Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Toward the top of New Zealand you will find the region of Northland. This part of the country is well worth adding to your itinerary if interested in warmer weather activities like sailing in the Bay of Islands, golfing and exploring where New Zealand was formed between the local Maori and Europeans. Along the coast is the town of Whangarei, an interesting location to stop on your journey, and one of the many areas in the Northland with its own secrets and highlights.
If you are starting your journey from Auckland, Whangarei is north along the East coast (about a 2-hour drive).
Quirky Museums and Native Art Galleries
When you reach Whangarei, your first stop should be the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery, which opened in February 2022. The Hundertwasser Art Centre is a distinctive architectural project dedicated to the artist and activist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who spent a considerable amount of time in New Zealand between 1973-2000. Not only is the building iconic, but inside you will find a collection of Hundertwasser’s original paintings, posters, tapestries, architectural models, and more. The Wairau Māori Art Gallery is the first dedicated public Māori Art Gallery in New Zealand and is home to some of the best examples of contemporary Māori art. Both buildings are located in the Town Basin.
Take Time to Stroll and See the Clocks!
Having visited the museums, you may want to take a stroll on the heritage trail and art walk. Stop in at some of the many art and craft galleries, and view the charming marina.
In the Town Basin you will also find Clapham’s National Clock Museum, one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 2,100 clocks and timepieces in this unique collection, you are bound to find a clock that puts a smile on your face!
Whanagrei Museum and Heritage Park
Next, head to Kiwi North to visit the Whangarei Museum and Heritage Park with its historic buildings, examples of Northland’s early colonial architecture. At Kiwi North you will find a Kiwi House, where you can learn about the kiwi bird and see its natural behaviours in a purpose built, state-of-the-art enclosure. The Kiwi House is also home to Tuatara and geckos.
Interesting Dives in Beautiful Waters
For some more stunning beaches and coastal villages, make your way to the Tutakaka Coast. If you are interested in diving, snorkelling, or just a day out on the water, take a trip to the Poor Knights Islands (departing from Tutakaka). The Poor Knights are considered one of the world’s top dive sites, where you will find Rikoriko Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world.
