Last updated October 2026
Parahaki is a suburb of Whangārei located at the base of Mount Parihaka, a prominent volcanic dome rising north-east of the city centre. The mountain and its surrounding Parihaka Scenic Reserve form the defining feature of the area, with walking tracks, road access options, and connections to nearby parks.
A World War II war memorial obelisk stands at the summit and is illuminated at night. The suburb also includes residential areas and recreational facilities along the Hātea River.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,410, down 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 5.78 km²
- Location
- 1.7 km east of central Whangārei
- Council
- Whangarei District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Abbey Caves, Riverside, Whareora, Tikipunga, Regent, Kensington
- Ward or local board
- Whangārei Urban General Ward (Whangarei District Council)
- Nearby landmarks
- Mount Parihaka and Parihaka Scenic Reserve, Second World War memorial obelisk, William Fraser Memorial Park (Pohe Island), Mair Park
Who Lives in Parahaka
About 1,410 residents in 540 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Parahaka
There is no school inside the Parahaka boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Parahaka
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 Parahaka
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
Lower than the Whangārei average for the number of people who live here. Another 82 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 Parahaka
Places and businesses inside the official Parahaka boundary.
Places
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Businesses
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About Parahaki
The suburb of Parahaki takes its name from the mountain that defines it.
The suburb of Parahaki takes its name from the mountain that defines it. The mountain has two spellings in use: Parahaki, an older anglicised form, and Parihaka, the original Māori spelling officially restored by the New Zealand Geographic Board in 2005. Both refer to the same volcanic dome, one of several volcanic features in the Whangārei area.
The mountain is surrounded by the Parihaka Scenic Reserve, a forested reserve managed by the Whangārei District Council. Walking tracks run through the reserve, offering routes from short walks near the base to longer circuits toward the summit.
A road also provides access to the summit area, though vehicle access via Memorial Drive is currently closed due to storm damage from Cyclone Gabrielle, with walkers and cyclists still able to reach the summit via a gate.
From the summit viewing platform, panoramic views extend across Whangārei city and harbour. The reserve connects to Mair Park by a bridge, extending the walkable green corridor from the suburb into the wider reserve network.
Mount Parihaka: History and the War Memorial
Mount Parihaka’s history reaches back long before European settlement.
Mount Parihaka’s history reaches back long before European settlement. The summit and its slopes were once the site of a major fortified pā, reputedly one of the largest in New Zealand. The reserve contains visible remains of three pā sites, housing terraces, storage pits, and defensive palisades.
A battle and massacre took place here in the 1700s, and over 100 terraces and 300 kumara pits have been identified on the mountain. The name reflects this history: pari (cliffs) and haka (war dance).
At the summit stands Whangārei’s World War II War Memorial, a stainless steel obelisk constructed in 1956 and formally dedicated on Anzac Day 1957. The memorial commemorates 170 local citizens who died in the war and features four glowing red crosses. It is illuminated at night, making it a visible landmark from across much of the city and harbour.
Recreation and Facilities in Parahaki
Parahaki offers several recreational options beyond the scenic reserve.
Parahaki offers several recreational options beyond the scenic reserve. The Pohe Island Skatepark is located at William Fraser Memorial Park on Dave Culham Drive, next to the Hātea River and the Hātea Loop walkway. The park includes a playground, bike skills area, and sports fields, providing family-friendly facilities alongside the river.
Near Parahaka
Just outside Parahaka, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
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Businesses
Where to Learn More
Parihaka Scenic Reserve — Whangārei District Council: Official page with current track status, access details, history, and facilities.
Whangārei Second World War Memorial — NZHistory: Details on the memorial’s construction, dedication, and significance.
William Fraser Memorial Park — Whangārei District Council: Information on the skatepark and other facilities at Pohe Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parahaki in Whangārei?
Parahaki is a suburb north-east of Whangārei city centre, at the base of Mount Parihaka within the Parihaka Scenic Reserve.
Is the mountain called Parahaki or Parihaka?
Both spellings refer to the same 241-metre volcanic dome. The original Māori spelling, Parihaka, was officially restored by the New Zealand Geographic Board in 2005. Parahaki is an older anglicised form still used locally.
Can you drive to the top of Mount Parihaka?
Vehicle access via Memorial Drive is currently closed due to storm damage, but walkers and cyclists can reach the summit via a gate approximately 800 m from the lower carpark.
What is the obelisk on top of Mount Parihaka?
The obelisk is Whangārei’s World War II War Memorial, constructed in 1956 and dedicated in 1957. It features four glowing red crosses and is illuminated at night.
What was the pā on Parihaka?
Mount Parihaka was the site of a large fortified pā, reputedly one of the largest in New Zealand, with three pā sites, terraces, and storage pits. A battle and massacre occurred here in the 1700s.
Are there walking tracks at Parihaka?
Yes, the Parihaka Scenic Reserve has multiple walking tracks through native bush. A bridge connects the reserve to Mair Park, and the summit is reachable on foot.
What views does Mount Parihaka have?
From the summit viewing platform, views extend over Whangārei city and harbour, with additional vistas possible on clear days.
What else is in Parahaki suburb?
The Pohe Island Skatepark is located at William Fraser Memorial Park on Dave Culham Drive, next to the Hātea River and walkway, with playgrounds and other facilities.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Whangārei only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Parahaka is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.