Mata Travel Guide
Whangarei
Popular places to visit
Town Basin Marina
Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Enjoy the fruits of this remarkable community garden project as you explore areas planted with species of indigenous and subtropical plants.
Botanica & Cafler Park
See one of New Zealand’s largest collections of native ferns in a tranquil garden complex and explore the adjoining park for a relaxing time.
Reyburn House
Visit Whangarei's oldest settlers house at its scenic riverside location in the Town Basin, to browse one of New Zealand’s delightful art galleries.
Claphams National Clock Museum
Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whangarei Art Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Whangarei Art Museum during your trip to Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.
Things to do
Whangarei Trike Tour to Waterfalls, Beaches & More
Explore the legacy of artist, ecologist, architect, visionary
Top hotels in Mata
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
This hotel is tired and dated. Whilst the staff make every effort to be great hosts the whole venue lacks any wow factor. The walls are damaged and marked - rips out of wallpaper. There are no lifts so you can expect to carry your own luggage up the stairs. My bathroom was full of hair when I arrived, ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Kingswood Manor Motel
Clean room; great amenities; very comfortable
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Poor wifi, no soap in one of the bathrooms, dirty washer /dryer with no washing powder. Restaurant closed for dinner, reception closed at night so we could not report the rowdy crowd having a party until 3:00 am.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Aaron Court Motel
Quiet location
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Discovery Settlers Hotel
Quest Whangarei
Room was modern, clean and comfortable. Good location in centre of town. HINT make sure you specify parking requirements, basement car park has limited spaces and they are quite tight.
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Mata
Marsden Cove
While Marsden Cove isn't home to many top sights, Mcleod Bay and Mount Manaia are some notable places to visit nearby.
One Tree Point
Though One Tree Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mcleod Bay and Mount Manaia.
Portland
While there might not be top attractions in Portland, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Northland Event Centre and Whangarei Art Museum.
Marsden Point
While Marsden Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reotahi Bay and Mcleod Bay.
Onerahi
While Onerahi may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mt Manaia and Northland Event Centre.
Otaika
While Otaika may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Botanica & Cafler Park and Northland Event Centre.
