Mt Parahaki Lookout
On Mount Parahaki, a volcanic dome rising 241m to the north east of Whangarei city centre, is a large war memorial. From the top of the hill there are fine views of the town and harbor. The hill can be climbed either on foot (from Mair Park; about 1 hour) or by car (on Memorial Drive).
The dome is surrounded by Parihaka Scenic Reserve through which there are a number of walking tracks.
Whangarei Falls
The picturesque Whangarei Falls is 26.3 metres high and falls over steep basalt cliffs. The area is known as Otuihau to local iwi and was a good eeling spot. Mr Archibald Clapham brought the property in the late 1920s to prevent the falls being developed as a commercial water mill. In 1946 a local businessmen?s association raised the purchase price by public subscription to vest the property as a public domain. It is still popular for picnics and walks. The open areas of the reserve are used for informal games and community events.
Whangarei Museum & Kiwi House Heritage Park
Three venues in one! Visit the nocturnal Kiwi House and see our resident kiwi foraging for food as he would in the wild. Learn about Kiwi conservation or see if you can spot one of our native geckos. The Museum is home to nationally significant Taonga (Maori treasure) and early settler displays. The Clarke Homestead ?Glorat?, built in 1886 and lived in by the same family until the 1980?s is a museum in itself, displaying the family?s treasures through the generations. Other heritage buildings on site include the first Women?s Jail, Jane Mander?s Study, Oruaiti Chapel (made from a single Kauri log and believed to be New Zealand?s smallest church) and Riponui Pah School House. Set aside several hours, bring a picnic and take in the grounds of Heritage Park.
