Kawakawa's Must-Dos 2022-23

Hundertwasser Memorial Park, Kawakawa © Ruth Lawton

While the Bay of Islands is the quintessential summer destination, it’s rewarding in all seasons for those who appreciate peaceful, uncomplicated days surrounded by beauty.

Hundertwasser Memorial Park

Park Celebrating the life and achievements of Hundertwasser, this bold hub of creativity encompasses a small museum, public artwork, workshops, library and community town square. It’s a wonderful collision of colour and mosaic.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway

A spectacle for visitors and a mild cause of alarm for drivers, this vintage locomotive is the only working railway in Aotearoa that chugs down a State Highway. Trundling right through the town of Kawakawa, you can ride the rails Friday to Sunday from Kawakawa’s historic 1911 train station.

Kawiti Glowworm Caves

Named after their caretakers, the Kawiti family, the Waiomio Glowworm Caves are cradled between rainforest and rocks. And where there be grottos, there be glowworms. Your tour journeys underground through caverns aglow with larvae.

Ruapekapeka Pā

This pā, 20km southeast of Kawakawa is one of the largest and most complex in New Zealand; Ngāpuhi (Māori iwi/ tribe based in Northland) designed it specifically to counter the artillery fire of British forces and the earthworks can still be seen.

Te Rito Marae

Sitting on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail in Moerewa, 10km from Kawakawa. Overnight stays include authentic whakatau (welcome and storytelling) and

Hundertwasser Toilet Block

Celebrated Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser made Kawakawa his second home in the 1970s. His unique creative design is evident in the town’s public toilets, located on the main street; the resulting kaleidoscope of colour and ceramics is well worth the stop.

Hundertwasser mural, Kawakawa © Northland Inc.