8 Best Foodie Experiences in Whangarei

1. Learn to Make a Maori Hangi

For a real cultural foodie experience, check out the Māori cultural tour with Tu Tika Tours. Your full-day experience includes morning tea with homemade Maori bread and locally-made condiments, but that’s only the beginning… After learning how to weave, experiencing a traditional welcoming ceremony and much more, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon preparing and indulging in your own hāngi lunch cooked on hot rocks! See more private experiences like this in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Whangarei.

Location: Pick-up is included from the local area.

© Tu Tika Tours - Viator

2. Try and/or Buy Some Local Food at the Whangarei Markets

An affordable activity for foodies, Whangarei and the surrounding towns boasts an array of hearty community events. Chat with the locals, pick up some fruit and vegetables, try preserves, honey and olive oil, and enjoy the music from the buskers.

Markets in Whangarei

• Artisans Market – 3-7 pm, Saturday from Labour Weekend through summer – Town Basin
• Whangarei Growers Market – 6-10 am, Saturday – 17 Water Street
• The Canopy Night Market – 5 pm fortnightly Fridays through summer – Town Basin
• Tikipunga Market – 6:30-11 am, Sunday – Corner of Wanaka Street and Denby Crescent

For more cheap activities, check out the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whangarei.

© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Sample Some Northland Wine

Well worth experiencing on your way in or out of Whangarei is wine tasting at Te Whai Bay Wines or Millers Vineyard. The vineyards in Mangawhai offer local wine tastings while the former also curates local produce platters. Enjoy the tasting with views of mountain ranges beyond the vines. Note that opening times vary so it’s best to double-check before you visit. For more experiences in the village, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Mangawhai.

Location: Te Whai Bay Wines – 367 King Road, RD2, Mangawhai. Millars Vineyard – 26 Bush Lane, Mangawhai.

© NZPocketGuide.com

4. See Tropical Fruit Plants and Have a Coffee at the Quarry Gardens

This disused quarry just off State Highway 1 begs to be explored, now transformed into subtropical gardens. Walk among the banana trees, see pineapple plants thriving and enjoy the short walks around the stunning Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Once your walk is complete, relax at the onsite cafe and have a browse in the art gallery. See more recommendations for budget activities in The Guide to Whangarei on a Budget.

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

© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Taste Raw Manuka Honey

Pop into the small family-owned honey packing house, Helmsdale Honey, to taste different varieties of Whangarei honey. From MG and UMF-certified manuka to raw bush honey, there’s plenty to taste and purchase. The Helmsdale Honey itself is 100% raw with no added sugars, chemicals, preservatives, pasteurisation or processed blending.

Location: 37 South End Avenue, Raumanga, Whangarei, approximately 4 km (2.4 mi) from Whangarei city centre.

© NZPocketGuide.com

6. Sample Old-Fashioned Fudge

Creamy, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth; what’s not to like about fudge?! Situated at the Town Basin, NZ Fudge Farm crafts an array of fudge onsite using local dairy milk and crafting an array of creative flavours.

Location: Shop 3, Town Basin, Quayside, Whangarei.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Fish for Your Dinner

Fishing is a favourite pastime for New Zealanders and you can join in too on a local fishing charter. For instance, a-Oakura Bay Fish, Dive & Cruise offers a wide range of charters to suit all abilities, timeframes and interests. Target the likes of granddaddy hapuku, pink maomao, red pigfish, crayfish and more, and your skipper will prepare some for you to take away according to the local fishing regulations. There are also Bream Bay Charters in Bream Bay and Cronin Fishing Charters at Whangarei Heads for more options nearby.

Location: a-Oakura Bay Fish, Dive & Cruise – 207 Oakura Beach Road, RD4 Hikurangi. Bream Bay Charters – 58 Rauiri Drive, Marsden Cove. Cronin Fishing Charters – 71 Ritchie Road, Parua Bay. All are approximately 24-50 km (15-31 mi) from Whangarei city centre.

© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Dine at Whangarei’s Delectable Restaurants

Foodies will find enough variety of restaurants in Whangarei to suit their tastes, whether it’s a creative bagel from Biggie Bagels or a fine dining affair at TopSail. For quality New Zealand cuisine set your sights on Split Bar & Restaurant. Otherwise, Suk Jai Thai Restaurant offers excellent Asian food! Check out The Food Guide to Whangarei for more recommendations.

Location: Biggie Bagels – 7 Bank Street. TopSail – 206 Beach Road. Split Bar & Restaurant – 15 Rathbone Street. Suk Jai Thai Restaurant – 93 Kamo Road.

© David Kirkland - Northland Inc