Bus and Coach Services From Whangarei

Explore New Zealand's North Island with its unique 7 unique geographical regions and diverse natural beauty, from soaring mountain peaks, fiords, lakes, rivers, native rugged bush, the majestic volcanoes of the North Island's central plateau to the central North Island skifields of Whakapapa and Turoa by bus and coach from Whangarei

Whangarei, (Pop: 51,400) is the northernmost city in New Zealand and is located 170 kms north of Auckland. Whangarei is situated between forested hills and a deep water harbour and surrounded by fertile farmland with orchards.

Whangarei and the surrounding region has a indented coastline of over 200km in length inclusive of the off-shore islands of the Poor Knights and the Hen and Chickens Islands. Because of its extremely indented coastline, no part of the region is more than 40kms from the sea.

Whangarei region is a solid industry base of pastoral farming, horticulture, manufacturing and construction, forestry, wood processing and tourism. Other key sectors are retail and the arts. Whangarei region basks in New Zealand’s sub-tropical climate zone, with warm humid summers and mild winters.

Whangarei city is located on the banks of the Hatea River that flows into the Whangarei Harbour, being the country’s largest east coast harbour, boat building and marine servicing industries.

A short drive north of the city is the picturesque Whangarei Falls. The viewing platforms offer excellent views of the 26 metre (86 feet) falls and the area is an excellent picnic spot.  A popular spot in the centre of the city is the Town Basin. This waterfront area is a collection of cafes, restaurants, shops, art galleries and museums, all built in a colonial style. Whangarei also has numerous parks and reserves. A bush walk through Parahiki Scenic Reserve to the top of Mt Parahiki (New Zealand's largest Maori Pa complex)  offers great views of the city.

The city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it an ideal base for those interested in aquatic pursuits. A warm current in the area brings a variety of fish species here, and the nearby Poor Knights Islands group is an excellent dive location. The area is also popular with deep sea fishers. For those desiring more sedate activities, the nearby beaches of Matapouri Bay and Sandy Bay have excellent beaches.

Travelling from Whangarei is in modern buses and coaches with InterCity Coachlines operating a fleet of eco-friendly air conditioned buses with reclining seats and foot rests. Great Sights and Newmans Coachlines operate premier services using a fleet of modern eco-friendly air conditioned coaches featuring reclining seats with foot and head rests and onboard toilet/washroom facilities.

InterCity Coachlines operates the Starlighter overnight bus service between Whangarei, Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo, Palmerston North and Wellington or vice versa, connecting at Wellington with Cook Strait ferry services from Wellington to Picton between the North and South Islands. The Starlighter service features reclining seats with foot and head rests, individual reading lights and air conditioning controls, onboard toilet/washroom facility and makes two refreshment/comfort stops on route.

If you want to explore and see New Zealand's unique scenic beauty from Whangarei, there are a range of flexible 'Book As You Go' bus, scenic coach, ferry travel and sightseeing passes giving you value for money travel.

Your 'Book As You Go' flexible bus, scenic coach and ferry pass, allows you to travel through out New Zealand on New Zealand's largest regional and national bus, coach, scenic coach, ferry and sightseeing network, that includes Cook Strait ferry sailings between the North and South Islands, sightseeing tours - like dolphin watching cruises in the Bay of Islands and lots more. Travel is discounted, so you will be saving money, as you travel plus it gives you total freedom to alter your plans whenever you want.

Set your own itinerary and travel when you want, as your 'Book As You Go' flexible bus, scenic coach and ferry pass is valid for 12 months so you can stay a while and leave when you please.