Nature has a way of just surprising you sometimes and on the outskirts of Whangarei, in the suburb of Tikipunga, are the Whangarei Falls which do just that.

The waterfall is feed by the Waitaua and Mangakino Streams which wind their way round Tikipunga Park and then enter  the Whangarei Fall Domain.  The water then falls down into a fern and bush fringed pool.

The Whangarei Fall Domain has both picnic areas and toilets making it a good stop with children. And children of around four years of age upwards will enjoy the walk to the pool at the bottom of the falls and then back up to the domain.
 

There is a viewing platform, at the top of the falls, which gives you a birds-eye view of the falls and the pool below. Again we would recommend keeping a close eye of younger children, as the platform overhangs the cliff!

However putting precautions aside, this is nature at its best and if you are visiting the area it is definitely worth a look.

Getting there: Whangarei is situated 170 kilometres north of Auckland in the North Island. Air New Zealand provides daily flights to Whangarei or travel by car.

Accommodation:  There is ample accommodation in Whangarei due to the size of the city.

Places to eat: 

The New Zealand Fudge Farm Country Larder and Dessert Cafe Phone: 09 438 3327

Dickens Inn Ph: 09 430 0406 web: www.dickensinn.co.nz