Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Enjoy the fruits of this remarkable community garden project as you explore areas planted with species of indigenous and subtropical plants.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens are a community-run project that feature landscaped gardens, a visitor centre and a café. Explore the many gardens that include a collection of camellias and an area with cacti and succulents. Whangarei Quarry Gardens is home to a regenerating forest that is teeming with indigenous plants.

From 1940 to 1974, the site was a fully operational quarry. Notice remnants of this former industry: the concrete foundations, corroded steel fittings and tunnel entrances jutting out of the forested hillside. In the late 20th century, the area was handed over to hard-working volunteers who created the lush public gardens existing today.

Stop at the Five Senses Garden to see a beautiful display of plants and sculptures. This particular garden invites visitors to admire a selection of indigenous plant species. Other gardens include the Bromeliad Garden, a shaded slope with orchids and other attractive flowering plants.

See a colourful display of camellias in the Fragrant Camellia Collection. This garden is one of the most popular places in Whangarei Quarry Gardens and is recognised for its rare camellia species, many of which are not found in any other public gardens in the world. Another highlight is the Arid Garden, with an impressive collection of cacti and succulents.

A regenerating indigenous forest covers most of the 24-hectare (60-acre) former quarry area. Explore the forested hillsides and look for its many birds, including pīwakawakas (fantails) and kotares (kingfishers) foraging in the bush and flying above. Notice how the new subtropical growth merges seamlessly with the surrounding forest. The site features streams, waterfalls and a peaceful lake.

Find the Whangarei Quarry Gardens just 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) from the centre of Whangarei. The gardens have a small café serving coffee, pastries and light meals. Stop at the visitor centre for restrooms and outdoor seating areas. The gardens are open daily and the café is open Wednesday to Sunday. Entry to the gardens is by donation.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Botanica & Cafler Park

See one of New Zealand’s largest collections of native ferns in a tranquil garden complex and explore the adjoining park for a relaxing time.

Town Basin Marina

Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.

Claphams National Clock Museum

Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.

Reyburn House

Visit Whangarei's oldest settlers house at its scenic riverside location in the Town Basin, to browse one of New Zealand’s delightful art galleries.

Whangarei

From sandy beaches to sacred mountains, there aren't many places that can hold a candle to Whangarei's natural beauty.

Hotels near Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

9 Riverside Drive

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Riverside, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum, Whangarei Art Museum, and Claphams National Clock Museum. Mair Park and Reyburn House are also within 10 minutes.

Discovery Settlers Hotel

61 Hatea Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum and Whangarei Art Museum. Tuatara Gallery and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Cherry Court Motor Lodge

35 Otaika Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lupton Lodge

555 Ngunguru Rd

Rated 4.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this guesthouse is within 9 mi (15 km) of Whangarei Falls, A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park, and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Whangarei Art Museum and Kiwi North: Museum are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Motel Six

153 Bank Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum, Tuatara Gallery, and Whangarei Art Museum. Claphams National Clock Museum and Reyburn House are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Burgundy Rose Motel

100 Kamo Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Kensington, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mair Park and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Claphams Clock Museum and Tuatara Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lodge Bordeaux

361 Western Hills Drive

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Avenues, this luxury guesthouse is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery, Claphams Clock Museum, and Whangarei Art Museum. Reyburn House and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Bella Vista Motel Whangarei

322 Western Hills Drive

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Avenues, this eco-friendly motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery, Claphams Clock Museum, and Whangarei Art Museum. Claphams National Clock Museum and Reyburn House are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Kauri Nest

43 Riverside Drive

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whangarei, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum and Mair Park. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Grand Hotel, Whangarei

2 Bank StreetNorthland, Northland

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Whangarei, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 15 minutes.

Comfort Hotel Flames Whangerei

8 Waverley Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Onerahi, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of Camera Obscura Timatatanga Hou, Claphams Clock Museum, and Reyburn House. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Whangarei Falls Holiday Park

12 Ngunguru RoadGlenbervie, Glenbervie

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this campground is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Whangarei Falls and 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park. Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Claphams Clock Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Marina Court Motel

56 Riverside Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Riverside, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Camera Obscura Timatatanga Hou, Claphams Clock Museum, and Mair Park. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Tutukaka Coast Motor Lodge

2015 Ngunguru Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ngunguru, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Whangaumu Bay and within 3 mi (5 km) of Tutukaka Marina and Dive Tutukaka. Tutukaka Headland is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) away.

Central Court Motel

54 Otaika RoadWoodhill, Woodhill

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Motel Sierra

26 Western Hills DriveWhau Valley, Whau Valley

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Whau Valley, this motel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Whangarei Quarry Gardens and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mair Park and Claphams Clock Museum. Tuatara Gallery and Whangarei Falls are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Whangarei Holiday Houses

Paranui Cres

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Tikipunga, this vacation home is within 2 mi (3 km) of A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park, Mair Park, and Whangarei Falls. Claphams Clock Museum and Tuatara Gallery are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Bk's Pohutukawa Lodge

362 Western Hills Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Avenues, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Whangarei Art Museum, Claphams National Clock Museum, and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Whangarei Falls and Waipu Caves are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Kingswood Manor Motel

260 Kamo Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Whau Valley, this aparthotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Whangarei Quarry Gardens, Mair Park, and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Falls and Tuatara Gallery are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Motel Villa Del Rio

118 Maunu Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Cheviot Park Motor Lodge

Corner Western Hills Dr. & Cheviot St.

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery, Claphams Clock Museum, and Whangarei Art Museum. Claphams National Clock Museum and Reyburn House are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Continental Motel

67 Kamo RoadKensington, Kensington

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mair Park, Whangarei Quarry Gardens, and Whangarei Art Museum. Whangarei Falls and Dive Tutukaka are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka

1 Marina Drive, Rd3

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Tutukaka, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Tutukaka Marina and Dive Tutukaka. Tutukaka Headland and Whangaumu Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Cypress Court Motel

29 Kamo Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mair Park, Claphams Clock Museum, and Tuatara Gallery. Whangarei Art Museum and Whangarei Quarry Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km).