Last updated October 2026
Te Kamo (formerly Kamo) is a northern suburb of Whangārei, approximately 5 km from the city centre and a five-minute drive via Kamo Road. It features a compact village-style shopping strip along Kamo Road with cafes, retail, services and a supermarket, surrounded by a mix of older character homes and newer residential builds.
The suburb maintains a community atmosphere despite its proximity to the city centre. Te Kamo was officially renamed in 2023 to restore its traditional Māori name.
Te Kamo also takes in the local area known as Springs Flat.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 11,750, up 7% since 2018
- Land area
- 29.38 km²
- Location
- 5.6 km north-west of central Whangārei
- Council
- Whangarei District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Ngararatunua, Kauri, Ruatangata West, Maungatapere, Whau Valley, Tikipunga, Matarau, Kokopu, Otangarei, Pukenui Forest
- Ward or local board
- Whangārei Urban General Ward (Whangarei District Council)
- Getting there
- Kamo Road from central Whangārei, with State Highway 1 nearby
- Main shopping
- Kamo Road village shopping strip
- Nearby landmarks
- Pukenui Forest walking tracks
Who Lives in Te Kamo
About 11,750 residents in 4,200 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Te Kamo
Six schools sit inside the Te Kamo boundary. Most have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.
Show all 6 schools
Also zoned for Te Kamo
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 Te Kamo
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 129 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).
Handy Facilities
Source: Whangārei District Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
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.
In Te Kamo
Places and businesses inside the official Te Kamo boundary.
Places
About Te Kamo
Te Kamo is one of Whangārei’s established residential suburbs.
Te Kamo is one of Whangārei’s established residential suburbs. It retains a distinct village character centred on Kamo Road, where local shops, cafes and services create everyday convenience and foot traffic that supports a community feel. The suburb attracts families, first-home buyers and retirees seeking a balance of affordability, schooling options and proximity to the city.
The area developed significantly after State Highway 1 was re-routed, allowing the original main road to function more as a local village street rather than a major transit corridor. Residential growth has continued steadily with a mix of housing styles reflecting different eras of development.
Te Kamo High School and Te Kamo Intermediate serve the northern suburbs and are well-established options for secondary and intermediate education. The suburb also has primary schools and early childhood centres nearby.
History
Coal mining operated in the Te Kamo area from 1875 to 1955, making it an important settlement for the Northland region during that period.
Coal mining operated in the Te Kamo area from 1875 to 1955, making it an important settlement for the Northland region during that period. Hot springs were another notable feature that attracted visitors in the early twentieth century. The suburb was amalgamated with Whangārei City in 1965.
The official name change from Kamo to Te Kamo occurred in 2023 following a decision by the New Zealand Geographic Board to restore the traditional name associated with a prominent local ancestor.
Recreation and Nearby Tracks
The Pukenui Forest walking tracks are accessible from the Te Kamo area.
The Pukenui Forest walking tracks are accessible from the Te Kamo area. Three Mile Bush Road provides the main access point, approximately 4 km from the Kamo traffic lights. Tracks include loop options suitable for various fitness levels and connect with other reserves in the Western Hills area.
Near Te Kamo
Just outside Te Kamo, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Kamo, New Zealand: Background on the suburb’s history, name change and development.
Whangārei District Council: Official information on local projects, parks and community facilities in Te Kamo.
Department of Conservation — Pukenui Forest Loop: Details on tracks and access near Te Kamo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Te Kamo a good suburb to live in?
Te Kamo is consistently regarded as one of Whangārei’s more liveable suburbs due to its village character, local shopping centre, good schools and proximity to the city centre. It appeals to families and offers a range of housing options.
What is the history of Te Kamo?
Coal mining operated from 1875 to 1955 and hot springs were a feature in the early twentieth century. The suburb grew as a residential area after the highway bypass and was officially renamed Te Kamo in 2023.
What schools are in Te Kamo?
Te Kamo High School (years 9–13) and Te Kamo Intermediate (years 7–8) serve the area, along with primary schools and early childhood centres.
How far is Te Kamo from Whangārei city centre?
Approximately 5 km north, or about five minutes by car along Kamo Road.
What walking tracks are near Te Kamo?
Pukenui Forest tracks are accessed from Three Mile Bush Road, roughly 4 km from the Kamo traffic lights, with options for loops and connections to other reserves.
Has the name of the suburb changed?
Yes, the official name was changed from Kamo to Te Kamo in 2023 by the New Zealand Geographic Board.
Are there any recent developments in Te Kamo?
Whangārei District Council has undertaken projects including shared path improvements and carpark upgrades in the village area.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Whangārei only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Te Kamo is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.