Whether it's for a long weekend or a short visit, New Zealand's warmest and northernmost city of Whangarei is the ideal "outdoors" location for your next holiday.
Central to around 100 beaches and beautiful countryside, Whangarei is one part of New Zealand that will never leave you short of outdoor activities.
This vibrant city boasts more than 2000 sunshine hours annually, as well as adequate rainfall to ensure the surroundings maintain a green, lush appearance.
With its beautiful golden sand beaches, pristine harbours and offshore islands, Whangarei is an aquatic playground offering surfing, water skiing, diving, fishing, cruises, yachting and snorkelling to visitors.
Whangarei has many great restaurants and cafes, art galleries, specialty shops, a wonderful museum and various other inner city attractions.
However, it is the surrounding areas of Whangarei that offer the most appeal.
Staying at a bed and breakfast in Whangarei is definitely the most appropriate form of accommodation for those looking for somewhere to get the inside information on what the surrounding areas have to offer.
It's also a less expensive option.
Just outside of Whangarei you'll find Marsden Point Oil Refinery, the only oil refinery works where you can go on a free tour that is both informative and entertaining.
The Whangarei Falls are also worth a visit.
They are among the most picturesque waterfalls in New Zealand and a hugely popular place to swim in the summer, or explore many nearby walking tracks in native bush.
Finding a bed and breakfast in Whangarei that is close to The Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve is highly recommended.
This is one of world's most renowned dive locations.
It is also a perfect spot for snorkelling.
The Poor Knights Islands are the remnants of an ancient string of volcanoes.
It has rocky cliff faces that soar hundreds of feet in the air.
The area has become much of a nursery area for a wide range of sub-tropical fish.
So if you do visit Whangarei, make sure you add Poor Knights to the top of your "must do" list.
If walking is more your thing, you might like to take in the spectacular views of Whangarei city and the harbour by climbing 242 metres to the top of Mount Parihaka.
You can also drive to the summit.
If you land at Auckland Airport, you only need to drive 2.
5 hours to get to your bed and breakfast in Whangarei.
Once you get there, you can take in a combination of relaxation and excitement and enjoy some of New Zealand's finest scenery.