Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / North Island / Taranaki Region / Hawera / Tawhiti Museum

Tawhiti Museum, Hawera

4.8

#1 of 14 in Museums in Taranaki Region

Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in local history at Tawhiti Museum, featuring engaging displays of life-size models and figures depicting the area's past. The museum's scenes depict stories of farming, trains, shipping, and other colonial themes. Interactive exhibits let you discover technology through the ages and its impact on local life. Highlights include the Farmpower Wall and the Tawhiti Bush Railway, providing an engaging glimpse into history. The family-friendly attraction also boasts a cafe and museum shop. Using our world travel planner, Hawera attractions like Tawhiti Museum can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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Tawhiti Museum Reviews

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305 reviews

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4.7

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4.8

1,341 likes

By P. S On March 19, 2018

Usually it's pretty hard to get senior students enthusiastic about a museum...but that was totally different this time...Our group of 17 senior students reckons it was the best museum ever and they wa... more »
By I4618GNrichard On February 26, 2018

It is unbelievable that one man Nigel has built all this. Life size people are so realistic. So much stuff from yesteryear,. So educational. And it is huge. So many exhibits,. And many are both humour... more »
By Going_again07 On February 19, 2018

Three hour history lesson that vividly illustrated early European impact on NZ and Maori, the Maori wars and aftermath and life in NZ ‘s rural community during the early half of 20th century. The publ... more »

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By RidingOff On March 3, 2018

We did not spend enough time here it is a must see and very interesting information on the development of Taranaki. The farm machinery and vehicles including a large display of tractors was fantastic. It has a nice cafe for lunch.

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By Gale S On February 5, 2018

What an amazing experience to visit and marvel at history come to life in the exceptional modelling. Loved the water meander through the tribal wars. Worth taking a day trip to visit when in the New Plymouth area.

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By SELWYN PARKER On March 8, 2018

This was a wonderful surprise to discover. Well done as all built by Nigel. Well worth a detour to visit. The walers experience is a must do!

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By Patricia Gibbs On February 18, 2018

Had a great day at the museum, the detail of everything in the display cabinets was just amazing. Had a lovely lunch at the cafe too, nice people and friendly. Would recommend visiting the museum to everyone.

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By dave jennings On March 7, 2018

Outstanding museum. Don't pass through Hawera without visiting. Buy both tickets, don't hesitate. Say hello to the man in the cafe for me.

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