Quarry Gardens Café

The subtropical Whangarei Quarry Gardens is a project created by local volunteers following the donation of the 1940 Hardie Bro. Stone Quarry to the WDC in 1976. The Visitors Centre and Cafe is a cornerstone of bringing visitors to the gardens as a destination. It was the winning entry in a competition that formed part of the master plan for the gardens. The building needed to capture the sculptural qualities of industrial relics, reflect the massive scale and industrial heritage and honour the garden's huge voluntary effort. The Whangarei Quarry Gardens new building draws on the surrounding landscape for material inspiration and strives to connect visitors to the Gardens beyond. The interior serves as a blank canvas, with views through large openings which capture the gardens. Its multifunctional capability accommodates a meeting room for volunteers, public toilets, a manager’s office, outdoor seating areas, kitchen facilities, and a café.