Riverside Travel Guide
Whangarei
Popular places to visit
Town Basin Marina
Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Enjoy the fruits of this remarkable community garden project as you explore areas planted with species of indigenous and subtropical plants.
Botanica & Cafler Park
See one of New Zealand’s largest collections of native ferns in a tranquil garden complex and explore the adjoining park for a relaxing time.
Reyburn House
Visit Whangarei's oldest settlers house at its scenic riverside location in the Town Basin, to browse one of New Zealand’s delightful art galleries.
Claphams National Clock Museum
Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whangarei Art Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Whangarei Art Museum during your trip to Whangarei. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.
Top hotels in Riverside
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
This hotel is tired and dated. Whilst the staff make every effort to be great hosts the whole venue lacks any wow factor. The walls are damaged and marked - rips out of wallpaper. There are no lifts so you can expect to carry your own luggage up the stairs. My bathroom was full of hair when I arrived, ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Kingswood Manor Motel
Clean room; great amenities; very comfortable
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Poor wifi, no soap in one of the bathrooms, dirty washer /dryer with no washing powder. Restaurant closed for dinner, reception closed at night so we could not report the rowdy crowd having a party until 3:00 am.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Aaron Court Motel
Quiet location
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Discovery Settlers Hotel
Quest Whangarei
Room was modern, clean and comfortable. Good location in centre of town. HINT make sure you specify parking requirements, basement car park has limited spaces and they are quite tight.
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Riverside
Regent
Though Regent may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Art Museum.
Whangarei Central
While visiting Whangarei Central, you might make a stop by sights like Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina.
Parahaki
If you're spending some time in Parahaki, Mair Park and Camera Obscura Timatatanga Hou are top sights worth seeing.
Morningside
While there might not be top attractions in Morningside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Northland Event Centre and Whangarei Art Museum.
Kensington
Kensington might not have many top sights, but Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Quarry Arts Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Abbey Caves
Abbey Caves is well liked for its spas, and you can visit sights like Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Art Museum if you have time to explore the area.
