A STEP BACK IN TIME
18 SEPTEMBER 2022
Waiting for our train to return to station
So Much More Than Steam Trains
We had one month left before we left Northland and we absolutely had to go to the Heritage Park in Whangarei and go for a ride on the steam trains!
Most of our adventures are hikes, walks, beach days and spelunking (ok, we have been 3 times, but it's a fun word to say!) so it's nice to do something a bit different with the kids. It even felt weird going inside some of the buildings as we spend so much of our day outside!
The Heritage Park is huge and there is so much to see, you really need a whole day here! We didn't realise how much there was to do and we wish we had more time to spend there. On the grounds is the steam train rides, a tractor hay bale ride, an education centre, Kiwi house and so many historic buildings.
Parking was a pain as it was absolutely packed and by the time we got there at 10:30am, most of the parks had been taken. We managed to find one near the Clarke Homestead which was only a hundred meters away from the action which was great.
The park is a lot of fun for kids as there is a huge amount to see and interact with. On our way to the big steam train, we passed a Blacksmith's Shop which was a replica of what one would have looked like as a working shop, in the 1800s and early 1900s. You can't step inside, but there are huge barn like doors that give you a great view of everything going on in there.
Most of our adventures are hikes, walks, beach days and spelunking (ok, we have been 3 times, but it's a fun word to say!) so it's nice to do something a bit different with the kids. It even felt weird going inside some of the buildings as we spend so much of our day outside!
The Heritage Park is huge and there is so much to see, you really need a whole day here! We didn't realise how much there was to do and we wish we had more time to spend there. On the grounds is the steam train rides, a tractor hay bale ride, an education centre, Kiwi house and so many historic buildings.
Parking was a pain as it was absolutely packed and by the time we got there at 10:30am, most of the parks had been taken. We managed to find one near the Clarke Homestead which was only a hundred meters away from the action which was great.
The park is a lot of fun for kids as there is a huge amount to see and interact with. On our way to the big steam train, we passed a Blacksmith's Shop which was a replica of what one would have looked like as a working shop, in the 1800s and early 1900s. You can't step inside, but there are huge barn like doors that give you a great view of everything going on in there.
The Oruaiti Chapel
The Blacksmith's Shop
The Blacksmith's Shop is a replica from the 1800s - early 1900s
All Things Jazz
The Heritage Park was bustling with crowds of people waiting for rides, looking at the displays and walking to their next destination. It was a hot and sunny day, so it was no surprise that it was so busy.
The Red Arrows Dixie Band was playing 1920s music inside one of the stationary train carts. The music was great, fun and something a little bit different. It was nice to listen to them while we were buying out tickets and waiting for our train - it went with the vintage theme.
The Red Arrows Dixie Band was playing 1920s music inside one of the stationary train carts. The music was great, fun and something a little bit different. It was nice to listen to them while we were buying out tickets and waiting for our train - it went with the vintage theme.
On our way to buy train tickets
The Red Arrow Dixie Band
Choo choo!
There's Entertainment While You Wait
The 1920s music is just part of the entertainment while you wait for your train to arrive back at station. To the left of the ticket office is a room full of miniature trains zooming around on tracks, which have been donated by train enthusiasts. The exhibits are 78 - 156 times smaller than real life!
The train usually takes around 15 minutes to go to wherever it goes and back again, so taking the kids into the model room was a great way to kill some time.
There are loads of trains set up on different exhibits and Sienna was VERY excited when she spotted Percy from Thomas the Tank Engine! Some of the displays had comical things in them, like one had a car crashed into a white picket fence.
The room isn't huge, but it has been laid out perfectly that a lot of people can fit in at a time and see the displays. There are even stools dotted around the place so the little ones can sit and enjoy.
The train usually takes around 15 minutes to go to wherever it goes and back again, so taking the kids into the model room was a great way to kill some time.
There are loads of trains set up on different exhibits and Sienna was VERY excited when she spotted Percy from Thomas the Tank Engine! Some of the displays had comical things in them, like one had a car crashed into a white picket fence.
The room isn't huge, but it has been laid out perfectly that a lot of people can fit in at a time and see the displays. There are even stools dotted around the place so the little ones can sit and enjoy.
This was the perfect way to kill time
Check out the mini car crash
The polar express
It's Choo Choo Time!
Boarding the train was quick and easy and we didn't have to wait long until it departed. There were bench seats all along the the carts and you were free to stand on them if you wanted to - perfect for the little ones who can't see over the top of the rail!
The train ride was a lot fun for us all. When we were seated, the trail whistled and we set off down the tracks to no idea where. The girls had a lot of fun sticking their hands over the rail and trying to catch tree leaves as we passed by - we just had to make sure they didn't catch a branch instead as there were a lot sticking out.
The train passed by a lot of trees, there's not much to see but the fun is in just being on a train and moving along.
We ended up at another station about 5 or so minutes up the track so people could get on and off to catch another train. We weren't aware there was another train at the end of the track that we could catch, but it looked like a comfy ride!
The train ride took around 15-minutes and it was a there and back kinda deal and we're glad we took the time to go to the Heritage Park. This ride only cost $10 for all 4 of us which is a great price. This train is run by the Whangarei Steam and Model Railway Club, from 10am - 3pm every 3rd sunday, on Kiwi North event days and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the school holidays.
The train ride was a lot fun for us all. When we were seated, the trail whistled and we set off down the tracks to no idea where. The girls had a lot of fun sticking their hands over the rail and trying to catch tree leaves as we passed by - we just had to make sure they didn't catch a branch instead as there were a lot sticking out.
The train passed by a lot of trees, there's not much to see but the fun is in just being on a train and moving along.
We ended up at another station about 5 or so minutes up the track so people could get on and off to catch another train. We weren't aware there was another train at the end of the track that we could catch, but it looked like a comfy ride!
The train ride took around 15-minutes and it was a there and back kinda deal and we're glad we took the time to go to the Heritage Park. This ride only cost $10 for all 4 of us which is a great price. This train is run by the Whangarei Steam and Model Railway Club, from 10am - 3pm every 3rd sunday, on Kiwi North event days and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the school holidays.
Man, it is hard to get a photo of us all smiling into the camera!
Heading away from the station
Watch out for those pesky branches
Railway Memorabilia Museum
To the right of the ticket office is the Railway Memorabilia Museum, two small rooms filled with interesting and historic items.
The rooms are set up so that you can interact with the items which is pretty cool because not a lot of museums allow this (reminds us of the Matakohe Kauri Museum)!
The first room has shelves full of vintage signal lamps in various sizes and shapes and each one is named so it's easy to learn a bit more about them. There is also train memorabilia and photos of old locomotives.
The second room is a lot smaller and has more train memorabilia and a couple of tablet machines. These tablet machines were used for single sections of railway tracks. A round tablet was inserted into the machine so it locks the other stations tablet machine so that no other trains can run on that section of line without the tablet for that section.
The rooms are set up so that you can interact with the items which is pretty cool because not a lot of museums allow this (reminds us of the Matakohe Kauri Museum)!
The first room has shelves full of vintage signal lamps in various sizes and shapes and each one is named so it's easy to learn a bit more about them. There is also train memorabilia and photos of old locomotives.
The second room is a lot smaller and has more train memorabilia and a couple of tablet machines. These tablet machines were used for single sections of railway tracks. A round tablet was inserted into the machine so it locks the other stations tablet machine so that no other trains can run on that section of line without the tablet for that section.
The entrance to the tiny museum
The museum had great train memorabilia
Train tablet machine
Barbie And Ken Were Driving The Train!
The line for the miniature trains was quite long but there were 5 trains running so it wasn't a huge wait which was a relief because it was a super-hot spring day. The girls were soooo excited - this is what they had been waiting for all week!
You can imagine Bella's absolute excitement when she saw Barbie and Ken driving one of the trains! They were in the front of one of the trains, behind the glass and the girls thought it was absolutely hilarious.
Some of the trains are genuine steam trains and we watched a conductor shovel coal into one of the mini steam trains which we thought was so cool.
We were first in line by the time our train pulled up so we talked about where the first place to sit was - turns out that was a waste of time because we got told to sit in the front (yes sir). We rode on the Kiwi Rail miniature train which had 3 carriages that seated 4 people on each carriage.
You can imagine Bella's absolute excitement when she saw Barbie and Ken driving one of the trains! They were in the front of one of the trains, behind the glass and the girls thought it was absolutely hilarious.
Some of the trains are genuine steam trains and we watched a conductor shovel coal into one of the mini steam trains which we thought was so cool.
We were first in line by the time our train pulled up so we talked about where the first place to sit was - turns out that was a waste of time because we got told to sit in the front (yes sir). We rode on the Kiwi Rail miniature train which had 3 carriages that seated 4 people on each carriage.
Even though there was a long line, it moved quickly because there were lots of trains running
The KiwiRail train we went for a ride on
This guy loved his job
The Girls Were So Excited
We had no idea where we were going or how long the ride would take, we just knew that we HAD to go, according to the girls! It was a 10ish minute ride with a lot more to look at than on the bigger train.
The train took us around a hill, past a couple of stations and through a tunnel which the girls thought was AWESOME!! The train was slow enough to enjoy the views along the way and for the kids to feel like they had a long enough ride, which was around 10 minutes.
All of the volunteers were super friendly and you can tell they have a huge passion for what they do.
The miniature trains are run by volunteers from the Whangarei Model Engineering Club. They run the trains every 3rd Sunday from 10am - 2pm, on Kiwi North event days and on Wednesdays during school holidays. We paid $8 for all 4 of us to go on the miniature train.
The train took us around a hill, past a couple of stations and through a tunnel which the girls thought was AWESOME!! The train was slow enough to enjoy the views along the way and for the kids to feel like they had a long enough ride, which was around 10 minutes.
All of the volunteers were super friendly and you can tell they have a huge passion for what they do.
The miniature trains are run by volunteers from the Whangarei Model Engineering Club. They run the trains every 3rd Sunday from 10am - 2pm, on Kiwi North event days and on Wednesdays during school holidays. We paid $8 for all 4 of us to go on the miniature train.
Bella got to sit right up front!
We had no idea we would be going through a tunnel
Our station where we got off the train
Gemstones And Rocks - Bella's Favourite Things!
We saw a sign for gemstones and of coooourse Bella HAD to go and check them out (it was a matter of life and death, you know!). We came to a small building which had a room full of gemstones and rocks that had been collected.
We didn't find them overly interesting but there was one super interesting thing that the kids really enjoyed and that was the fluorescent display. It was set on a small table which was perfect for little people to look in and see the rocks inside. There were a bunch of rocks that showed visible light when they were exposed to the UV light.
By the shop counter there was a lucky dip for $1.50 which the kids got a turn at. They ended up getting two small rocks in a cute material bag.
Just as we were leaving, we spotted a miniature version of the gem shop, which was so cute! It accurately portrayed it and we bet someone had a lot of fun making it.
We didn't find them overly interesting but there was one super interesting thing that the kids really enjoyed and that was the fluorescent display. It was set on a small table which was perfect for little people to look in and see the rocks inside. There were a bunch of rocks that showed visible light when they were exposed to the UV light.
By the shop counter there was a lucky dip for $1.50 which the kids got a turn at. They ended up getting two small rocks in a cute material bag.
Just as we were leaving, we spotted a miniature version of the gem shop, which was so cute! It accurately portrayed it and we bet someone had a lot of fun making it.
Sienna looking through the fluorescent display
There was a pretty impressive collection of the rocks
A super cute miniature display of the shop
Rock And Mineral Shop
The rest of our time at the Heritage Park was spent looking at some of the old buildings and seeing what else there was to do. We wanted to go on the tractor hayride but unfortunately they only took cash and we didn't have enough left and we couldn't find anywhere to get any out.
We found a sausage sizzle, randomly at the end of the park in a big shed that had lots of vintage tractors. We had enough money to buy one, so the girls had one to share - again, make sure you bring cash! A super nice lady actually paid for a second one so the girls ended up getting one each, they were so grateful!
The highlight at the end of our visit to the park was Bella trying to use a water fountain to get a drink. She couldn't hold the button down and have a drink - she tried for nearly 2 minutes and we were all cracking up! I thought I had filmed it but I forgot to press record, boo.
We found a sausage sizzle, randomly at the end of the park in a big shed that had lots of vintage tractors. We had enough money to buy one, so the girls had one to share - again, make sure you bring cash! A super nice lady actually paid for a second one so the girls ended up getting one each, they were so grateful!
The highlight at the end of our visit to the park was Bella trying to use a water fountain to get a drink. She couldn't hold the button down and have a drink - she tried for nearly 2 minutes and we were all cracking up! I thought I had filmed it but I forgot to press record, boo.
There's so much to do at Heritage Park
Down the end of the park is a shed full of old machinery
There's so much interactive stuff to play with
Know Before You Go
- Take cash, as some of the attractions don't have eftpos machines
- The train rides only run on specific days and times and if the weather's bad, they might not run. Click here to see the list of clubs and their contact details
- Wd didn't see any food places there (but there could be) so take food and water
- The rides are all age friendly
- The parking at Gate 2 is limited
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
Kiwi North Heritage Park is on State Highway 14. When special events are on, you can park at Gate 2 otherwise you'll want to head to Gate 1 - it's well sign posted. Only a very quick 10 minute drive from Whangarei township and just over 2 hours drive from Auckland CBD ( it's worth the drive! )
Want to see how far away it is from where you are right now? Click here to be taken to google maps.
Want to see how far away it is from where you are right now? Click here to be taken to google maps.
Conclusion
The Heritage Park is full of so many attractions to keep everyone entertained. It's worth going on the weekend when the trains are running as this is definitely the highlight of the park! There is more to do at the park like seeing kiwi at the Kiwi House and visiting the Whangarei Museum. Enjoying the live music was a blast and just added to a very exciting and authentic feel to our trip. This was great value for money and highly recommended for kids.
Gallery of the Heritage Park Train Rides
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in Whangarei
SMUGGLERS BAY BEACH
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WHANGAREI FALLS
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MT MANAIA TRACK
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