Last updated August 2026
About 7km from Whangarei city centre along State Highway 14, Kiwi North combines Northland’s only nocturnal kiwi house, the Whangarei Museum and a heritage park of restored Victorian buildings on a single 25-hectare site. The attraction offers a genuine half-day visit for families and visitors interested in natural history, Māori taonga and colonial heritage. It sits in rolling farmland and bush with views over the city and Whangarei Heads. The combination of live animals, museum collections and outdoor heritage buildings provides a varied experience in one location.
Practical Information
| Location | 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei |
| Distance from CBD | 10 minutes west of Whangarei city centre |
| Hours | 10am–4pm daily (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day) |
| Adult (visitor) | $25 |
| Adult (local resident) | $20 |
| Senior / Student (visitor) | $20 |
| Senior / Student (local) | $15 |
| Child 5+ (visitor) | $10 |
| Child 5+ (local) | $5 |
| Under 5 | Free |
| Family pass (visitor) | $65 (2 adults + 3 children) |
| Family pass (local) | $45 (2 adults + 3 children) |
| Group discount | 10% for groups of 10+ |
| Kiwi feeding times | 11am and 2pm |
| Phone | (09) 438 9630 |
About Kiwi North
The kiwi house forms the centrepiece of the site. It is a nocturnal facility with reversed lighting so the birds remain active during visitor hours. As the only kiwi house in Northland, it provides an intimate viewing experience compared with larger facilities elsewhere. Feeding sessions at 11am and 2pm give the best opportunity to observe the birds, while live-feed cameras allow viewing when they retreat to burrows.
The Whangarei Museum adjoins the kiwi house and presents the natural and human history of the region. Collections include a moa skeleton, Māori taonga from Te Tai Tokerau, and exhibits on local ecology and settler history. Smaller displays feature live geckos, spiders and stick insects that appeal particularly to younger visitors. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
The heritage park occupies the grounds behind the main buildings. It features the original 1886 Glorat homestead and a collection of restored Victorian-era structures relocated to the site, including a smithy and schoolhouse. The 25 hectares of farmland and bush provide space for picnics and exploration, contrasting with the indoor exhibits. The site lies approximately 4km from State Highway 1, offering a convenient stop for travellers heading through Northland.
Kiwi House Experience
Visitors enter a purpose-built nocturnal house where reversed day-night cycles keep the kiwi active. Keeper talks during feeding times explain kiwi behaviour, habitat needs and conservation efforts. The facility supports Northland brown kiwi and contributes to captive management programmes coordinated with the Department of Conservation.
Museum Collections and Exhibits
The museum holds over 80,000 items focused on Northland’s natural history and Māori heritage. Permanent displays cover taonga, early settler life and regional ecology. Educational programmes cater to school groups and international students, with dedicated spaces for environmental sciences and social history.
Heritage Park and Grounds
The heritage park includes Glorat homestead and other relocated colonial buildings. Clubs such as the Northland Vintage Car Club and Whangarei Rock and Gemstone Club maintain displays and activities on site. Train rides operate on selected days, and the open grounds welcome picnics and casual exploration. Dogs are permitted in designated areas under owner control.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers frequently highlight the knowledgeable and passionate staff at the kiwi house, noting that timing visits around the 11am or 2pm feeding sessions provides the best views of active birds. Many appreciate the combination of the museum, live animal displays and heritage buildings as strong value for families.
Visitors often mention the wide range of attractions included in one ticket, including the moa skeleton, gecko tanks, miniature train rides and the historic homestead. Several comment that the experience feels substantial compared with similar attractions elsewhere in New Zealand.
Where to Learn More
Kiwi North official website: Current admission prices, opening hours, kiwi house details, museum information and group booking contacts.
NorthlandNZ listing: Regional tourism overview with visitor information and context for Northland attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kiwi North?
Kiwi North combines a nocturnal kiwi house, the Whangarei Museum and a heritage park of restored Victorian buildings on a 25-hectare site in Maunu, west of Whangarei.
What are Kiwi North’s opening hours?
10am–4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
What does entry to Kiwi North cost?
Visitor adults $25, local adults $20. Children 5+ are $10 visitor or $5 local. A family pass covers 2 adults and 3 children for $65 (visitor) or $45 (local). Under 5s are free.
What time is kiwi feeding at Kiwi North?
Kiwi feeding sessions are at 11am and 2pm. These are the best times to see the birds active in the nocturnal house.
Is Kiwi North the only kiwi house in Northland?
Yes, it is the only nocturnal kiwi house in the Northland region.
How long does a visit to Kiwi North take?
At least two hours to see the kiwi house, museum and heritage buildings. Longer if exploring the grounds thoroughly.
How far is Kiwi North from Whangarei?
About 10 minutes or 7km from the city centre on State Highway 14, and approximately 4km from State Highway 1.
Is there a native bird recovery centre at Kiwi North?
The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre operates on the same site and is free to visit during weekday hours.
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