The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Whangarei

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Romantic Adventure Experiences

From learning how to harness the elements together, through scuba diving or surfing, to embarking on a stunning adventure through the Whangarei Heads landscape, there are plenty of ways to adventure in and around Whangarei together.

Bream Bay Coast Walks

While there are many fantastic walks in Whangarei to enjoy, it hardly gets more romantic than the Bream Head Coast Walks (Taurikura). Experience a three-day walking experience on private farmland featuring stunning ocean vistas, harbour beaches and more, on an uncrowded private trail. The private self-guided walk also includes accommodation and meals.

Horse Trekking

An alternative to walking and another romantic option for couples is horse trekking on the beach. Tours such as Tuidale Stables (Waipu), Sandy Bay Glamping & Horse Tours (Sandy Bay) and Coastal Riding Whangarei Heads (Taiharuru) offer a range of trips for experienced to first-time riders. For more options around the country, check out the 10 Best Horse Riding Tours in New Zealand.

Scuba Diving at Poor Knights Islands

There’s plenty of action in and on the water too, especially with a top dive site, Poor Knights Islands, just off the coast of Tutukaka, approximately 28 km (18 mi) from Whangarei city centre. Strengthen the bond by learning a new skill together through a dive course or enjoy a one-off dive 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.

Surfing

Speaking of learning something new, how about learning to surf at Whangarei’s surrounding beaches? NZ Surf Academy offers 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. See how these compare to the 10 Best Places to Surf on the North Island.

For more details and options for adventure activities for couples, take a look at the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Whangarei.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Art and Cultural Experiences for Couples

It’s not all about the adventure in Whangarei, as couples can also enjoy some glorious downtime in the city thanks to the array of art galleries, museums and gardens.

Whangarei Town Basin

A great place to start 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).

Whangarei Gardens

You have two outstanding options for a pleasant stroll through beautiful gardens. The Whangarei Quarry Gardens (37A Russell Road, Kensington) is a local favourite, harbouring subtropical plants to turn an old quarry into a place thriving with life and colour. An on-site art gallery and cafe are also on-site. Alternatively, although quieter, Botanica (2 First Avenue) is well worth a quick visit with its selection of native ferns, eel ponds and other fabulous themed gardens.

Get more inspiration for things to do in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Whangarei.

© David Kirkland - Northland Inc

Romantic Restaurants in Whangarei

Treat your loved one to a romantic night out at one of Whangarei’s fabulous restaurants.

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.