Whangārei: hills and harbours
04 February 2025
Whangārei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, lies at the centre of a region of beautiful beaches and rugged hills. It's where Northland truly begins.
Take a walk and a dip at Whangārei Falls
There’s something about waterfalls that’s a little bit magical. All the better when they’re both easily accessible and classically beautiful, like Otuihau Whangārei Falls.
Just ten minutes from Whangārei CBD, the falls are a great spot for picnics, bush walks and spending time in nature.
A classic curtain shape, the Otuihau Whangārei Falls fan across basalt cliffs and plunge more than 26 metres into a deep pool that’s popular for summer swimming.
Three viewing platforms provide easy access and photo opportunities of dramatic views, while a circular track around the falls allows you to appreciate them from all angles.
Historically a good eeling spot for local Māori, the land was purchased in the late 1920s by Archibald Clapham, reportedly to stop the waterfall from being developed as a commercial mill. Later, in 1946, the local Whangārei Businessman’s Association raised the purchase price by public subscription and the property became the public domain that it is today.
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