Whangārei Quarry Gardens
Whangārei Quarry Gardens
Whangārei Quarry Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Whangārei Quarry Gardens is a subtropical oasis created by volunteers in the remnants of a former quarry in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), Aotearoa (New Zealand). The Gardens are open to the public and feature subtropical gardens, rare plant species, waterfalls, and streams. Ruins from the original quarrying days create an interesting backdrop to plantings and serve as a reminder of the site's industrial heritage. Whangarei Quarry Gardens holds a 5-star rating from the New Zealand Garden Trust, and the unique scented Camellia collection makes it a Camellia Garden of Excellence with the International Camellia Society. The Gardens have been created through the blood, sweat, tears, and laughter of volunteers. Entry is by DONATION, with all proceeds used to maintain and develop our gardens.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
460 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
132
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Sue E
Yukon, Canada221 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What a wonderful way to spend an hour. We could not believe how much has been done by volunteers to reclaim this old quarry. I wish some of the same people could come to Canada to transform some old mining sites... We saw staff from the local council checking for invasive species of plants, which is a good thing. I see that there is a push to get local gardeners to plant indigenous species. This is something that we have seen the world over and once again, it's a good idea.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
realtangobabe
NEW ZEALAND71 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
If you are travelling up north and want to break your trip to stretch your legs this is the perfect way to do it. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk round the gardens which are peaceful and serene. We can also highly recommend the cinnamon scrolls at the cafe!
Written December 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan R
Ottawa, Canada164 contributions
Dec 2019
Many hands have contributed to turning this old quarry into a place of beauty. Working with the natural lay of the land and what has remained of the quarry, they have selected an extensive range of flowers, shrubs, water plants and trees and arranged them in ways that complement their surroundings. There are many beautiful spots in which to sit and take it all in, many lovely paths leading through the gardens and into the woods. While small in comparison to botanical gardens in larger cities, it is still very worth several hours of appreciation. Donations accepted and, I am sure, appreciated.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirstin T
Glenfield, New Zealand67 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We are looking for ideas for a garden that takes our breath away, there are a multitude of ideas here!
Beautiful plants and planting are everywhere! Clearly considerable thought has been put into colour, texture and shape The addition of original quarry pieces and sculpture that mirrors those pieces is just beautiful.
The cafe is a welcome break. We just had coffee, but the meals we saw coming out of the kitchen looked beautiful!
Beautiful plants and planting are everywhere! Clearly considerable thought has been put into colour, texture and shape The addition of original quarry pieces and sculpture that mirrors those pieces is just beautiful.
The cafe is a welcome break. We just had coffee, but the meals we saw coming out of the kitchen looked beautiful!
Written January 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fandingo
Auckland, New Zealand228 contributions
Mar 2021
The quarry gardens are a must-see for nature-lovers, gardeners and anyone who wants to walk a little or a lot around some amazing plants and sculptures. Lots of room for kids to explore and beauty everywhere. So much love and passion has been put into the creation of this space and it is completely relaxing and invigorating too!
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer14561189998
12 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Great foresight from one man and an awesome community to make these magnificent gardens. We thoroughly enjoyed our well ome from Alan, wander through the gardens and greetings from the volunteer gardens and appreciate the amazing space, plants and environment.
Easy to stroll and enjoy for a well deserved donation contribution. We probably spent a little over an hour but could have explored more, but went to enjoy morning tea at Quails cafe on site. (Good food and coffee.)
Definitely recommend a chilled visit here
Easy to stroll and enjoy for a well deserved donation contribution. We probably spent a little over an hour but could have explored more, but went to enjoy morning tea at Quails cafe on site. (Good food and coffee.)
Definitely recommend a chilled visit here
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wideyedkiwi
Christchurch New Zealand134 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Once a quarry and now a beautiful sub tropical garden with picnic areas. Beautifully set out and maintained by by hard working volunteers . We visited after the one in 500 year flood which had caused significant damage and as such some areas were closed. However, substantial work had been done and it was still beautiful. Entry by donation and a cafe on site, although not open the day we visited.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary W
7 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
A lovely, amazing place to spend an hour or two. The quarry has been morphed into a beautiful sanctuary by dedicated volunteers.
No charge. They request a very small donation. Feel free to donate more to keep the place flourishing.
And make sure to get a Ginger Crunch at the Quail Cafe. It is delicious!
No charge. They request a very small donation. Feel free to donate more to keep the place flourishing.
And make sure to get a Ginger Crunch at the Quail Cafe. It is delicious!
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dasco474
Dwight, IL249 contributions
Dec 2019
While not exactly Butchart Gardens, it was still a wonderful place to explore. It was rather busy here so my daughter and I headed up into the highland trails and explored the upper reaches of this wonderful place. Due to the season we visited a lot of the plants were not yet blooming but it was still interesting to see plants that are normally tiny houseplants at home! We enjoyed our visit here.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Serendipity
Auckland, New Zealand105 contributions
Oct 2020
Entry was by gold coin donation manned by local volunteers.
As one walked through the door, there were shelves with small pots of plants for sale, species from the Gardens.
The Gardens had some beautiful plants and exquisite flowers in an ecologically natural setting.
It was blissful to smell the fragrance from the different flowers as one meanders around.
As one walked through the door, there were shelves with small pots of plants for sale, species from the Gardens.
The Gardens had some beautiful plants and exquisite flowers in an ecologically natural setting.
It was blissful to smell the fragrance from the different flowers as one meanders around.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Why is the quarry gardens location described as te tai tokerau with Northland in brackets, Aotearoa with New Zealand in brackets. We have not changed the name of our country. Brackets the Maori names if you must.
Written September 25, 2024
What sort of facilities are there for the disabled there please?
Written July 2, 2018
Quarry_Gardens
Whangarei, New Zealand
Kia ora Carolyn,
There is disabled parking at the rear of the Visitors Centre, disabled toilets, and easy wheelchair access into the Visitors Centre/Quail cafe (cafe open Wed-Sun 9-3).
The Gardens are hilly in parts, motorised wheelchairs manage OK. Alternatively, we have an electric golf cart available for guided tours. The cart carries up to 5 passengers and is charged at $10 per person (minimum charge $30). For this you receive a full 1 hour guided tour of the Gardens in the all-weather golf cart, with all proceeds going towards plants for the Gardens.
Bookings are essential for the golf cart. Please call (09)4377210 to arrange a day and time. Leave a message if unattended, we will return your call asap.
Kind regards,
David McDermott
General Manager.
Written July 2, 2018
Are the gardens open on Christmas and New Year's?
Written December 6, 2016
Quarry_Gardens
Whangarei, New Zealand
Hi there,
Yes! The gardens are open, but the Cafe is closed from Xmas day until the 4th. So feel free to bring a picnic for your walk :)
Thank you
Written December 7, 2016
good morning.
do we have to pay to enter Garden?
and is garden open on this Labour's day?
thank you.
Written October 20, 2016
The gardens are open daily, including public holidays from 9am. So yes should be open on Labour Day.
There is no set fee but they do ask for a gold coin ($1 or $2) per person. You are of course welcome to give a larger donation.
Written October 21, 2016
JuneStrokeclub
Whangarei, New Zealand
What is the entrance fee now.We come in a group of about ten from the local stroke club?
June Cross
Written February 26, 2016
Quarry_Gardens
Whangarei, New Zealand
Hello June,
We ask for a gold coin donation ($2) for entry to the Gardens. All proceeds go directly into developing our subtropical oasis!
WQG Crew
Written March 2, 2016
Quarry_Gardens
Whangarei, New Zealand
Hi Kath,
Quail Cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mon/Tue) from 9am - 3pm.
Cheers
WQG Crew
Written March 20, 2016
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