Te Puna Quarry Park

This stunning park started life as a quarry more than 100 years ago, where for 70 years 575,000 tons of rock were removed for local works and now thanks to community volunteers it’s a garden paradise suitable for all ages with expansive views across to Matakana Island. I love to see how the human hand has helped turn a wasteland into serene green space. A gold coin donation is welcomed.

I love this place. It’s really unique compared to a lot of the other gardens. They have interesting cacti and succulents, an Australian area, a native Arboretum, a Bonsai corner, a South African area and a Palm Grove. Plus a big drawcard these days is their ever-increasing collection of outdoor sculptures. Art meets nature!

This is a beautful place to visit on a sunny day in the Bay. Volunteers have put years of work into transforming the disused quarry into a beautiful park. There are lots of feature gardens, including a butterfly garden where butterflies fly free, and sculpture art, including a giant dragon, dotted thoughout. Guides to the walking tracks are based at the information kiosk. You’ll find the park at Te Puna (about 10 minutes north of Tauranga on State Highway 2).

Everytime i come here I discover new little paths, trails and secret hidey holes. Simply magical and exciting for everyone from children to adults

The council recently purchased this quarry and have turned it into a really cool National Park and we love to take our kids there to play. There’s a Maori pa at the top and on a nice day you can see White Island and a 360 degree pan of the entire bay. It’s absolutely beautiful!

It's well worth taking the time to drive out here on a sunny day. Volunteers have transformed the old quarry into a beautiful park, including walking tracks winding through gardens. There's an amazing view, sculptures, orchids and a butterfly house. A great place for kids to explore and an option for outdoor weddings.

What a magical discovery!