy some downtime. A great place to relax is at the Town Basin, an attractive bustling part of Whangarei city centre by a marina. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to indulge in between exploring the arts and crafts scene. For instance, head to the Steve Haywood Master Jeweller (10 Quayside Way) to handcrafted jewellery in the making or watch the art of glassblowing at the Burning Issues Gallery (8 Quayside). Of course, a visit to the Town Basin is not complete until you’ve experienced the whimsical works of the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Maori Art Gallery (81 Dent Street).

Location: The Town Basin, Whangarei city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© Northland Inc

5. Surround Yourselves in Beauty at the Quarry Gardens…

There are a couple of beautiful gardens you can stroll through hand-in-hand in Whangarei, starting with the Whangarei Quarry Gardens. The garden’s subtropical plants turn an old quarry into a place thriving with life and colour, offering plenty of photo opportunities. There’s also an on-site art gallery and cafe to complete your visit.

Location: 37A Russell Road, Kensington, Whangarei, approximately 4 km (2 mi) from Whangarei city centre just off State Highway 1.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

6. … And Botanica Whangarei

And the second garden to check out is Botanica Whangarei. Although quieter, Botanica is well worth a quick visit with its selection of native ferns surrounding an eel pond, a Japanese garden and undercover cactus houses. The gardens are close to the city centre and won’t take you long to visit.

Location: 2 First Avenue, Whangarei city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Watch the Sunset from Ruakaka Beach

There’s a reason why a stroll on the beach at sunset is a cliché! One of the best beaches to watch the sunset near Whangarei is Ruakaka Beach, just a 30-minute drive away. Bring a picnic blanket and a bottle and bubbles and toast to your anniversary, honeymoon or the good life together. For more beach options, take a look at the 10 Best Beaches in Whangarei.

Location: Ruakaka Beach Road, approximately 30 km (19 mi) from Whangarei city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© Unsplash

8. Explore Whangarei Heads on Horseback

Another romantic option for couples is horse trekking on the beach, of which you have plenty of choices near Whangarei. Tours such as Tuidale Stables, Sandy Bay Glamping & Horse Tours and Coastal Riding Whangarei Heads offer a range of trips for experienced to first-time riders with options to ride on hilltops to even swim with your horse off the beach.

Location: Tuidale Stables – 51 Uretiti Road, Waipu. Sandy Bay Glamping & Horse Tours – 5 Mcauslin Road, Sandy Bay. Coastal Riding Whangarei Heads – 47 Harambee Road, Taiharuru.

10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Whangarei for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

9. Treat Your Loved One to Dinner at a Romantic Restaurant

Whangarei offers a wide array of eateries for a special night out. A top choice is the fine dining restaurant TopSail (206 Beach Road, Onerahi) specialising in contemporary New Zealand cuisine along the Whangarei Heads Road. Alternatively, in the city centre, The QUAY Kitchen (31 Quayside) boasts creative menus (including vegan and GF) for brunch, lunch and dinner. However, if you fancy travelling the world with your tastebuds, then pleasant dine-in experiences with quality meals include Suk Jai Thai Restaurant (93 Kamo Road) and Acropolis Cafe Bar & Grill (325 Port Road).

For more recommendations, don’t miss The Food Guide to Whangarei: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© Northland Inc

10. Test Your Teamwork in a Double Kayak

You’ll know whether you’re meant for each other once you paddle together in a double kayak! To take the pressure off, make sure that you kayak somewhere stunning like the Whangarei Harbour, the Tutukaka Coast or even the Poor Knights Islands. Pacific Coast Kayaks offers a seemingly never-ending menu of kayak tours ranging from half-day adventures to overnight expeditions.

Location: 70 Beach Road, Onerahi, approximately 8 km (5 mi) from Whangarei city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples© David Kirkland - Northland Inc

More About Whangarei

That’s it for our list of the most romantic things to do in Whangarei for couples. For more date night ideas, check out these guides:

Finally, plan more of your North Island exploration with the North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 1 Week and North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 2 Weeks.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter

Recommended For You