Last updated July 2026
The Avenues is one of Whangarei’s established central suburbs, defined by Central Avenue and First through Fifth Avenues along with nearby streets such as Kauika Road, Wilson Avenue, Selwyn Avenue and Bernard Street. The suburb lies immediately west of the Whangarei city centre and east of Horahora, with its western edge bordered by the Coronation Scenic Reserve. This reserve forms part of the larger Pukenui Forest and provides direct access to native bush from residential streets. The combination of older housing stock, multiple urban parks and proximity to the central business district gives the area a distinctive character within Whangarei.
Practical Information
| Location | Central Whangarei, immediately west of the CBD |
| Boundaries | East by Whangarei city centre, west by Horahora, south by commercial areas |
| Key streets | Central Avenue, First through Fifth Avenues, Kauika Road, Wilson Avenue, Selwyn Avenue, Bernard Street |
| Green spaces | Coronation Scenic Reserve, Cafler Park, Mander Park, Carruth Park |
| Population | Approximately 1,598 residents |
| Housing tenure | Approximately 54% rental accommodation |
| Reserve details | Coronation Scenic Reserve covers 102 hectares; dogs prohibited |
About The Avenues
The Avenues takes its name from the grid of numbered avenues that form its core. The suburb contains some of Whangarei’s older housing stock, with a mix of villa-era and mid-century homes that distinguishes it from newer subdivisions on the city’s outskirts. Residents benefit from a walkable street layout and several nearby parks that provide open space within the urban setting.
The defining natural feature is the Coronation Scenic Reserve on the western edge of the suburb. This reserve is owned and managed by Whangarei District Council and forms part of the broader Pukenui Forest. Walking tracks within the reserve offer immediate access to native bush and connect to the wider forest network for longer outings. The reserve also contains remnants of two Māori pā sites and more than 100 storage pits.
Within or adjacent to the suburb are four green spaces: Cafler Park, known for its rose gardens and central location; Mander Park; Carruth Park; and the Coronation Scenic Reserve itself. This concentration of accessible green space is a notable feature for a suburb so close to the city centre.
Coronation Scenic Reserve and Pukenui Forest
The Coronation Scenic Reserve backs directly onto The Avenues and is part of Ngahere o Pukenui (Pukenui Forest), which covers the hills west and north-west of central Whangarei. The reserve provides multiple walking tracks with views over the city and is managed primarily for the protection of its natural and scenic values. It is linked to the larger Pukenui Forest, allowing extended walks into the catchment area.
The proximity of mature native forest to an established residential neighbourhood offers residents convenient access to bush walks. Early morning use of the tracks is common among locals, and the forested backdrop contributes to the suburb’s open feel despite its central position. Dogs are prohibited in the reserve.
Where to Learn More
Whangarei District Council – Coronation Scenic Reserve: Official page with location, track information, pā sites and management details for the reserve.
Whangarei District Council – Parks and Reserves: Directory covering Cafler Park, Mander Park, Carruth Park and the Coronation Scenic Reserve with access details.
Department of Conservation – Pukenui Forest Management Plan: Comprehensive plan detailing the broader Pukenui Forest context and connections to the Coronation Scenic Reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Avenues in Whangarei?
The Avenues is a central Whangarei suburb immediately west of the CBD. Its core is formed by Central Avenue and First through Fifth Avenues, with the Coronation Scenic Reserve forming the western boundary.
What green spaces are in The Avenues?
The suburb has four green spaces within or adjacent to it: Cafler Park, Mander Park, Carruth Park, and the Coronation Scenic Reserve. The reserve connects into the larger Pukenui Forest.
What is the Coronation Scenic Reserve?
The Coronation Scenic Reserve is a 102-hectare forested hill reserve on the western edge of The Avenues. It is part of Ngahere o Pukenui (Pukenui Forest), contains remnants of two Māori pā sites, and has walking tracks accessible directly from the suburb. Dogs are prohibited.
What is Cafler Park?
Cafler Park is one of Whangarei’s established urban parks, located within The Avenues area. It features rose gardens, flower beds and open lawns for residents and visitors.
Is The Avenues close to Whangarei city centre?
Yes. The Avenues is immediately west of the Whangarei CBD, making it one of the more centrally located residential suburbs in the city.
What is the housing like in The Avenues?
The suburb has some of Whangarei’s older housing stock. Approximately 54% of occupants live in rental accommodation.
Can you walk into native bush from The Avenues?
Yes. The Coronation Scenic Reserve borders the suburb and gives direct access to native bush and walking tracks connecting into the broader Pukenui Forest.
Are dogs allowed in the Coronation Scenic Reserve?
No. Dogs are prohibited in the Coronation Scenic Reserve.
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