Whangarei Heads, a stunning 6,000-hectare peninsula, is a paradise for water and nature enthusiasts, boasting a subtropical climate. On one side, you’ll find sheltered harbor bays, while the other features beautiful white sand beaches. As you arrive, you’re greeted by towering volcanic peaks and breathtaking natural scenery. With plenty of accommodations and activities available, this destination is just a two-hour drive from Auckland, making it an excellent base for a Northland getaway or a perfect spot for a short break.
The peninsula is bordered by various tranquil harbor bays and coves on one side, alongside expansive ocean beaches on the other. Family-friendly swimming and picnicking can be enjoyed in the waters of Parua Bay, McLeod’s Bay, Taurkura, Reotahi, and Urquhart’s Bay. The stunning 5 km long Ocean Beach lies on the Pacific side, while the popular Taiharuru and Pataua estuaries can be found to the north. Towering volcanic peaks, around 20 million years old, form the “backbone” of Whangarei Heads, with Mt. Manaia and Mt. Lion rising sharply from the sea to over 400 meters. These mountains are enveloped in lush native bush and are home to diverse wildlife, including notable populations of North Island brown kiwi.
Whangarei Heads is also home to some of the North Island’s most renowned walking tracks, including those at Mt. Manaia, Bream Head, Smugglers Cove, and Mt. Aubrey. The area’s clear waters and two marine reserves offer a playground for water lovers, featuring opportunities for fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing.
For those planning a visit, the Discover Whangarei Heads website serves as a comprehensive guide to the region. It features an extensive selection of accommodations, detailed information about local walking tracks and beaches, as well as services and listings of local events, making your stay easy to organize.
The People
The Discover Whangarei Heads Tourism Group Inc. (DWH) is a community-based incorporated society established in 2010. Our mission is to provide visitors with valuable information about Whangarei Heads so that everyone can experience the unique beauty of this part of New Zealand.
We are a dedicated group of locals eager to promote and care for our region. Among our various initiatives over the years, our recent accomplishments include:
- Securing the designation of the Whangarei Heads Tourist Drive and its inclusion on tourist maps.
- Establishing the Whangarei Heads Arts Trail, held annually during Easter.
- Publishing the DWH Tourism Map and an A4 flyer.
- Collaborating with WDC and BHCT to create the “Walking Whangarei Heads” brochure.
- Having numerous articles about Whangarei Heads published in national publications.
The DWH Group has developed strong connections and is represented on the Northland Tourism Group and the Whangarei District Visitor Group Board. We have also coordinated fundraising efforts to install CCTV cameras at the gateway to Whangarei Heads, enhancing community safety, and worked with Northland Inc. on the recently launched “Where Giants Gather” Byway.
Residents of Whangarei Heads are encouraged to join our group. We offer two types of membership: full members typically work in the visitor industry as providers of accommodation, activities, or hospitality services, while supporter members are those not directly involved in the industry but who wish to support the work of the Discover Whangarei Heads Group and engage more deeply with our community.