Image: DOC
Pōhutukawa blooms on a misty morning underneath Parihaka mountain.
Whangārei area

Located in the Northland region

Enjoy native forest, waterfalls and limestone formations on tracks around Whangārei.

Vehicle restricted areas on beaches

Rules for vehicle access on beaches has changed in several place around Northland/ Te Tai Tokerau. This means you can no longer drive on the beach in some places in this area. See Northland Regional Council’s website for more information and a map of where vehicles are not allowed.

The Whangarei area includes the Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve. It's known for its limestone formations, but there were at least five coalmines in the vicinity of the formations from 1895 until the 1950s. Read about history in Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve.

The old Puhipuhi Mercury Mine (1907 – 1945) is also in the Whangarei area. It's one of only three places where mercury was commercially extracted in New Zealand. Read about old Puhipuhi Mercury Mine.