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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.

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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 $45  -  4 people $60  -  5 people $75
For a wonderful gift idea, why not give a gift voucher!

Enquire via email or at the main desk in the Visitor Centre
Email golfcart@whangareigardens.org.nz to book your tour. 
(Please book at least 48 hours before the tour so we can arrange your driver)
 

Cafe Opening hours:  Wed-Sun 9am-3pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
quail.whangarei@gmail.com
 

Sculptures in the Gardens

"Te Kereru Rua" -

by artist Shane Hansen

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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!

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https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/sculptures-for-whangarei-quarry-gardens

"Hand Holding Young Kiwi" - 

by artist Susan Dinkelacker

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"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.

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"Te Wai U O Te Atakura - 

The Milk From the Breast of Te Atakura"

by artist Chris Booth

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Keri Keri based artist Chris Booth spent the summer of 2017-18 in our Dell Garden, creating his beautiful giant goddess. It is the 5th in a world-wide "Vader" series that began in Denmark 20 years ago.

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We are deeply honoured to have the only one in the southern hemisphere, here at the Quarry Gardens.

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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. "

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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.

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Pictures show Chris fitting pieces of wood into the towering structure. The 2nd image is the completed work, towering over it's creator - Chris Booth.

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"Gong" - by artist Archie McCahon

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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.

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"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