Cheap Flights from Gold coast to Whangarei

What can you do in Whangarei over the weekend?

Visit Bream Head Scenic Reserve

Head east of the city centre and you’ll discover this coastal forest reserve. Bream Head Scenic Reserve is both a beautiful and historical place to see when you book tickets to Whangarei. People have lived in the area for more than 500 years and it’s rich with Maori stories and legends. Explore this Maori history as well as WWII history by taking a walk along the Te Whara Walking Track. The track stretches for 7.5 kilometres and provides some of the most stunning coastal views you’ll come across while holidaying on flights to Whangarei.

See Whangarei Falls

Whangarei Falls is one of Northland’s most iconic landmarks and is a must-see for travellers who arrive into Whangarei Airport (WRE). The falls are located in the Whangarei Scenic Reserve and cascade 26.3 metres over the side of basalt cliffs. Get an up-close look at Whangarei Falls by taking a dip in the swimming hole below. To reach Whangarei Falls, there’s an easy walk from the car park that’s only about 50 metres long. The falls are especially beautiful in rainy weather, so consider booking cheap flights to Whangarei in winter to see them at their best.

Explore the Quarry Gardens

The Quarry Gardens display some of the Northland’s most beautiful plants. The spot was once a drab stone quarry until it was transformed into the subtropical oasis you’ll see today. Take a step back from the busyness of the city by walking through the tranquil gardens in between your return flights to Whangarei. Walking trails take visitors past waterfalls, a lake, forest landscapes, sculptures, caves, and of course, plenty of colourful and lush plants. You could also book onto an hour-long golf cart tour with a local expert for an in-depth look at the Quarry Gardens while holidaying on flights to Whangarei.

What are the best restaurants and cafes in Whangarei?

TopSail

Plan a meal at TopSail when you book return flights to Whangarei to combine delicious food with a breathtaking view. The restaurant is located on the banks of Whangarei Harbour and has large windows to make the most of the view. The menu is centred around simple, no-fuss New Zealand cuisine that’s prepared using French-inspired cooking techniques. Grab a meal at TopSail while holidaying on flights to Whangarei for dishes like Northland fresh fish with champagne butter sauce, grilled portobello mushroom with melted aged cheddar and seasonal vegetables, and beef fillet topped with prawn tails.

Split Bar and Restaurant

Split Bar and Restaurant is a cool spot at the heart of Whangarei’s CBD. It has a contemporary design and a beautiful outdoor garden where you can enjoy your meal if you book cheap flights to Whangarei in the warmer months. The restaurant has brunch, lunch, and dinner menus which all focus on modern NZ cuisine. Some dishes you can try at Split Bar and Restaurant include crispy skin chicken breast with seasonal vegetables, beer battered fish of the day with shoestring fries, and apple cider glazed baby back ribs.

Serenity Cafe

Serenity Cafe is a casual spot beside the Town Basin. There are indoor tables, but if you book airfare to Whangarei in the summer, sit on the terrace to take in views of the city’s clock tower. The cafe is open seven days a week for both breakfast and lunch. Order dishes such as an omelette with the fillings of your choice, sweet crepes with berries, and a variety of toasted paninis. You could also grab a coffee and snack to go and enjoy your meal by the waterfront that’s just steps away.

What is the best way to get around Whangarei?

Many of Whangarei’s top attractions are nature-based and located outside the city centre. Consider hiring a car to reach these spots while holidaying on flights to Whangarei. Rental cars can be booked right through Webjet after you’ve booked your airfare to Whangarei. The car will be ready for you to pick up after arriving into Whangarei Airport (WRE). Having a rental car will give you an extra level of freedom to visit all the places you want to see and experience the area like a local when visiting Northland on cheap flights to Whangarei.

You could take advantage of CityLink buses if you’d prefer not to drive in between your return flights to Whangarei. There are ten public bus routes that offer service around central Whangarei and the suburbs. Tickets to Whangarei’s buses cost $2 NZD.