I highly recommend a stay at Sue's place. She was kind enough to let me drop my bags off earlier and even went out of her way to drop myself and the other two airbnb guests (she offers two rooms) to the Six60 concert. Walkable to Rose Street bus station and downtown. Press cafe right around the corner and a beautiful hidden gem, Raumanaga falls which I wouldn't have known about if it werent for Sue's recommendation. Great hosts and a lovely kitty, Gato which is great when you're missing your animals! I also recommend getting to Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre (behind the kiwi house/museum) and see Sparky the one-legged kiwi.