Whangarei, New Zealand 🇳🇿
#1465
-35.727526, 174.31942
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Whangarei is a vibrant city located in the Northland region of New Zealand, known for its stunning landscapes and easy access to beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 55,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NZD ≈ 0.62 USD; major banks include ANZ, BNZ, and Westpac. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Vodafone, 2degrees, and Spark. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment types include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and contactless payments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and local rental services. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Whangarei Youth Hostel offers budget-friendly options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Reo Creative, located in the city center, offers great facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bar, a cozy spot with good Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Whangarei Networking meetings take place at various venues. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Whangarei Expats Facebook Group for meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Zoomy and Uber operate in the area for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops rent bikes, including Whangarei Bike Hub. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Onerahi Beach is the closest and offers stunning views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand provides regional flights to Auckland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qantas offer international services via Auckland. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | State Highway 1 provides major routes to and from Whangarei. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Whangarei does not have a train station; buses connect to Auckland and other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various bus passes available for travel within Whangarei. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Northland Regional Council connect to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Whangarei Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Whangarei Yoga & Wellness Studio offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Genesis Fitness is a popular gym with a variety of equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Mr. Green's Laundromat provides self-service and drop-off options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is the most popular food delivery option in Whangarei. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish and chips from The Quay Basket are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Olive Tree offers a great selection of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Scoop Café serves up some of the best ice cream in the area. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Whangarei Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings, offers fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop local via Ecowool for eco-friendly products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Countdown and New World offer online grocery shopping options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Marina is popular for nightlife and dining. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Honeymoon Brewery offers tastings and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Sangria is a great local wine bar with a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Whangarei Night Market features various street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Shanti offers a well-reviewed Indian dining experience. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Whangarei Art Museum is a top cultural attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Claphams National Clock Museum showcases unique timepieces. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Library building is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Whangarei Cathedral, with its stunning architecture, is a must-see. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Whangarei Summer Festival features various activities and entertainment. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Town Basin for local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Forum North hosts various performances and events throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Whangarei Growers Market is a vibrant local market to explore. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Old Library hosts many music events and performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals around the Town Basin area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cooking School offers unique culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Centre for Contemporary Art showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Post Office is an architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Waka Maori heritage site shows the rich culture of the Maori people. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Whangarei Heads offers beautiful hiking trails and beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Whangarei is close to Waipoua Forest, home to ancient kauri trees. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Huanui Falls track provides great walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Take a drive to the Whangarei Heads for breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Whangarei Harbour is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Onerahi Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Mainfreight and NZ Post provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The Tech Shop offers phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer courses in English and Maori. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Whangarei Library is a great place for study and quiet reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Whangarei Recreation Centre offers various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often host gaming events and meetups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While there are no large casinos, some local bars offer gaming machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 33% |
| 🏦 Tax System | New Zealand operates a progressive tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, New Zealand has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; rates based on land value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No stamp duty, but local council rates apply. |