Attractions, Whangarei Falls, Parks, Museums

Heritage Park Whangarei - The Kiwi House and Whangarei Museum. Beautiful 25 hectare property with outdoor and indoor displays. Excellent collection of Maori artefacts. The nocturnal Kiwi House includes a North Island brown kiwi, morepork, wetas and native geckos with very helpful and informative staff who personalise your visit. Take a picnic lunch to share with the peacocks under the trees! Or just enjoy the rural setting, the stone walls and the views to the city and Whangarei Heads.

The Bird Recovery Centre - Special people, special place and amazing birds - 'Woof Woof' the talking tui will blow you away!

Clapham Clocks - a truly amazing collection of clocks, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, that will keep you spellbound for hours!! Highly recommended by Bunkdown Lodge.

The Paper Mill - designed to lift the self esteem of intellectually disabled people who guide you through the paper making process and provide you with herbal tea in their peaceful and charming cottage garden. You will pass them on your way into Whangarei. Also highly recommended.
The Quarry - An artist's co-operative of five studios for you to stroll through and enjoy.
Burning Issues Gallery - ceramic and glass studio situated in the Town Basin. This is a must - showcases traditional and innovative artwork - watch the talented local artists at work!
The Kauri Clock Factory - Very popular shopping venue with over 2,500 clocks to choose from - no two are the same!
The Fudge Farm - also at the Town Basin - made from farm fresh ingredients comes creamy mouthwatering fudge made the old fashioned way - by hand - yummy!!

Parks and Walks

Walking tracks abound in the city and environs of the Whangarei region. If you enjoy a challenge drive to Whangarei Heads and scale Mt Manaia, a 460m climb above the harbour with breathtaking views across the city, Bream Bay and the blue Pacific Ocean to the famous Poor Knights Islands, Pinnacles, Sugarloaf and Hen and Chicks. There is a variety of walks around Peach Cove to Ocean Beach and further north at Whale Bay.

Raumanga Falls - perfect for an early morning run from our lodge.
Fernery, Botanical and Cacti Gardens - a short walk from our hostel on the way into town.
Cafler Park, Rose Garden and Art Museum - just across the bridge from the Fernery - a must for rose lovers from December to April.
AH Reed Memorial Park - a peaceful retreat where you will discover the majestic Kauri trees which were spared from the settlers axes in the early 1900's when kauri wood and gum were Northland's greatest source of income.
Mt Parahaki - the first and largest Maori Pa site in New Zealand. Very little evidence of its past history to the untrained eye but several tracks to the summit for views of the city and harbour.
Mair Park - very pretty picnic and bush area by the river.
Whangarei Falls - very popular tourist spot with a 15 minute loop walk back to your car.