Experience Whangarei on a Budget
The hub of the Northland region of New Zealand is the perfect place for backpackers and travellers on a budget. The city has free attractions in and around the city so you don’t have to worry about spending too much when exploring Whangarei. With that in mind, we put this list together of the top free and cheap things to do in Whangarei!
While there are some free and cheap activities on this list that you can access on foot from Whangarei city centre, note that a lot of the attractions are spread out across the city. Having your own transport will make it easier to see all these free things to do in Whangarei. If you want to save more money, consider staying in one of the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Whangarei or 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Whangarei for some cheap accommodation. Plus, don’t forget to check out our The Guide to Whangarei on a Budget for more inspiration on your stay in the “Winterless North”.
1. Visit Whangarei Falls – FREE
Arguably the most-visited natural feature in Whangarei, Whangarei Falls is a must-do on any Northland itinerary! It’s hard not to be impressed by this 26m (85ft) waterfall accessible only moments away from the car park. Extend the experience by getting different views of the falls on a 30-minute loop walk, or even follow the walking tracks down the Hatea River for a pleasant bushwalk.
Location: Ngunguru Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Explore Abbey Caves – FREE
Just a mere 10-minutes drive from the city centre of Whangarei is the Abbey Caves! A 2-hour loop walk takes you across farmland and native forest with interesting limestone outcrops and three free caves to explore. Check out the clusters of glowworms and small stalactites. Check out this article for more free glowworm caves around New Zealand.
Location: Abbey Caves Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Wander Around the Quarry Gardens – FREE
The words “Quarry” and “Gardens” are not often seen in the same sentence, but after you have seen what volunteers have achieved at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens you’ll see anything is possible! This quarry turned sub-tropical paradise benefits from the sub-tropical climate perfect for weird and wonderful plants from all over the world. Enjoy the network of walkways and have a bite to eat at the on-site cafe.
Location: Russell Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Climb Mt Manaia – FREE
For some of the best views in the Whangarei area, climb to the top of Mt Manaia! This 2-hour return walk is steep but well worth the effort for views overlooking the Whangarei Heads and Whangarei Harbour. Plus, you’ll walk through kauri forest and see the huge rugged pinnacles at the peak of the mountain.
Location: Whangarei Heads Road. (30 minutes drive from Whangarei city).
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Check Out Botanica – FREE
This free and perfect rainy day activity incorporates both a fernery and conservatory with a mix of exotic and native plants. The fernery holds one of the largest collection of native ferns in New Zealand with one of the highlights being the resident eels. On the other side of Botanica is the conservatory holding interesting displays of cacti, tropical plants and Japanese gardens.
Location: First Avenue.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre – FREE/CHEAP
See who’s currently in recovery at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. This native bird hospital has aviaries open to the public, either free or by donation, so you can check out some of the birds before they are released into the wild. You could see kingfisher, morepork, harrier hawks and more. Plus, you might be lucky enough to meet the permanent resident, Sparky the kiwi or the talking tui!
Location: State Highway 14, Maunu (next to Kiwi North).
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Marvel at the Claphams Clock Museum – CHEAP
Moving onto one of the cheap things to do in Whangarei that certainly won’t break the bank is Claphams Clock Museum. If the 2,100 clocks and timepieces at this museum don’t amaze you, then the museum building itself might! Who can complain at just NZ$10 entry per adult?
Location: Dent Street.
© Samuel Mann on Flickr8. See Giant Trees at the AH Reed Kauri Park – FREE
This stunning forest is a must-do if you are looking to escape to nature in Whangarei! The AH Reed Kauri Park is home to 500-year-old kauri trees, as well as other native tree species. Walk the Canopy Walkway for a birds-eye-view of the nikau palm trees and walk to the hidden gem of Whangarei, Pukenui Falls. The Kauri Park can be accessed via the Hatea River Walkway from Whangarei Falls or by the car park.
Location: Whareora Road, Tikipunga.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Visit the Whangarei Art Museum – FREE
For a good dose of culture, take a look around the Whangarei Art Museum with its ever-changing displays of local and international art. There is a mix of heritage and contemporary pieces to enjoy in this free-entry venue.
Location: The HUB, Dent Street.
© Pexels10. Play Glow-in-the-dark Mini-golf – CHEAP
Everyone loves mini-golf, but glow-in-the-dark mini golf is a whole new level of fun! Play 18 holes through 7 different themed areas. Extreme Mini Golf World is under NZ$20 per person, so it rightfully earns its place on this list of free and cheap things to do in Whangarei! Mid-week golfers be aware, the place is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Location: 2 Reyburn Street.
© Cpl. Sarah Wolff-Diaz on Marines11. Explore the Town Basin Marina – FREE
One of the most picturesque places in the Whangarei city centre, the Town Basin Marina is a water-side area packed with cafes, eateries, galleries, museums, a children’s playground and petanque court. It’s a great place to sit back and watch the people and yachts go by.
Location: Quayside, just off Dent Street.
© Yortw on Flickr12. Do the Hatea Loop Walkway – FREE
Walk or cycle the 4.2km (2.6-mile) Hatea Loop. The walk begins in the Town Basin (see above) and follows the waterfront incorporating sculpture art from local Maori artists. Walk across the elegant footbridge known as “Kotuitui Whitinga” and see the impressive Te Matau a Pohe opening bridge. There are information panels along the walkways telling the local history.
Location: Begins and ends at the Town Basin on Quayside. Follow the well-marked signs and pathway.
© itravelNZ® on Flickr13. Check Out the Artisans Fair Markets – FREE
Experience a real Kiwi market with arts, crafts and local produce for sale! You’ll pick up some authentic souvenirs to take home and try some yummy treats. There’s also live music adding to the vibe. The Artisans Fair Markets run every Saturday from Labour Weekend from October to April. See more experiences like this in the 9 Things to Do in Whangarei for Foodies.
Location: Whangarei Town Basin.
© Phillip Capper on Flickr14. Visit the Reyburn House Art Gallery – FREE
For more art and culture in Whangarei, check out the Reyburn House Art Gallery. The gallery is set inside a heritage home displaying art from local artists. The exhibits are everchanging so who knows what you will discover?! There are gifts for sale too.
Location: Reyburn House Lane, Whangarei Town Basin.
© Pexels15. Climb Mt Parihaka – FREE
It’s hard to miss this ancient volcano standing prominently in the Whangarei skyline. Hiking to the top of Mt Parihaka will give you some awesome views of Whangarei and the Whangarei Harbour. There are three walks accessible from the city or you can simply drive to the summit. Additionally, there are mountain biking trails on the east side of the mountain which are worth exploring and free if you’re travelling with a mountain bike!
Location: Drive via Memorial Drive. The Hokianga/Dobbie Track and Drummond Track to the summit start from Mair Park. The Ross Track starts from Dundas Road.
© Lisa Conze on Wikipedia16. See Wildlife and More at Kiwi North – CHEAP
For around NZ$20 adult admission, Kiwi North is definitely a cheap thing to do in Whangarei! What’s more, you’re sure to get good value for money with access to a kiwi house, gecko and tuatara enclosures, native fish aquariums, the Whangarei Museum and the Whangarei Heritage Park! It’s a full day out! See more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Whangarei with Kids.
Location: 500 State Highway 14, Maunu.
© NZPocketGuide.com17. Visit the Packard & Pioneer Museum – CHEAP
Want another thing you can do in Whangarei for $20? Check out the unique collection of Packard cars, as well as other vintage vehicles at the Packard & Pioneer Museum. There are all sorts of treasures to discover! The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday.
Location: Old Dairy Factory, State Highway 14, Maungatapere.
© GPS 56 on Wikipedia18. Swim, Soak and Splash at the Whangarei Aquatic Centre – CHEAP
Whether your style is to keep fit, take the kids or have an indulgent soak, the Whangarei Aquatic Centre is here to serve! The indoor facility has more than seven pools including a spa pool with a soothing temperature of 38ºC (100ºF) and a super-fun wave pool. At around NZ$7 entry per adult and NZ$5 per child, this activity rightfully earns its place as a cheap thing to do in Whangarei!
Location: Ewing Road, Riverside.
© Pixabay19. Try Out the Foodie Delights – CHEAP
Whangarei has many streets brimming with cafes, restaurants and dessert shops – Rathbone, Cameron, James, John, Bank Streets and Quality Street Mall to name a few! So, depending on how much you order, it could be a pretty cheap thing to do in Whangarei. For recommendations, head on over to The Foodie Guide to Whangarei.
Location: Bank Street, Whangarei city centre.
© PexelsMore Things to Do in Whangarei
- 10 Romantic Activities in Whangarei for Couples
- 8 Luxury Activities in Whangarei
- 10 Best Things to Do in Whangarei
That’s it for our list of cheap and free things to do in Whangarei. For more free stuff, check out the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand.
