Whangarei, known as the City by the Sea, is the northern most city in New Zealand and is surrounded by natural beauty on land and at sea. Mount Parahaka, a volcanic dome, dominates the citys landscape. It was once the site of the largest Maori Pa (fortified village) in New Zealand. Quayside is a popular place to relax and watch the boats from a cafe. As a matter of fact, Whangarei is New Zealand's most northern city and is the entry point to the Bay of Islands, a subtropical region known for its stunning beauty. Whangarei has a wide variety of shops and services but it's a place you go to relax on the beach – it's even described as 'the city with 100 beaches.