Kawakawa / Towai
Kawakawa
Originally known as ‘Irishtown’, Kawakawa is the gateway to the Bay of Islands. Kawakawa is marked by its unique entrance sign, an arch constructed in the style of internationally renowned Frederick Hundertwasser who was an Austrian architect best known for his extravagant use of colour and ceramics in surreally shaped buildings, notably in his native Vienna.
Kawakawa’s claim to fame is the colourful and eccentric Hundertwasser toilet block. This unusual building represents Frederick Hunderwasser’s final public project.
Hundertwasser spent his declining years in New Zealand and came to love the relaxed informality of Kawakawa which allowed him to walk its streets unrecognized. He wished to give something back to the community and when, in 1998, the Kawakawa Community Board decided to upgrade the public toilets, Hundertwasser offered his own design.
In consultation with the Bay of Islands College, students prepared the ceramic tiles which have been used throughout the building. The bricks came from a former Bank of New Zealand building and the finished work, including mosaics, ceramics, bottle glass windows, copper work, gold balls atop the roof, and even the tree growing through the center, are a testament to both the community volunteers who helped construct the building and Frederick Hundertwasser himself.
More about the Hundertwasser Toilets
Visit the Kawakawa Museum located in the historic WWI Memorial Library which has permanent coalmining exhibits, reflecting the town’s coal mining past. Other permanent exhibitions include military, engineering and printing exhibits, as well as an art gallery with 
changing exhibitions. The museum houses a strong military theme, vintage motorcycles and supporting photography collections. Annual events include a Youth Art Expo, Anzac Day exhibition and Transport Expo. Book binding demonstrations are given.
Kawakawa is the only town in New Zealand to boast a railway track through the centre of the commercial area. The history of the railway dates back to the discovery of coal in Kawakawa in 1864. Coal was first transported to the loading port at Taumarere in 1868 utilising a wooden tramway with wagons pulled by horses.
Steel tracks were laid to Taumarere in 1871. This was the first railway line to be opened in the North Island. The railway was extended to Opua in 1884 and led to the development of the Port of Opua as a major outlet for Northland produce including timber, dairy and meat products.
The 13 kilometre rail line between Opua and Kawakawa is not only historic but is also very scenic. It has one 80m long tunnel and 12 bridges including the oldest curved wooden bridge in New Zealand.
Gabriel, the renowned Kawakawa steam engine, was “born” in 1927 in the yards of Pecket & Sons, Bristol, England and came to Kawakawa in 1985.
The train very soon became the icon of the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway and was the joy of children and railway buffs alike as it plied the historic tracks between Kawakawa and Opua.
Major maintenance requirements have meant that the regular trips to Opua by Gabriel have been temporarily suspended. A public fund-raising programme has been initiated to restore Gabriel to full working condition. The Kawakawa station remains open and welcomes visitors.
The Kawiti glow-worm caves at Waiomio boast a galaxy of glow-worm lights, white limestone formations and 12 generations of history.
Moerewa
In Moerewa, one can find an art gallery and weaving workshop, community-owned computer training facilities and a café. There are also Maori crafts and clothing projects in which the products are designed and manufactured by Moerewa residents.
A service town for the surrounding farming industry, Moerewas' main industry is the AFFCO freezing works.
It also boasts a park, children's playground and a skateboard park.
Towai
The small rural community of Towai stands at the main southern gateway to the Far North. Located on State Highway 1, Towai services the local farming community, truck drivers and passing tourist traffic.
The historic Towai Tavern is no ordinary pub. The hotel has made history several times since it was established 133 years ago. Originally it was located close to the old railway station, about a kilometre away from the present site and at the bottom of a steep hill. In 1933, the whole hotel was moved up the hill on rollers. The pulling tractor was the first crawler type tractor to be used in Northland. It took three days to make the move and the bar never closed!
Today the Towai Tavern provides the local farming community and the travelling public refreshment services including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, an ice cream parlour, restaurant and takeaway food services.
Maromaku
Maromaku in its heyday consisted of a tiny stationmaster’s office, a post office and a general store, which served the dairy farms, nestled in the valley. It remains a close community in which farms often remain in the same families for several generations.
Ruapekapeka Pa (The Bat’s Nest)
Ruapekapeka, the site of the last major engagement in the war, was constructed in 1845. Ruapekapeka Pa was purpose built by Te Ruki Kawiti and Hone Heke and specially tailored and designed to counter European warfare. In contrast to traditional pa, Ruapekapeka had no direct strategic or economic importance. It did not guard borders, command important routes of communication, or protect cultivations. This new purpose-built pa was designed singularly with warfare rather than residential purpose in mind.
Area Maps
The maps provided below are only indicative, for detailed area maps you can refer to one of our national online map service providers:
Page created/updated: 5 October 2009 at 3:25 pm
