
Kiwi North Museum & Kiwi House
Discover New Zealand's native kiwi and Northland's rich history at this unique museum and heritage park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Kiwi feeding times

Kiwi North Museum & Kiwi House
Best Time
Kiwi feeding times

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover New Zealand's native kiwi and Northland's rich history at this unique museum and heritage park.
"Amazing experience seeing the kiwi & learning from the love staff!"

🎯 Patience for Kiwi Sightings
Allow 5-10 mins for eyes to adjust in the dark kiwi house. Feeding times (11am/3pm) are best!
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Miniature trains are a hit! Big steam train runs on select Sundays. Great for families!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kiwi House Viewing
Kiwi Enclosure
Witness the shy, nocturnal kiwi in a specially designed, dimly lit habitat. Feeding times offer the best chance to see them active.

Miniature Train Rides
Heritage Park Grounds
Enjoy charming rides on miniature steam and electric trains, a delightful experience for all ages. Check for special steam train days.

Heritage Buildings & Museum
Heritage Park
Step back in time exploring 19th-century buildings and artifacts, including a complete Moa skeleton.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Kiwi Encounters
Embrace the Heritage and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Patience for Kiwi Sightings
Allow 5-10 mins for eyes to adjust in the dark kiwi house. Feeding times (11am/3pm) are best!
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Miniature trains are a hit! Big steam train runs on select Sundays. Great for families!
💖 Support Wildlife Conservation
Donations are vital for their animal hospital and rehabilitation efforts. Give generously!
🗺️ Local Area Tips
Friendly staff at reception offer great local recommendations. Ask them!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Patience for Kiwi Sightings
Allow 5-10 mins for eyes to adjust in the dark kiwi house. Feeding times (11am/3pm) are best!
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Miniature trains are a hit! Big steam train runs on select Sundays. Great for families!
💖 Support Wildlife Conservation
Donations are vital for their animal hospital and rehabilitation efforts. Give generously!
🗺️ Local Area Tips
Friendly staff at reception offer great local recommendations. Ask them!
📸 No Photos in Kiwi Room
Photography is restricted in the kiwi enclosure to protect the birds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kiwi North for its unique combination of native wildlife viewing, particularly the elusive kiwi, and its rich historical exhibits. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially the rangers, are frequently highlighted for enhancing the experience. While the kiwi viewing requires patience, the overall atmosphere and the chance to support conservation efforts make it a rewarding visit for families and nature lovers alike.
"Checked out the kiwi they had, best time is feeding time 11am or 3pm, have to let your eyes adjust for at least 5 minutes, took kids to the miniature trains, loved it, also big steam train everyone can climb aboard, runs I think every 3rd Sunday, well worth it, good family day."
mob-i-phone Smartphone repair
"This place is amazing! I love the work that they do for the animals there !! They have a hospital and I take care of any sick or injured animal. And then they free them to the wild. We were so lucky to get to see a low bird !! We were able to touch it and take pictures and videos!! They work by donation!! Please make sure you donate what you can !!"
Obie Peralta
"We had a really lovely time here. The lady on the front desk gave us loads of recommendations of what to do in the local area and the ranger was amazing. He answered so many questions, tried to help us find all the animals and was so polite. Very informative and friendly, he really knew his stuff! We weren’t allowed to take pictures in the Kiwi room but we spent 20+ minutes watching him run around the enclosure. He even pecked at the window right by our faces! 🥹"
Emily Turoczy-Eggins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kiwi North is located in Whangarei, Northland. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If you're coming from Auckland, it's about a 2-hour drive north. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended for flexibility.
Yes, Kiwi North can be a great day trip from Auckland, though it's a bit of a drive. Many visitors combine it with other Whangarei attractions. Consider an early start to make the most of your day.
There is generally ample parking available at Kiwi North, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. This is a common point of ease mentioned by visitors.
While specific bus routes can vary, public transport to Whangarei is available. However, once in Whangarei, getting directly to Kiwi North might require a local bus or taxi, making a car the most straightforward option.
The grounds are quite extensive, but many of the heritage buildings and exhibits are accessible. It's advisable to check directly with the museum regarding specific accessibility for all areas, especially the Kiwi House.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kiwi North is typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current opening times before your visit.
Admission fees apply, with prices often around $25 for adults, though this can change. Family packages may be available. It's recommended to verify current pricing on their website.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or children. It's worth inquiring at the front desk or checking their website for any special offers or concession rates.
While not always explicitly stated, many attractions offer online booking for convenience. Check the official Kiwi North website to see if advance ticket purchase is an option to save time.
To avoid queues, consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays. Purchasing tickets in advance online, if available, can also streamline your entry process.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to see the kiwi is to attend the scheduled feeding times, typically around 11 AM and 3 PM. Be patient, allow your eyes to adjust to the dim light, and spend at least 20 minutes in the enclosure.
Yes, besides kiwis, you might also find geckos and other native insects in dedicated enclosures. The focus is on native New Zealand wildlife.
Kiwi North features a museum with historical artifacts and several 19th-century buildings that have been relocated to the site, offering a glimpse into Northland's past. A complete Moa skeleton is a notable exhibit.
The miniature trains operate regularly, and the larger steam train is often available on the third Sunday of the month. It's advisable to confirm the train schedule upon arrival, especially if the steam train is a priority.
While specific dining options can change, there might be a cafe or kiosk on-site. It's also a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Kiwi House to protect the sensitive nocturnal birds. This is a common rule to ensure the well-being of the kiwis.
The heritage buildings, the steam train, and the surrounding parkland offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the charm of the miniature trains and the historical architecture.
Generally, photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and the museum exhibits, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal for the Kiwi House (though no photos allowed). For the heritage park, a standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a kit lens will suffice for most shots.
The chance to see a kiwi up close (even without photos) is unique. The miniature trains and the historical setting also provide charming, nostalgic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the animals and trains, the heritage buildings offer a chance for imaginative play, letting kids explore and pretend they're living in the past. Consider visiting on a Sunday if the large steam train is running for an extra special treat. Pack snacks and drinks, as exploring the grounds can take a good portion of the day.
💖 Wildlife Enthusiasts & Conservation Supporters
Crucially, this is a place where you can actively support conservation efforts. The on-site animal hospital rehabilitates sick and injured native wildlife, with a focus on releasing them back into the wild. Your donations directly contribute to this vital work, making your visit a meaningful act of support for New Zealand's natural heritage.
🕰️ History Buffs & Heritage Seekers
Combine your historical exploration with a ride on the miniature trains for a charming and nostalgic experience. The entire park provides a rich tapestry of Northland's heritage, making it an engaging visit for anyone interested in history and culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elusive Kiwi: A Nocturnal Wonder
Kiwi North plays a crucial role in the conservation of these endangered native birds. They often house injured or sick kiwis in their hospital, with the goal of rehabilitating them and releasing them back into the wild. This dedication to conservation is a significant aspect of the visitor experience and a reason why donations are so highly valued.
Beyond the kiwi, the facility may also house other native reptiles like geckos, offering a broader glimpse into New Zealand's unique fauna. These smaller enclosures provide further opportunities to learn about the country's biodiversity.
Stepping Back in Time: Heritage Park and Museum
The museum itself houses a variety of artifacts and exhibits that delve deeper into Northland's history, from Māori culture to colonial times. A particularly impressive exhibit is the complete skeleton of a Moa, a giant extinct bird native to New Zealand. This provides a fascinating educational opportunity, especially for families and those interested in natural history.
A major draw for families and train enthusiasts is the miniature railway. These charming trains offer rides around the heritage park, adding a fun and nostalgic element to the visit. On select Sundays, a larger steam train may also be operational, providing a more immersive historical experience.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit