YHA Whangarei

Just a short drive from the hostel are the famous Abbey Caves, where you can see thousands upon thousands of glow worms in a natural and undeveloped environment. The sub-surface waterfalls and rock formations are also a brilliant feature and make the trip an absolute must for any backpacker, and the best part is it's all free! Ask at reception for complimentary torch hire.

If scuba is your thing or you would like to get started just ask our staff to get you booked in for the diving experience of a lifetime! The Poor Knights offers some of the worlds? greatest diving. Enjoy excellent visibility and sub-tropic warmth as you explore the islands situated just off the beautiful Tutukaka coast. You don't have to be an expert; you don't even need to have been so much as semi submerged in a bathtub as the dive companies offer Trial Dives for those wishing to wet their diving whistle.
Also available for anyone wanting to don their Scuba gear with a local dive company is a free pick up and drop off service direct from the hostel front door. So there are no excuses! Get out there and have a truly memorable experience!

If you're a keen surfer, Whangarei and Northland boast some of the best beaches in New Zealand. Located just north of the city are beaches such as Sandy Bay, Ocean beach and Whale Bay. All are beautiful and unspoiled, offering a chance to relax and work on your tan or grab your board and a catch some awesome waves. There are also local businesses that will hire both wet suits and surf boards for those in need.

If you feel surfing is your life's true calling but have never so much looked at an ironing board, let alone a surf board then the hostel has great information on local surf schools and surf camps where you can learn the basics and get yourself started.

For those of you who embrace the active lifestyle there are several nature walks nearby, and just behind the hostel is Mount Parahaki which has a fantastic view from the summit. With 3 trails leading to the top at varying levels of difficulty you will be in for a great hike and some very rewarding photographs should you take your camera. Also nearby are the famous Whangarei Falls, and the R.H. Reed Kauri Park. The falls offer a peaceful atmosphere and are a great place to chill out with a picnic or a good book. The Kauri Park has a walkway built throughout the trees, offering a scenic birds-eye view of the forest. Take the time to hug one of the two 500 year old trees and get a few snapshots of local wildlife.

So let YHA Whangarei be a home away from home while you learn to Surf, Scuba and soak up the kiwi lifestyle, we look forward to seeing you very soon!