Te Puna Quarry Park is a magical place of special beauty with walkways, panoramic views, native & exotic trees, specialised gardens, ponds, sculptures, butterfly house, picnic lawns, seats, shelters and fun things to do for children. Moderate fitness required as there are several steep paths. Quarry Park is a public park, open every day all day-light hours. It is managed entirely by volunteers. Admission is free - donations very welcome via Give-A-Little or online. Dogs are allowed on the lead.
Te Puna Quarry Park began in 1997 when volunteers started clearing a dis-used quarry and gradually changed it into a park. It is located in the foothills of the Kaimai ranges, some kilometers north of Tauranga. The 32 hectares area is split in 3 parts: the middle is the well developed park with walkways, sculptures, ponds, etc. The left part (Eastern part) is rugged regenerated native forest, with a lovely waterfall (rain dependent) and walking tracks with basic sign-posts. The third part is still wild and undeveoped.
Te Puna Quarry Park is situated in the hillside, with the top terrace about 80 meters above the carpark level. Reasonable fitness is required for walking to the top terrace; fit people can do that in about 10 minutes. There is plenty to see at lower levels as well. The paths are chips-sealed and are often used by parents with all-terrain pushchairs. Please note that most walking tracks in the forest part (the separate eastern part) are very steep indeed.
An on-site venue ('The Gallery') can be hired for weddings and other celebrations or day-time and evening events. There is also an amazing Amphitheatre suitable for outdoor concerts, rehearsals, functions, weddings, etc.
For all enquiries and bookings please contact Shona via 07-552 4423 or 027-497 3400 or send an email to shonapurves@gmail.com or tepunaquarrypark@gmail.com.
You can become a 'Friend of the Quarry Park' for $30 per year. See contact details above.