1 / 3Kiwi North: Museum, Kiwi House and Heritage Park
📍 Maunu, Northland
A low-key Whangārei stop with a kiwi house, museum and heritage park. Best if your kids can handle a bit of patience - there's currently one kiwi to spot, and the volunteer-run train is a hit.
We stumbled in here on the third Sunday of the month, the place was run by people who are passionate about their different traditional craftsmansips. We visited the medicine museum, the tractor workplace, the radio shack and took a ride with a functioning steam train. At the end we also visited the main museum to see the Kiwi bird, here the staff was also very knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend anyone to bring this place a visit.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
This is a lovely low-key stop if your kids can handle a bit of patience - there's currently just one kiwi and you'll need 5-10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark before you spot him foraging.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →818 Google reviews
michiel j
“We stumbled in here on the third Sunday of the month, the place was run by people who are passionate about their different traditional craftsmansips. We visited the medicine museum, the tractor workplace, the radio shack and took a ride with a functioning steam train. At the end we also visited the main museum to see the Kiwi bird, here the staff was also very knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend anyone to bring this place a visit.”
Macro Tourist
“Currently, there is only one Kiwi. It is difficult to spot him - you need to be patient. Probably, it is easier if you can come to the feeding hours at 11am and 3pm. The museum is not about Kiwis. The outside area is nice for a small walk around and the staff is very friendly and gave us lot information about kiwis. The entry price was ok.”
Margaret Bishop
“A visit to the Kiwi House is an absolute MUST when visiting Whangārei. Try to go at feeding time and you'll not only learn plenty about NZ Kiwi, you'll actually see one in a carefully simiulated natural habitat. Other NZ insects, lizards 🦎 and more await your inquiring mind.”
Kim Burns
“Great museum. Thumper the resident kiwi was active, enjoyed watching him fossik around his enclosure. Ladies were helpful and informative. Volunteers on train were super. We parked up for the night there, very quiet and safe spot.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Kiwi House is the drawcard, but there's a catch: currently just one kiwi (Thumper), and you'll need 5-10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark before you spot him fossicking about. Time your visit for the or feeding and you're far more likely to see him in action. Beyond the kiwi there's a proper museum and a heritage park with a volunteer-run train the kids love, plus parking and pram access to keep the day easy.
