Heading to Whangārei to watch the Black Ferns take on France on Saturday 24 October? Here’s how to turn match day into a Northland weekend.

The Black Ferns are coming to Whangārei. On Saturday 24 October, they take on France at Semenoff Stadium as part of the WXV Global Series. Kick-off is 3.05pm and gates open at 1pm. With Labour Day on the Monday, there’s every reason to make a long weekend of it. Here’s how.

Friday
Hit the road north

If you can leave Auckland by early afternoon, head towards Kaiwaka and take the detour off State Highway 1 to Mangawhai, part of The Welcoming Coast Northland Journey. If you’re early enough, stop at Bennetts of Mangawhai for hand-crafted chocolates, then head to Mangawhai Heads for the surf and coastal views.

For dinner, stay in Mangawhai and eat at the Wood St shops or The Dune, or continue up the coast to Waipū Cove and Village. The Cove Café and the famous McLeods Pizza Barn are both tempting.

Stay over in a beachfront motel, BnB or campsite, or make the 30-minute trip into Whangārei for the night. Accommodation will be in demand with the match and the long weekend, so book early.

Saturday
Explore Whangārei

Start at the Whangārei Town Basin with brunch at a waterfront eatery like The Quay or Aqua. Then visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre. It houses Hundertwasser’s artwork, the story of his life, Aotearoa New Zealand’s only dedicated public Māori art gallery, and a forested rooftop.

Next, walk some of the Hatea Loop alongside the river. It takes in a sculpture trail, the GiraGlob, the award-winning Te Matau ā Pohe bridge and the Camera Obscura. If you have time before heading to the stadium, Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, Kiwi North’s nocturnal kiwi house and the Whangārei Quarry Gardens are all worth a visit.

Gates open at 1pm, so plan to arrive early for the atmosphere before the 3.05pm kick-off. Come in black, and get behind the Black Ferns.

After the final whistle, head back into town. No. 8 in the Town Basin is great for groups sharing Asian-fusion plates. Loco has a South American-inspired tapas menu, though the cocktails often steal the show. Tide at Port Nikau is an elegant option for a special dinner. Book ahead wherever you’re going, because it will be a busy night.

Sunday
Make the most of it

If you’re heading home on Sunday, squeeze in brunch at Quail Café and a wander through the Quarry Gardens before you leave.

If you have the long weekend, spend a day at Tutukākā. Full-day trips to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve leave from here, so pre-book a dive trip with Dive! Tutukaka, or a sightseeing, kayaking and snorkelling trip with The Perfect Day. You could also visit Whale Bay or Matapouri beach, have lunch at one of the marina eateries, or try a stand-up paddleboard tour with SUP Bro.