Tawhiti Museum, Hawera

Only had time for the whalers and traders boat ride. Was a cool experience being underground but also a little synthetic. However the machinery museum at the end was very cool with a substantial number of historical tractors and other agricultural machinery on display. Is worth it just for that.

This is surely one of the best attractions in the country! Incredible displays with thousands of miniatures in exceptional detail, all handmade on the premises by one man. The Traders & Whalers boat ride through an eerie cave that depicts scenes from colonial New Zealand is also highly recommended. Put Tawhiti Museum at the top of your must see list.

What a gem of a museum. Amazing exhibits, the work that has gone into them is awesome. Would definitely recommend the "Whalers and Traders" ride, what a great history of the Taranaki region. The only negative would be the prices of the cafe food. $8.00 for a mince pie! Other than that, it's a great place to waste the day.

Make sure you allow plenty of time when visiting this museum, such a lot to see. Plenty of local history to absorb. Amazing displays, a very talented man. Loved the boat ride.

This is an amazing place, a credit to one man's passion to record the history of the early settlers and their trade and conflicts with local Maori and the history of the whalers and traders in the area. The Whaler's and Traders boat ride through time was excellent, you felt like you were really there. Fabulous lifelike models. There is also a train ride but unfortunately we ran out of time, but did manage to have a bite to eat at the great cafe. I feel that this is a hidden gem and should be mentioned in Air New Zealand's in flight magazines so that tourists to NZ can go to experience this local treasure