Warkworth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mangawhai Heads Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach
Warkworth showing a river or creek
Mangawhai Heads Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach
Mangawhai Heads Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach
Warkworth

Overlooking the Mahurangi River, this attractive town is ideally positioned as a gateway to magnificent Kowhai Coast beaches and the wine region.

Stroll through this enchanting historic village and admire the heritage architecture and charm of Warkworth. Embark on an adventure along the river or deep into ancient kauri forest in this scenic part of the Northland Peninsula, known for its natural scenery and fascinating heritage.

Get acquainted with the charming old architecture of Warkworth on a walking tour through the town’s historic streets. Check out boutique shops and artisans’ workshops and get special insight into the town’s award-winning chocolatier. Enjoy local produce at one of Warkworth’s cosy cafés and peruse artworks at the town’s galleries.

Visit the Warkworth Museum to uncover the stories of the region’s fascinating past. Imagine the natural landscape as early pioneers and the indigenous Maori people would have seen it with a scenic walk along the boardwalk, which stretches along a part of the meandering Mahurangi River. Go on a river cruise on a historic vessel and spot the different species of native vegetation on the riverbank.

Get a closer look at the natural scenery at Puhinui Scenic Reserve. Walk amid magnificent forests at Parry Kauri Park where there is a collection of 800-year-old kauri trees. Take in the sights of Warkworth’s scenic farmland with a ride on horseback through the countryside.

Warkworth also provides an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the wine region around Matakana to the northeast, as well as the snorkelling hotspot of Goat Island Marine Reserve. Go surfing in Tawharanui or discover the beautiful harbour in Mahurangi. Visit Warkworth in spring to experience the fun-filled Kowhai Festival, which has river-rafting events, food markets and an open-air cinema.

Warkworth is a 45-minute drive north from Auckland CBD and is easily accessible by public bus from the city. It is a short distance inland from the Hibiscus Coast. Warkworth is a great addition to a road trip along the coast, but with beautiful beaches, marine reserves and picturesque vineyards within easy reach, the town is a destination in itself.

Where to stay in Warkworth

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Hepburn Creek

Check out the beaches, wineries and spas while spending some time in Hepburn Creek. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail or Martins Bay.

Hepburn Creek
Plume Villas

Plume Villas

5 out of 5
37 Sharp Road, Warkworth, Auckland
The price is AU$343 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$343
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Warkworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Omaha Beach and Heron's Flight are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"We loved everything about our stay at Plume Villas. The villas are well designed and appointed and have everything you need for a beautiful stay. The grounds and surrounding communal areas are all immaculate and beautiful to enjoy being in. We will be back and will recommend to all our family and ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Plume Villas
Woodhouse Mountain Lodge

Woodhouse Mountain Lodge

4.5 out of 5
471 Wyllie Rd, Kourawhero, Warkworth, Auckland
The price is AU$308 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$308
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury lodge in Warkworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"Great."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Walton Park Motor Lodge

Walton Park Motor Lodge

3.5 out of 5
2 Walton Avenue, Warkworth
The price is AU$131 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$131
7 Nov - 8 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Warkworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Warkworth and District Museum and ...
7.4/10 Good! (210 reviews)
"Room was clean, but very old and tied. I was scared I was going to fall through the shower floor."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Walton Park Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Matakana Waterfall Hideaway & Retro Store

Matakana Waterfall Hideaway & Retro Store

Matakana
Stay at this cottage in Warkworth. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Omaha Beach and Ascension Vineyard are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (117 reviews)
"Great location. Close to Matakana, vineyards and beaches. Best of all was the waterfall in the backyard."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Matakana Waterfall Hideaway & Retro Store
Marsden Suites Nautilus Orewa

Marsden Suites Nautilus Orewa

4 out of 5
9-13 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa, NZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Orewa. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (297 reviews)
"Excellent stay, very peaceful and quiet"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Marsden Suites Nautilus Orewa
Sunrise Garden Suites

Sunrise Garden Suites

3.5 out of 5
10 Perekia St, Auckland, Auckland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions North Harbour Stadium and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (189 reviews)
"Lovely and modern"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Sunrise Garden Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Warkworth

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
27
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A nice tranquil little town. However took us 2 1/2 hours to come home with the traffic late Sunday afternoon . The trip would normally take around 1 and 1/4,hours. Will be good when the new Motorway is complete.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Go to Let It Brew for breakfast fantastic food and full of Beatles memorabilia, amazing!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

This lodge accomodation unit, will get even better and quiter from road noise within the next 12mths as a huge highway diversion is currently under construction

5/5 - Excellent

RAEWYN

Loved our night in Warkworth and would love to come back for a longer stayThank you for your hospitality and beautiful town Raewyn

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

The restaurant was old but service was good and quick, and the food and wine portions were generous. Food was very nice and reasonably priced. Large open fire gave nice ambience

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice place away from the insanity of Auckland

Cities near Warkworth

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