Whangaruru

Whangaruru
Interactive map of Whangaruru
Coordinates: 35°20′51″S 174°19′35″E / 35.34750°S 174.32639°E / -35.34750; 174.32639
CountryNew Zealand
RegionNorthland Region
DistrictWhangarei District
WardHikurangi-Coastal Ward
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityWhangarei District Council
 • Regional councilNorthland Regional Council
 • Mayor of WhangāreiKen Couper
 • Whangārei MPShane Reti
 • Te Tai Tokerau MPMariameno Kapa-Kingi
Area
 • Total
2.03 km2 (0.78 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
180
 • Density89/km2 (230/sq mi)

Whangaruru (Māori pronunciation: [faŋaɾuɾu]) is a rural community and harbour on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand. Mokau, Helena Bay, Whakapara, Hikurangi and Whangārei are to the south and the Bay of Islands is to the northwest.

The Whangaruru area includes the villages of Punaruku west of the harbour, Whangaruru north of the harbour, Whangaruru North east of the harbour, and Ōakura.

The area was reputedly named by Puhimoanariki who was sailing up the coast. After searching for a long time he found shelter from bad weather there. The name "Whangaruru" is a Māori-language word meaning "sheltered harbour", and is a direct linguistic cognate with "Honolulu" in the related Hawaiian language.