Gumdiggers Park is a unique heritage and ecological attraction located in Awanui, Northland, New Zealand. Situated approximately 25 kilometers north of Kaitaia on the main route to Cape Reinga, the park offers visitors an immersive experience into the history of kauri gum digging and the ancient buried kauri forests of the region.
The park features an authentic preserved 100-year-old gum field, providing insight into the lives of gumdiggers who worked in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore a recreated gumdiggers’ village, complete with traditional huts made from jute sacks and original equipment used in gum extraction.
One of the park’s highlights is the opportunity to view ancient kauri logs, some over 100,000 years old, which were buried by prehistoric events. These logs offer a tangible connection to the region’s distant past and provide valuable information for scientific studies on climate change and environmental history.
In addition to its historical exhibits, Gumdiggers Park boasts an Eco Trail that winds through regenerating native manuka bush. The trail includes a gecko enclosure, home to the Northland Green Gecko, and offers visitors a chance to learn about the area’s unique flora and fauna.
Gumdiggers Park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:30 pm during winter months. Dogs on a leash are welcome in the park.
