About 7km from Whangarei’s city centre along State Highway 14, Kiwi North brings together three distinct attractions on a single 25-hectare site: Northland’s only nocturnal kiwi house, the Whangarei Museum with its natural history and Māori collections, and a heritage park of restored Victorian buildings. It’s a genuine half-day visit — longer if you’re exploring the grounds — and one of the most complete family destinations in Northland.
Practical Information
| Location | 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei |
| Distance from CBD | ~7km 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 3pm |
| Phone | (09) 438 9630 |
About Kiwi North
The kiwi house is the centrepiece. It’s a nocturnal facility — lights are reversed to keep kiwi active during visitor hours — and is the only kiwi house in Northland. Feeding sessions at 11am and 3pm offer the best chance to see the birds moving around. When kiwi retreat to their burrows between feeds, live-feed cameras let visitors watch them underground. The setting is more intimate than larger kiwi facilities, which some visitors find more engaging.
The Whangarei Museum sits alongside the kiwi house and covers the natural and human history of the region. Collections include a moa skeleton, Māori taonga, and exhibits on local history and ecology. The museum also hosts visiting exhibitions. Alongside the larger galleries, there are cases of geckos, spiders, stick insects, and other live creatures — a draw for younger visitors.
The heritage park spreads across the 25 hectares behind the main buildings. It includes the original 1886 heritage homestead and a cluster of restored Victorian-era structures moved to the site over the years — a smithy, school, and other historic buildings typical of the colonial period. The grounds are spacious enough for children to run around in, and the open farmland and bush setting provides a contrast to the indoor exhibits.
Allow at least two hours for a full visit — more if you want to explore the heritage buildings and grounds thoroughly. The site is 4km from State Highway 1, making it a practical stop on the way through Northland.
What Visitors Say
TripAdvisor reviewers consistently praise the kiwi house staff as knowledgeable and passionate, with many noting it’s the highlight of the visit. Multiple reviewers specifically recommend timing the visit around the 11am or 3pm feeding sessions for the best chance of seeing the kiwi active and close-up. The combination of the museum, live animals, and heritage buildings makes it feel like good value for families.
Rankers visitors highlight the range of what’s included — kiwi, gecko tanks, the moa skeleton, miniature train rides, and the old homestead all in one ticket. Several note it’s worth more than the admission price compared to similar attractions elsewhere in New Zealand.
Where to Learn More
Kiwi North — kiwinorth.co.nz — the official site with current admission prices, opening hours, information on the kiwi house, museum and heritage park, and contact details for group bookings.
Tourism New Zealand — Kiwi North — overview of the attraction with visitor information and context within the broader Northland tourism offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kiwi North?
Kiwi North is a combined attraction at Maunu, west of Whangarei, comprising a nocturnal kiwi house, a regional museum, and a heritage park of restored Victorian buildings — all on a single 25-hectare site.
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 3pm. 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’s 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 you walk the grounds and heritage park thoroughly.
How far is Kiwi North from Whangarei?
About 7km from the city centre on State Highway 14, and approximately 4km from State Highway 1.
For more historical and cultural attractions in Whangarei, see the Historical and Cultural Sites hub. The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre is located on the same site and is free to visit during weekday hours.