Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / North Island / Northland Region / Matakohe / The Kauri Museum

The Kauri Museum, Matakohe

4.6

Must see · History Museum · Museum

Delve into the history of some of the nation's first European settlers at The Kauri Museum, documenting the profound impact of the local forestry industry. Visit the museum's extensive undercover outdoor grounds, housing an array of artifacts and displays related to the harvesting of indigenous kauri trees and the lives of 19th-century pioneers. You'll find, among other things, sets of kauri-wood furniture, period clothing, a working sawmill, and even a gigantic kauri tree stump. Don't miss the displays detailing the usages of kauri gum, a resin extracted from the trees and turned into intricate artwork, fire starters, and more. Use our Matakohe online trip itinerary planner to add The Kauri Museum and other attractions to your Matakohe vacation plans.

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The Kauri Museum reviews

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814 reviews

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4.6

By fanga607

If you are on vacation in the area, put in on your list of things to do. Museum and collection is impressive, to see it all properly you will need a few hours. We have been to many museums around... more »
By S7014CSmichaelh

We came for an hour but stayed almost three. More than just the history of logging of Kauri and collection of gum, The displays give an amazing insight into early European settlement in NZ in the... more »
By LizziWhaley

This museum is incredible! you need a few hours to see this properly. this was nothing like i expected. The curation and design of the displays transported you back in time, you learn not only about..... more »

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By Grant Bremner

If you call in past the Kauri Museum in Matahohe in the North West of New Zealand you are in for a treat. Detailing the history of the logging industry and life you will be amazed at what is on show. Models depicting real people of the times at work and at play are scattered around the museum and we found them to be very realistic. There are so many interesting artifacts on show you could easily spend the whole day in the museum absorbing all of the visual displays and taking in all of the available information.

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By Rob Russell

VERY worth a visit. A great re-creation of life in early New Zealand, especially in the Northland region. The Kauri Museum depicts the great many ways in which the mighty Kauri tree, as well as it's gum resin, played a central role in many fledgling colonial New Zealand communities.

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By Steve Brown

What an interesting museum, that is well worth a visit to learn about Kauri trees. The building looks tiny from the outside but you can lose yourself in their for hours looking at the Kauri gum, trees and machinery. Suitable for all ages.

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By noel Birchfield

Amazing place well worth a visit. Great value for money. Best museum I've been 2

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By Penny Ross

Fascinating museum lovingly put together. Well worth a visit. The cafe also makes lots of homemade treats .

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