Mair Park

Loop

• The Hātea Riverfront: This is the heart of the park. The large, grassy banks are a fantastic spot to pause, feed the local ducks, and watch the river glide by. Keep a close eye on the water—the river is home to native freshwater fish, including impressive longfin eels (tuna), which can often be seen wriggling near the shallows.
• The Children’s Playground & Picnic Area: If you have little ones in tow, the well-equipped playground is bound to be a highlight. Surrounded by mature trees, it is a safe and scenic spot for kids to burn off some energy while parents relax at the nearby picnic tables or make use of the free public barbecue facilities.
• The Gateway to Parihaka: For those seeking a bit more of a heart-pumping challenge, Mair Park serves as the perfect launching pad. From here, you can step off the easy loop and tackle the steeper Drummond Track or Dobbies Track. These trails climb through the dense native bush of the adjacent Parihaka Scenic Reserve, leading you to the summit for panoramic, breathtaking views over Whangārei city and the sparkling harbour.
• The Hātea River Walkway Connection: If you prefer to keep things flat but want to extend your journey, you can link up with this excellent metalled track. Heading one way will take you towards the vibrant Town Basin, while heading the other leads you all the way to the spectacular, 26-metre-high Whangārei Falls.

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Getting There

Finding your way to Mair Park is incredibly simple. The main trailhead and most popular access point is located at the end of Rurumoki Street, which is just a few minutes' drive or a pleasant walk from Whangārei’s central business district.

There is a dedicated, free car park at the Rurumoki Street entrance. Because this is such a popular spot for local families and dog walkers, the car park can fill up quickly on sunny weekends. If it is full, don't worry—you can easily find additional roadside parking on the surrounding nearby streets. Public toilets are also available right at the park entrance for your convenience.

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Wildlife Spotting

For a park so close to the city, the birdlife here is incredibly rich and active. As you walk beneath the canopy, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for some of New Zealand’s most iconic native birds:

• Tūī (Common): You will almost certainly hear these boisterous birds before you see them. Listen out for their loud, metallic chimes, clicks, and whistles. Look up into the flowering trees to spot their glossy, indigo-black feathers and distinctive white throat tufts.
• Kererū / New Zealand Pigeon (Common): These large, heavy birds are famous for their clumsy landings and the distinctive, low whoosh-whoosh sound of their wings in flight. You will often see them resting on branches, showing off their brilliant white waistcoats and iridescent green feathers.
• Fantail / Pīwakawaka (Common): These cheeky little birds love to flutter right alongside hikers. They use the disturbance from your footsteps to catch small insects. Watch them perform acrobatic loops and displays, showing off their beautiful, fan-like tails.
• Sacred Kingfisher / Kōtare (Occasional): Scan the branches overhanging the Hātea River. If you are lucky, you might spot the brilliant blue-green flash of a kōtare waiting patiently to swoop down on a fish or a crab.
• Grey Warbler / Riroriro (Occasional): Though they are tiny and hard to spot in the dense foliage, their long, sweet, warbling song is a constant, peaceful soundtrack to your walk.
• North Island Brown Kiwi (Rare): While you won't see them during the day, the adjacent Parihaka Scenic Reserve is a managed predator-controlled area where wild kiwi roam at night.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring & Summer: The park is wonderfully cool and shaded during the hot summer months, making the riverside breeze a welcome relief. In spring, the fresh new growth and blooming kōwhai trees bring an extra splash of colour and attract plenty of feeding tūī.
• Autumn & Winter: The evergreen native forest means the park stays lush and green even in the depths of winter. Crisp, sunny winter mornings are particularly magical here, with light mist rising off the river.
• Best time to visit: Early morning is highly recommended if you want to enjoy the bird choir in peace. Late afternoon is also spectacular as the setting sun filters through the ferns, creating a beautiful golden glow over the water.
• What to bring: Because the trails are well-formed and mostly flat, standard sneakers or sturdy walking shoes are perfectly fine—no heavy hiking boots required. Don’t forget a water bottle, some sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning river views. If you plan on exploring the steeper trails up Parihaka, a light windbreaker jacket is a good idea.

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Local & Regional Context

Mair Park is steeped in both natural and cultural history. The land was originally owned by Robert Mair, an early European settler and enthusiastic botanist who took great care to preserve the native forest on his property. In 1914, he generously gifted this land to the people of Whangārei, ensuring it would remain a public sanctuary forever.

The park also sits at the foot of Mount Parihaka, a place of immense historical and cultural significance to local Māori. Parihaka was once the site of the largest Māori pā (fortified village) in New Zealand, home to thousands of people. Today, local community groups and conservationists work tirelessly to protect this environment, running pest-trapping programmes to ensure the native flora and wild kiwi populations can thrive for generations to come.

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After the Walk

After stretching your legs on the trail, you will likely be looking for a great spot to refuel. Fortunately, you are spoiled for choice nearby:

• Kai Toi Café & Restaurant (0.5km away): Located just a short stroll away on the vibrant Hātea Loop, this incredible cultural hub offers 'Kai Māori with a modern twist'. It is a serene waterfront spot where you can enjoy excellent coffee, delicious local food, and admire stunning Māori art.
• Bob Cafe Whangarei (1.5km away): A warm and friendly local favourite, Bob Cafe is famous for its vibrant brunch menu, top-notch coffee, and incredibly cheerful staff. It is the perfect place for a relaxed post-hike eggs benedict.
• The Irish Wolf (3km away): If you are finishing your walk later in the afternoon and fancy a hearty meal, head to Whangārei’s only Irish pub. Here you will find a warm, welcoming atmosphere, live music, comforting pub food, and a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
• Split Bar & Restaurant (3km away): Located in the heart of central Whangārei, this cosy, contemporary restaurant serves up delicious, fresh local produce, high-quality seafood, and premium New Zealand beef and lamb. It is an ideal spot for a celebratory dinner after a day of exploring.

1.5km away

A charming local spot renowned for its vibrant breakfast and brunch scene, excellent coffee, and a warm, laid-back atmosphere with cheerful staff. [29]