This page contains information about the facilities and attractions at the Town Basin in Whangarei.
Updated:
29/04/2013 11:26 a.m.
Whangarei’s Town Basin enriches the city’s heart and offers a tranquil setting in which to relax and explore the cafes and speciality shops. The marina is popular with international yachting visitors, many of whom make Whangarei a regular stop-over during the summer months.
The area in and around the Town Basin can be booked for community-based events and activities.
To download the guidelines for use and the application form, follow the link below.
Town Basin - application for use [142kb]
Relaxation
The Town Basin is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the unique interface of city and harbourside and lends itself perfectly to a family outing. The view alters daily as the tide moves through its cycle. Fishing boats, small pleasure craft, yachts and launches use the area creating an ever-changing vista and the ducks always appreciate a piece of bread from a friendly hand.
There is a large outdoor chess board set into the pavement outside one of the cafes, and giant sized chess pieces are put out daily.
Crafts
For a unique experience, the chance to watch the glass blowers in the Burning Issues Gallery workshop is not to be missed. The expert glass workers produce exquisite pieces of art work for the local, national and international markets. An Award Winning jeweller has also established a workshop at the Town Basin, and a co-operative of local artists display their work at “The Bach.”
The Victoria Bridge with its striking canopy is home during the summer months to the weekly Artisans Fair, which is an opportunity for Northland artists to showcase their skills. It is a vibrant mix of activities and stalls, with a wide range of products.
Heritage Trail and art walk
The path alongside the water front has been landscaped and enhanced with a number of sculptures commissioned from local artists.
At the end of the walkway, about ten minutes stroll from the Town Basin, is the acclaimed Waka and Wave sculpture.
A Heritage Trail has also been developed along the water front, with storyboards telling the history of Maori and European settlement in Whangarei.
To view the heritage storyboards, select from the links below.
The boardwalk along the water front connects several Town Basin features including a children’s playground, the Reyburn House Art Gallery with its delightful gardens and special memorial area created by the Child Cancer Foundation.
As part of our 'Sense of Place' programme, a range of projects are underway at the Town Basin and surrounds to develop the area as a central social and recreational location.
To see details of these projects, follow the link below.
Town Basin Redevelopment