Driving from Auckland to Whangarei takes just over 2 hours. On your travel to Whangarei you may want to stop by at the following places.
Orewa Beach
Orewa is a great place to stop and have a bite to eat before starting out on your journey again. It has 3km of fantastic sandy beach and playground area for the kids.
Warkworth
Located on the banks of the Mahurangi River, Warkworth is a lovely town where you can enjoy the surf beaches, vineyards, marine sanctuaries and wildlife.
Visit the Walkworth riverwalk where you can feed the birds and the Museum inside the Parry Kauri Park situated on Tudor Collins drive.
Pakiri Beach
Upon arriving at Wellsford stop for a bite to eat or follow the signs towards Pakiri beach – a stunning beach with white sands and crystal clear waters, native bush and wildlife. Enjoy horse rides along the beach or enjoy some kayaking, swimming or surfing before heading back onto the main highway.
Twin Coast Discovery Highway
Follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway towards Mangawhai where you will come across some stunning beaches including Mangawhai Heads, Langs beach and Waipu Cove, a popular surf beach.
Come back to SH1 passing through Waipu and carry on to another stunning surf beach at Ruakaka. You may want to stop at Marsden Point (New Zealand’s only oil refinery)
Back on SH1 continue on to Northland’s only city, Whangarei
Whangarei
The following places are a must see in Whangarei before heading back to Auckland.
Town Basin – There is a huge children’s play area which is also a great spot for a picnic in hot summers. A huge sail covers the play area so you can enjoy a picnic on the grass edge while the kids have fun playing.
Whangarei falls – visit the most photographed falls in New Zealand.
Kauri Park – see the largest famous kauri tree in New Zealand (over 500 years old)
Fudge farm – Taste New Zealand’s old fashioned creamy fudge, the creamiest fudge made in new Zealand that is made 100% by hand.
Mount Parahaki – You can see fine views of the city and harbour at the top of this hill situated on Memorial drive. At 242 meters high the hill can be climbed either by car or on foot.
