Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Abbey Caves Rd)
Abbey Caves is an undeveloped network of three caverns full of
glowworms and limestone formations, 6km east of town. Grab a torch, strong shoes, a
mate for safety, and prepare to get wet. The surrounding reserve is a forest of crazily
shaped rock extrusions. If you're staying at neighbouring Little Earth Lodge, you can bor-
row helmets and hire head torches.
Kiwi North
(
www.kiwinorth.co.nz
;
500 SH14, Maunu; adult/child $15/5; 10am-4pm)
Five kilometres west of
Whangarei, this complex includes 19th-century buildings and a museum displaying Maori
and colonial artefacts. A gecko and kiwi house offers a rare chance to see the country's
feathery fave in a darkened nocturnal house.
MUSEUM, WILDLIFE
Native Bird Recovery Centre
WILDLIFE CENTRE
This avian
(
www.nbr.org.nz
; 500 SH14, Maunu;
10am-4.30pm Tue-Thu, 1-4.30pm Mon & Fri)
hospital nurses sick and injured birds back to health. Say hi to the talking tuis.
Whangarei Falls
(Otuihau; Ngunguru Rd)
Short walks around these 26m-high falls provide views of the water
cascading over the edge of an old basalt lava flow. The falls can be reached on the
Tikipunga bus ($3, no service on Sundays), leaving from Rose St in the city.
WATERFALL
AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park
(Whareora Rd)
A grove of immense 500-year-old kauri trees has been preserved in this
lush tract of native bush, where a cleverly designed boardwalk leads you effortlessly up
into the canopy. To get here, head north on Bank St and turn right into Whareora Rd.
FOREST
Quarry Gardens
(
www.whangareiquarrygardens.org.nz
;
Russell Rd; admission by donation; 8am-5pm)
Green-fingered
volunteers have transformed this old quarry into a blissful park with a lake, waterfalls,
pungent floral aromas, wild bits, orderly bits and lots of positive energy. To get here, take
Rust Ave, turn right into Western Hills Dr and then left into Russell Rd.
GARDENS
Quarry Arts Centre
MAP
ARTS CENTRE
GOOGLE MAP
