Places of interest
Listings
Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=34473
Department of Conservation web pages describing the reserve, which is an island group and surrounding waters off the coast at Tutukaka. Includes background information, access details and precise information on what you can (and cannot) do when visiting.
The New Zealand Refining Company
The visitor centre has displays, models and an audio-visual show demonstrating the life and operation of a modern refinery. Located at Marsden Point, 30 minutes drive southeast of Whangarei city.
Zion Wildlife Gardens
http://www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz/
Wildlife gardens and big cat sanctuary, featuring rare lions, tigers and other animals. Home to "The Lion Man" TV documentary series. Located a few miles west of Whangarei. Note that you can only visit the sanctuary on a guided tour.