Last updated October 2026
Woodhill (Māori: Kauika) is a suburb of Whangārei located about 1.5 kilometres south-west of the city centre. State Highway 1 runs through Woodhill as it bypasses the CBD, and State Highway 14 ends at an intersection with SH1 here. This positioning makes Woodhill a convenient transit point for travel south toward Auckland or west toward Dargaville.
The suburb forms part of the Woodhill-Vinetown statistical area and offers residents quick access to central Whangārei amenities while remaining a quiet residential neighbourhood.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,810, up 2% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.01 km²
- Location
- 1.7 km south-west of central Whangārei
- Council
- Whangarei District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Avenues, Whau Valley, Horahora, Raumanga, Morningside
- Ward or local board
- Whangārei Urban General Ward (Whangarei District Council)
- Getting there
- State Highway 1 and State Highway 14, which meet in the suburb
- Main shopping
- Whangārei city centre retail core, right next to the suburb
- Nearby landmarks
- Te Matau ā Pohe bridge, Whangarei Hospital, Town Basin marina
Who Lives in Woodhill
About 1,810 residents in 670 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Woodhill
One school sits inside the Woodhill boundary.
Also zoned for Woodhill
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Woodhill
by 7.30am on collection day
Source: Whangārei District Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Safety and Hazards
About the Whangārei average for the number of people who live here. Another 161 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary); Northland Regional Council tsunami zones (2024) and river flood hazard (1-in-100-year with climate change).
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
About Woodhill
Woodhill sits immediately adjacent to Whangārei’s commercial and retail core.
Woodhill sits immediately adjacent to Whangārei’s commercial and retail core. Residents enjoy easy access on foot or by short drive to the CBD, the Hundertwasser Arts Centre, the Town Basin marina, and other central facilities. The suburb’s compact size and proximity to major routes support both daily commuting and regional travel.
The Te Matau ā Pohe bascule bridge crosses the Hātea River from the Woodhill side, connecting to Pohe Island and the marina precinct. This distinctive engineering feature improves links between the suburb and key waterfront areas. Woodhill itself remains primarily residential, with no major visitor attractions located within its boundaries.
Whangarei Hospital lies on SH14 between Woodhill and the neighbouring suburb of Horahora, adding to the area’s practical amenities for local residents. The suburb benefits from its position in the wider Whangārei urban area while maintaining a quieter neighbourhood atmosphere.
History and Development
The name Woodhill has been in use since the late 19th century.
The name Woodhill has been in use since the late 19th century. The area was developed as Woodhill Estate at the beginning of the 20th century, with water pipes laid around 1907 and road metalling discussions occurring around 1910–1911.
Woodhill was originally part of Whangarei County before transfer to Whangarei Borough in 1949 as the city expanded its boundaries.
Near Woodhill
Just outside Woodhill, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Woodhill, Whangārei — Wikipedia: Detailed background on the suburb’s history, Māori name, development, demographics, and incorporation into Whangarei Borough in 1949.
Whangarei District Council: Official information on local services, infrastructure, parks, and community resources for all Whangārei suburbs including Woodhill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Woodhill in Whangārei?
Woodhill is about 1.5 km south-west of Whangārei city centre. State Highway 1 runs through the suburb, and State Highway 14 meets SH1 at an intersection here.
What is the Māori name for Woodhill?
The Māori name for Woodhill is Kauika.
When was Woodhill developed?
The area has been called Woodhill since the late 19th century and was developed as Woodhill Estate at the beginning of the 20th century. It was transferred to Whangarei Borough in 1949.
How far is Woodhill from Whangārei city centre?
About 1.5 kilometres, a short distance that allows easy access to the CBD and central amenities.
What highways pass through Woodhill?
State Highway 1 runs through Woodhill, bypassing the CBD. State Highway 14 ends at a junction with SH1 in Woodhill.
Is there a bridge near Woodhill?
The Te Matau ā Pohe bascule bridge crosses the Hātea River from the Woodhill side, linking to Pohe Island and the marina precinct.
Where is Whangarei Hospital located relative to Woodhill?
Whangarei Hospital is on SH14 between Woodhill and the neighbouring suburb of Horahora.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Whangārei only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Woodhill is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.