The Kauri Museum, Matakohe

Full credit to the people who made the decision to make a museum in the area of the trees that are truly ours. The museum is outstanding. You could spend all day there with no trouble. The guides are so knowledgeable of everything within and the history of the area.well done.

So much history... parts of the display are interactive. Set out so you can take as little or as much time as you want. Larger than expected... worth stopping to get a feel for what it was like in earlier days in NZ.

Wow. We took a group of kids and they really liked the displays. I saw it for the first time as well. It was great to see the moving machinery, to be able to feel and touch the great polished kauri pieces. We were only there for an hour, but i could have stayed longer. I will be back.

This in an excellent museum, set in picturesque Northland countryside, has grown in both depth and breadth over the years. It's collection focuses on the Kauri tree and the people and processes which transformed these giants if the forest into a range of products from magnificent homes and boardroom tables, to decorative gum, linoleum and varnish. The range of exhibits from the grand homes, boarding houses and bush huts, through the fascinating range of live machinery exhibits, to the wonderful collection of photographs, mean that there will be something for everyone. Anyone hoping to take a look at the entire, beautifully curated, collection should set aside at least two hours. The main museum now stands at the centre of a collection of historical buildings and machibery from the Matakohe area including the Post and Telegraph office, the tiny chapel, and rose garden. Around it are good cafes for those who wish to break their visit for a meal or just coffee.

This is not a half hour museum! It has unique collections rescued from all around the area. If you can’t do it all in one hit, no problem, entry is good over 2 days.