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Living in Whangārei

Discover the Charm of Whangārei

Whangārei is a welcoming harbourside town with a unique charm. Surrounded by forested mountains with walking paths, waterfalls, and native wildlife, it’s a great spot for nature lovers. The Hundertwasser Art Centre adds character to the city, which also features parklands, walkways, waterside restaurants, and playgrounds.

Whangārei's growing population

With so much to offer, more and more people are choosing to call Whangārei home. In fact, Whangārei’s population increased by 8.3% in the last five years, which is faster than the national average, and it’s easy to see why!

People are attracted to Whangārei for the lifestyle benefits of being in a smaller metropolis, without having to compromise on amenities. This growth is also just the beginning, with 40,000 more people set to call Whangārei home in the next 30 years the district’s population is set to soar to 142,000.

Coastal city

Featuring 3,200 km of beautiful coastline, including two marine reserves, Whangārei offers an active, outdoor lifestyle where you’re never more than 40 km from the coast. Surrounded by forested mountains with walking paths, waterfalls, and native wildlife, the city is a great spot for nature lovers.

Couple viewing Māori carvings at the Hundertwasser Whangārei

Culture & entertainment

The city has a lively vibe with regular events, over 10 art galleries, diverse dining options, and bustling weekend markets. On any given weekend you can enjoy a fun day or night out including live music, theatre, art classes and a great meal at one of over 150 cafes and restaurants.

Couple walking through Whangārei town basin cafes

A welcoming community

Whangārei is more than just a city—it's a close-knit community with a warm, welcoming vibe. Picture this: no hectic rush hours, short commutes, friendly neighbours you connect with, plenty of room to unwind, and strangers sharing a smile or friendly ‘hello’ as you stroll down the street.

Family running down a sand dune in Whangārei

Family fun awaits

Perfect for kids of any age, there’s plenty to keep the whole family active and entertained. You’ll be spoiled for choice with weekend activities, from organised sports clubs, community groups and playgrounds, to simply enjoying the space and freedom of the best natural backyard ever.