Whangarei Quarry Gardens
★★★★★
“To inspire our community with a landscape of beauty and life”
The Quarry Gardens are a spectacular sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Whangarei. Since the 1990s it has been transformed from an abandoned commercial quarry into the flourishing garden it is today because of the dedication of local volunteers and gardeners. As an ever changing community project it continues to grow and offers new experiences with every visit.
Set on around 60 acres there is a lot packed in here to see and do! There is a lake, waterfalls, historic ruins, a stream, several permanent sculptures, plenty of picnic tables, unusual and interesting plants of all kinds and bush walks into the surrounding Pukenui Forest. As well, the gardens have a visitor centre, gift shop, plant sales, the Quail Café and plenty of parking; including 3 wheelchair parks behind the visitor centre.
The shape and orientation of this former rock quarry offers a wonderful range of micro-climates. This allows a wide array of plantings from shade loving bromeliads by the cool of the stream, to the ‘arid garden’ on the upper level of the quarry which hosts cacti, succulents, agave and even pineapples!
Plant collections include Ficus species, most notably, the spectacular Ficus dammaropsis or Dinner-plate fig. The Camellia collection contains almost 200 different varieties. More than 100 of which are unique fragrant cultivars bred by the late Jim Finlay, many of which are not found in any other public garden in the world. The gardens have been named a Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society.
There are extensive plantings of bromeliads, vireya rhododendrons, cycads, philodendrons, colocasias, hibiscus, and daturas as well as many New Zealand natives. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there will be flowering plants, swathes of colour and something interesting and new to look at.
Most of the garden is accessible by sloping gravel paths which are suitable for buggies, prams and some wheelchairs and for those with limited mobility we have golf-cart tours available at a cost.
The Visitors Centre houses the Quail Café renowned for its great coffee, legendary brunches and memorable hospitality. Fuel yourself up for a walk around the gardens or meet friends here on a rainy day and appreciate the view of the gardens through the wrap around floor to ceiling windows that bring the lush surroundings to you.
Facilities and Amenities
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Open 7 days - 9am – 5pm (Gates locked at 5pm daily)
Quail Cafe open 9am - 3pm Wed to Sun (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Entry by Donation
Weddings and events – email: events@whangareigardens.org.nz for details
Golf cart tours for up to 5 people - email: golfcart@whangareigardens.org.nz for details
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From central Whangarei
From central Whangarei head southwest on Walton Street toward Robert Street (go through one roundabout).
Continue on to Central Avenue.
Turn right on to Westernhills Drive/SH1 (signs for Cape Reinga/SH1).
Take the 2nd left on to Russell Road and Whangarei Quarry Gardens will be on your left.
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Physical Address: 37a Russell Road, Whangarei
Phone: 09 437 7210
Email: manager@whangareigardens.org.nz
Website: https://whangareigardens.org.nz
