There are 100 beaches within 30 minutes of Whangārei city, adorning the coastlines of Bream Bay, Whangārei Heads and Tūtūkākā. Cruise along the gentle curve of Bream Bay or choose a quiet bay within the Whangārei Harbour, with the dramatic Whangārei Heads peninsula overlooking days of fishing, swimming and water sports. Venture to the world-renowned Tūtūkākā coast, home of the Poor Knights Islands – a marine reserve ranked as one of the best dive sites in the world.
The Tūtūkākā coast is also quickly gaining a reputation as a ‘seabird capital’, with hundreds of thousands of birds flocking to the coast.
Fishing, diving and fresh kaimoana
Pack your fishing gear and enjoy the freshest kaimoana. Snapper and trevally abound in Whangārei Harbour, with kingfish and larger species obtainable in the depths outside the harbour entrance.
The Tūtūkākā coast is well known for game fishing and deep-sea fishing, with marlin and tuna hoisted high at the Whangārei Deep Sea Anglers Club in the Tūtūkākā marina.
Marinas and safe harbour access
For visitors looking to lay anchor for a few days and explore the region, Marsden Cove is a world-class 230-berth marina with all-tide and weather access to and from the ocean via a deep-water harbour, along with a marine service precinct, public boat ramps and fuel berths.
Further north, the Tūtūkākā Marina lies at the head of a small natural harbour that is a fishing port, coastal waypoint for local and international yachts, and home to charter boats for diving and fishing. The village offers a general store, dive shop, surf shop and great casual dining and bar options.
The newly built 48-berth marina at Port Nikau in Whangārei is suitable for recreational vessels from 14–20 metres, as well as several catamarans, plus a superyacht marina and commercial wharf.
When you step ashore
Ready to venture out on solid ground? After a day on the water, there’s plenty to do in Whangārei and surrounds, whether you’re looking to get adventurous or simply relax over some delicious local kai.
The Town Basin in the city centre combines the best of boating with a delightful city experience. Walk the 4.2 km Hātea Loop and enjoy the views of Whangārei Marina and Te Matau a Pohe bascule bridge, then explore the world-renowned Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery. Browse the local shops and art galleries, before sitting down to enjoy a local beer and your choice of cuisine.
Nature is a neighbour in Whangārei, with beautiful bush walks on our doorstep. Wander the Hātea River walk from the Town Basin to the iconic Otuihau Whangārei Falls or climb Mt Parihaka for views over the city and out to the coastline.
A Northland summer destination
Whether you find your way to Whangārei via land or sea, come on up and discover why Te Tai Tokerau Northland is one of Aotearoa’s summer gems.
Need to know
Whangārei loves to shout about the district’s epic maritime industry, and what better way to showcase it than with a two-day festival? The Whangārei Maritime Festival is a highlight of the local events calendar, taking place biannually in October (look out for 2027). www.whangareimaritimefestival.co.nz
Vessels over 6.5 m in height entering the Whangārei Marina will need to arrange the opening of Te Matau a Pohe bridge. Visit www.whangareimarina.com for more information.
The Coastguard has bases in Tūtūkākā (Coastguard | Tūtūkākā) and Marsden Cove (Coastguard | Whangārei). 0800 BOATIE for more information.
There are public boat ramps in Onerahi, Parua Bay, Marsden Cove and Tūtūkākā. Link: Beaches and coastal facilities – Whangarei District Council
The Hen and Chicken Islands (Taranga & Marotiri), and the Poor Knights Islands (Tawhiti Ra & Aorangi), are nature reserves and are not accessible to the public.
Always follow local maritime rules.
We would like to thank Cheree Morrison of the Whangarei District Council for authoring this article.
