WHANGAREI 20 - 23 SEPTEMBER
Hundertwasser Plus!
CLAPHAM NATIONAL CLOCK MUSEUM
Whangarei’s world-famous clock museum is home to over 2100 clocks and timepieces, making it one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.
"Many Whangarei locals recall with fondness and a chuckle, the inventor, entertainer and practical joker who was Archibald Clapham – or Archie, as he was more commonly known. Archie’s personal collection of around 400 clocks once took up most of his family home. Yorkshire-born Archie, who moved to New Zealand in 1903, was well-known for happily opening his doors to those who wanted to come and see his collection.
Known for his quirky character and sense of humour, Archie’s favourite clocks were the ones that did something unexpected, and made people laugh. Archie’s fun-loving spirit still remains with his unique collection today, at the purpose-built Claphams National Clock Museum in Whangarei’s Town Basin."
HUNDERTWASSER CENTRE
If you wonder why is there a blue tile in the middle of all the green and red tiles at Whangārei's Hundertwasser Art Centre – it was the tiler's decision.
This is what we have all been waiting for! After a nearly 30-year journey, the last authentic Hundertwasser building in the world is finally open to the public and it speaks volumes about the creative journey of the community in Whangārei.
Prosper Northland Trust member Pam Tothill says they (everyone who has worked on the project) have realised their dream with the official opening.
The decision came to continue the project from community-driven fundraising money in 2014.
WHANGAREI FALLS
Otuihau Whangārei Falls is a picturesque 26.3 metre-high waterfall, cascading over basalt cliffs.
You can joy a relatively short circular walk or for a longer walk start from the A H Reed Memorial Park or Hatea River Walkway.
WHANGAREI QUARRY GARDENS
"Whangarei Quarry Gardens is a lush subtropical oasis created by volunteers, in the remnants of a former stone quarry ...The ex-quarry site ... has flourished into well-established gardens that provide a peaceful respite from the busy pace of modern life. Only moments from SH1, the Gardens are a wonderful place to break up the long journey North. Refuel at the cafe and recharge yourself with a walk-in nature. ..With an annual rainfall of 1500-2000 mm per year and New Zealand's highest average temperatures, Northland possesses a truly subtropical climate. At Whangarei Quarry Gardens these climatic conditions, coupled with the shelter provided by the towering walls of the old stone quarry, create an ideal microclimate for growing a diverse range of native and exotic subtropical plants."
We have booked a one-hour golf-cart tour of the garden & our visit will coincide with Sculpture Northland's Sculptures in the Gardens
PACKARD MOTOR MUSEUM
We're lucky, as the museum has closed for Winter, but they're opening it up for our visit.
"Cars, cars, cars and yes say the word motor-cycle sixty-five times and that’s what you’ll find in our collection at the Packard Motor Museum. Four large buildings set on five acres – you can display a lot of vehicles in such a place.
That’s what the late Graeme Craw, founder of the Packard Motor Museum did. Graeme started the collection on his farm at Anawhata, West Auckland and as it grew he shifted it to the Old Montana Winery. Changing circumstances meant another shift and the perfect place became available, part of the Old Northern Co-op Dairy Factory at Maungatapere.
The titles Graeme purchased contained a large storage shed, approximately the size of a football field. Graeme’s wife Moira stood in the empty shed and said ‘It will take him years to fill this,’ but six months later, you guessed it, the shed was full.
Graeme was keen on the history of the Industrial Revolution and how the machinery from this time changed the world. The mission of the museum is to exhibit the changes from this period and over the 20th century. The Packard cars are displayed in such a way to show developments, from the wooden spoked wheels of the early cars, through to the V-eight motors and aero wings of the 1950s vehicles.
Today the collection consists of 60 Packards, as well as other American and English cars, motor-cycles, trucks and military vehicles, steam engines and earthmoving machinery. Visitors are taken through the museum with a tour guide. That way we can tell you our stories and you can share yours.
However, we don’t forget the ladies. Our collections include sewing machines, typewriters (remember those things), a great collection of telephones and some early medical equipment, including a cure-your-head-ache with a self-administered electric shock machine." https://www.packardmuseum.co.nz/news/geraldines-media-article
KIWI NORTH MUSEUM & HERITAGE PARK
BE QUICK TO ENSURE A SEAT ON THIS GREAT GETAWAY!
COST:$1,267.00pp.; $1020,00pp, Twin Share.
(Includes door-to-door transport from Tauranga, accommodation (Kingswood Manor, 3 nights) venue entry.
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CONTACT LYN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT:
PH: (07) 544 1383 or 027 522 4607