A stunning subtropical oasis created by volunteers in the remnants of a former stone quarry in Northland, New Zealand. This restoration project is a powerful example of the strength of a community that cares for their environment. The volunteers have created a truly magical place for visitors to enjoy.
The Gardens are once again open to the public - we have some sections of the gardens closed off for health and safety reasons. Visitors are welcome to come for a walk now and see first hand the clean-up efforts and some of the damage that still needs work. Please respect the barriers as we have heavy machinery working to fix slips still and trucks moving around.
Thank you!
Photos from the recent 500 year flood on 17th July 2020 - photos by Kerry Marinkovich
Visitors Centre & Gardens
Open 7 days 9am - 5pm
The main entry to the Gardens is via the Visitors Centre, and by donation. Begin your walk here, where you can grab a map and refreshments from one of Whangarei's best - Quail Cafe.
Please respect that we have NO dogs or smoking in the Gardens. 37A Russell Road, Whangarei (map)
“To inspire our community with a landscape of beauty and life”
Golf Cart Tours
Book your one hour guided tour of the Gardens in our electric
Golf Cart. We can take up to 5 guests for a 1 hour tour of the gardens.
Perfect for visitors less able to manage the paths. Enjoy a tour of the entire Gardens, in comfort and with a guide taking you through the interesting history of the site.
1-3 people $30, 4 people $40, 5 people $50
Gift Vouchers are available - A lovely gift idea -
Enquire via email or at the main desk in the Visitor Centre
Email admin@whangareigardens.org.nz to book your tour.
(Please book at least 24 hours before the tour so we can book your driver)
Sculptures in the Gardens
"Te Kereru Rua" -
by artist Shane Hansen
This spectacular corten steel piece featured in our 2019 Sculpture Northland exhibition. It represents the beloved Kereru – Native Wood Pigeon. We can witness the soaring flight of this stunning bird right where you stand, as we have many Kereru living here enjoying berries in the native trees that stand around you.
Shane Hansen is an artist, a graphic, furniture and fashion designer, a loving husband and doting Dad to two boys. Born in New Zealand in the 1970s, he is of Māori (Tainui, Ngāti Mahanga, Ngāti Hine), Chinese, Danish and Scottish descent. The benefactor of a life lived long and well in Aotearoa. This country is in his blood, his heart and in his art.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens are currently raising funds to keep this wonderful sculpture in the Gardens, as it is the perfect fit for our community in all that it represents. Please help us keep it here by donating to the sculpture fund.
Enquire how at the Visitor Centre or go to our Givealittle page. Thank you!
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/sculptures-for-whangarei-quarry-gardens
"Hand Holding Young Kiwi" -
by artist Susan Dinkelacker
"Hand Holding Young Kiwi" featured in the 2019 Sculpture Northland exhibition held at Whangarei Quarry Gardens. The Kiwi was originally carved in wood during for the Sculpture Symposium in 2018, and then later cast in bronze. The idea stemmed from a photograph in the local newspaper of Robert Webb of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre holding a young Kiwi in his hands.
Northland has been working hard in recent years to boost the Kiwi population, and we have had releases right at our doorstep on the Pukenui Forest. The Pukenui Forest Ranger even has his office on site here at the Gardens.
We feel this sculpture is a stunning representation of what we hold dear, as garden lovers, and art enthusiasts. We are currently raising funds to keep this gorgeous Kiwi here. We appreciate any donations towards these wonderful sculptures.
"Te Wai U O Te Atakura -
The Milk From the Breast of Te Atakura"
Keri Keri based artist Chris Booth has spent the summer of 2017-18 in the gardens creating his beautiful giant goddess. It is the 5th in a world-wide "Vader" series that began in Denmark 20 years ago.
We are deeply honoured to have the only one in the southern hemisphere, here at the Quarry Gardens.
Chris Booth says "The main living aspect of the sculpture is fungi, the greatest recycler on the earth and a vital organism for the health of the majority of plants and animals. In these living sculptures I collaborate with fungi. The fungi consume the organic material causing the boulder to ever so slowly descend to the ground. Depending on the wood, it could take 70 years or more. "
This sculpture is magnificent and sits beautifully in the gardens.
Thank you to Chris and Rata Kapa, who worked hard with Chris
through the summer to build Vader V. It was an honour having you both on site, talking to our intrigued visitors as your
masterpiece grew out of the ground.
Russell Fransham Memorial Sculpture -
by artist Peter Brammer
In December 2018 the Tutukaka Garden Club and Whangarei Quarry Gardens Trust unveiled a new sculpture in commemoration of Russell Fransham who passed a year before.
Russell was a passionate horticulturist whose contribution over the years to Whangarei Quarry Garden's (and the greater communitys' through his nursery) was significant. Many of our special sub-tropical plants came from Russell's nursery, and his knowledge and generosity towards the Quarry Gardens is something we are glad to acknowledge.
You can now visit this stunning steel sculpture, designed by local artist Peter Brammer, here at Whangarei Quarry Gardens.
"Gong" - by artist Archie McCahon
This stunning large bronze sculpture featured in the 2019 Sculpture Northland exhibition. Archie has generaously allowed the piece to remain a while longer in this unique setting at Whangarei Quarry Gardens. It's sound resonates deeply when struck, offering each visitor an opportunity to connect with the piece - sending vibrations out into the gardens.
"Although I have not had any formal art training, Bronze casting is not available as a study option. My first casting was in 1995. I began casting in 2005, and was able to become a full time artist in 2016. The sound of the gong reaches the ears of those hearing it, and our ancestors are represented by both the absence and the light. As the ringer of the gong, your message travels through time to reach back. You will phyisically feel the soundwaves, connecting you into the experience."
Archie McCahon
Join the Quarry Community and enjoy the rewards...
Love the Gardens? You'd like to help but are not sure how? A great way to help is by becoming a member. It's only $20 per year and helps keep the Gardens growing. Your money goes towards buying new plants, maintenance of the tracks, buying plant labels and our educational signage that you may have noticed going up lately.
Members receive:
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A Membership Card - no need to search for donations upon entry anymore
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Quarterly Newsletters - stay informed about what's happening, and new developments.
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10% Discount of plants from Alter-Natives Nursery - NEW IN 2019
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Discounted entry to Sculpture Northland and Whangarei Garden Discovery
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Be among the first to find out about Special Events and Plant/Flower Sales happening at the Gardens
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VIP entry to workshops - surround yourself with like-minded people who love gardening and supporting our community.
