Kawakawa
Affectionately known as 'Train Town,' Kawakawa serves as the charming gateway to the Bay of Islands. This small, historic town earned its nickname from the train line that runs right through its heart, a remnant of its past as a vital distribution hub for local coal mines. For a truly unique stop on your itinerary, visit Kawakawa's renowned public toilets. This extraordinary building is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere designed by the famed Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser, a whimsical and colourful masterpiece you won't want to miss. Just 5 km south of town, you can delve into another enchanting world at the Kawiti Glowworm Caves in Waiomio. Here, you'll be mesmerized by thousands of tiny glowworms illuminating the darkness, creating a magical underground experience. Kawakawa offers a delightful blend of quirky charm, fascinating history, and natural wonders, making it a memorable stop on your journey to the Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust is a heritage Steam railway in Kawakawa, home of the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets, in the Bay of Islands region of Northland, New Zealand. The railway at Kawakawa was the North Island’s first railway to be opened and the first to run a rail passenger service in the North Island. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is unique in the world as it is the only working railway in the world where the trains travel down the middle of a State Highway and right through the middle of the town. The star attraction Gabriel, built-in 1927 is a fine example of a working steam engine and is the only one in her class left in the world. Today the railway operates on part of the former Opua track and offers train rides to visitors using both steam and diesel locomotives. See a working vintage steam engine and enjoy a ride through scenic countryside for a unique experience and a great family day out!