National Geographic’s 2025 Best Travel Destination: Whangārei

📍 Just 2.5 hours north of Auckland, Whangārei has blossomed into a must-visit destination, especially since the opening of the Hundertwasser Art Centre four years ago – a vibrant masterpiece by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser12. 🏆 Why Northland Was Chosen "World’s Best Travel Destination 2025" by National Geographic 🏅 Rare Wildlife & Pristine Diving: The Poor Knights Marine Reserve (25km off Tūtūkākā Coast) is a top global dive site, home to unique fish like spotted black bass, mosaic moray eels & Lord Howe coral fish17. Kiwi Coast Success: A 250+ community-led conservation project has boosted the endangered kiwi population, creating NZ’s first protected eco-corridor for its beloved national bird1. Warm Waters & Untouched Beauty: "Most tourists rush south from Auckland—but they’re missing out!" Northland offers empty beaches, subtropical forests & rich Māori culture25. 🌟 Must-Do in Whangārei & Beyond 🎨 Hundertwasser Art Centre – A kaleidoscope of colors & eco-architecture1. 🐠 Poor Knights Islands Diving – Ranked among the world’s top 10 dive sites17. 🌊 Tūtūkākā Coast – Crystal-clear waters & marine adventures1. 🌿 Kiwi Spotting – Join guided night walks in protected forests2. ✈️ How to Get There Drive from Auckland (2.5h) or join a Bay of Islands tour59. Best time? Summer (Dec-Feb) for diving, Spring/Autumn for fewer crowds2. 📍 #NZMustVisit #NorthlandAdventures #EcoTravel #DiveNZ #KiwiCoast