Looking for things to do in Whangarei? Visit Kiwi North — home to Northland’s only Kiwi House, set on 25 hectares of farmland, forest, and bush. Enjoy panoramic views, explore the museum, heritage buildings, gift store, and experience native wildlife in the nocturnal kiwi house.
Conservation and Native Species
Our Living Treasures include kiwi, four species of native gecko, wētā, kokopu and invertebrates that fascinate and illuminate the miniature world.
Kiwi North is part of the North Island Brown Kiwi Captive Programme, run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). The kiwi here live in a nocturnal kiwi house that mimics life in the wild and allows visitors during the day to see them interacting with their environment as they would at night.
Whangārei Museum
The Whangārei Museum is a glimpse into Northland’s past, a visual collection of the cultural, environmental and social stories that make this region what it is today.
Wonder at ancient bones of the now extinct Moa which lay undiscovered for over 2000 years until they were unearthed by a private landowner in a cave on a Northland property.
Marvel at the hand-carved waka tiwai (river waka) born from the mighty totara and kauri trees.
Unlock the past and present stories of people and places through fascinating exhibits showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Heritage Park
It’s like stepping back in time as you wander through the Heritage Park with buildings that date back to the mid-19th century. Heritage buildings include “Glorat”, the original homestead of the Clarke family built in 1886, the first Women’s Jail, Jane Mander’s Study, Riponui Pah School House and Oruaiti Chapel, a tiny octagonal chapel made from a single kauri log c1860 that is still in use today.
Bring a picnic or enjoy an icy cold drink or ice cream from the museum gift shop while browsing for treasures to take home.
On the third Sunday of every month the Heritage Park is full of activity!
Park rides include a miniature railway, steam train, tram and vintage tractor rides.
The Heritage Park Clubs open their doors to the public revealing displays of rocks and gems, vintage medical equipment, amateur radio technology, vintage farm machinery, stationary engines, and vintage cars.
Park over property for NZ Motor Caravan Association members.
Getting There
You will find Gate 1, Kiwi North only 6.2 kms from the Town Basin in Whangārei or just 4kms to the west of the Maunu Rd and SH 1 intersection. The Citylink Bus, route 6, travels regularly between the Rose Street bus depot and Kiwi North.
Kiwi North Hours
Open 10am to 4pm every day, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, 25th & 26th December.
