Reviews of Dargaville Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi. (Museum) in Dargaville (Northland).

Dargaville Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi

443 Reviews

196 Comments

Museum

Museum

Tourist attraction

32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville 0371, New Zealand

Description

Information of Dargaville Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi, Museum in Dargaville (Northland)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

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Open hours of Dargaville Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi

Popular times

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Reviews of Dargaville Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi

R. D.

Lovely museum right up the top of the hill with beautiful views. Loads of parking for camper vans. Very interesting and well laid out. Good lighting to read about exhibits. We loved the nautical theme throughout. Not too much to look at and great variety of exhibits. Something for everyone. The accordions were an extra as was the clothing. You could easily spend a morning here and stay for a picnic with only birdsong to hear!!

M.

As a New Zealander exploring my own country I found this museum just right. It had variety to keep me interested and not so big it takes all day to get through it. Staff there are very helpful and informative.

B. M.

Probably the most amazing museum I've been in my life. It has literally everything you could imagine in there!! For a little town like this to have a museum with that much collection in there it is pretty incredible. You can easily spend hours at looking at all the stuff. Bit of history about kaury gum, Maori, boats found around there. And lots of other stuff. And the view over the town is quite nice.

J. A.

Great spot and classy museum. I really enjoyed the Gumdiggers huts and the descriptions inside them. The Rainbow Warrior's mast are both outstanding and subtle. Big and bold with a sad but meaningful history. Brave of them to purchase and install them all those years ago.

S. C.

What a fabulous museum, so much history in this area, especially loved the maritime section. Volunteer staff very informative & delightful.

M.

This is one of the best museums in the North Island of New Zealand! Rich exhibit presents all areas of the town’s life and history of people who dag kauri gum. The washing process of the kauri resin is described in detail and shown by working machines. The city was built by immigrants from Croatia and the museum keeps a memory of them. The museum stands on a hill with a scenic view. There is also a campsite - you may stay for a night in your campervan for $15

J. J.

The museum is on top of a hill overlooking the river. Staff very friendly and the museum is informative. It will probably take 30 mins-1 hour to explore. Lots of things to see, all sorts from history to tree cutting, kauri trees, gum trees. Some interesting stuff for the kids to see. The museum is well maintained inspite of being funded by donations only and run mostly by volunteers. The stained glass of the front part is nice. There is a picnic area with tables and seating, also a clean restroom. This is a must see in Dargaville and very near the town center. The drive up the hill is a short drive but can be tricky so slow down.

R. L.

An interesting museum of older artifacts from the area. Something on display for pretty much anyone. Most items were about the local wood industry which was of more interest to me. Definitely worth a visit but was it worth the entrance fee? Probably not.

J. L. S.

Great to see heaps of ancient stuff. Amazing things to know before we have this modern technology and machines.

K. L.

Nicely presented museum with interesting local history ... Nick was my tour guide and kept my attention with great stories about the people and happenings in Dargaville ... The old engines, the historic spade collection and the accordion collection are worth a look if you are in Dargaville ... Could have easily invested more time in the museum, maybe next time.

J. D.

A real.treat to visit. Beautifully laid out with a very varied collection. The introductory video was important in setting the scene for a major group of settlers. Receptionist was very helpful. Thanks. At first reluctant at the price of admission but then astounded at the level of detail in the place.

J. P.

Excellent museum, filled with local history. Nick provided great customer service!!!

D. S.

Super little museum with a great view. Well worth a visit.

E. P.

A cultural town with great atmosphere

W. B.

A must to see just loaded with history. The staff know their stuff & very friendly so go have a look but make sure you have plenty of time as lots to see.

I. J. D.

Went there 20 odd years ago,it's still as good. We take our hats off to all the volunteers 🙋‍♀️ 👏.

k. d. r.

A really fantastic view of the past on the Kauri coast, a must see. 15$ per head, good value. Too much to see, to start taking photos.

V. B.

Wonderful Museum. Lots of exhibits. Well laid out. Rainbow Warrior Masts erected on lawn. Very impressed. Lovely, knowledgeable Staff. Must do.

J. S.

Very well presented exhibits nicely reflecting the history of the area. Particular highlights: the gum diggers exhibits and stories, generational stories of Dalmatian heritage and culture (the accordion collection is a must see!), Rainbow Warrior and maritime exhibits, costumes through the ages.

B. B.

Great setup into the last century's survival of the fittest in this marvelous land...excellent views over dargaville and beyond..

A. D.

We really enjoyed our visit here. You need to allow 2 and 1/2 hours as there is so much to see and read. Our highlight was the Rainbow Warrior's mast erected outside and a display with information inside the museum, in the Maritime section. Lots to view from long ago from childhood toys to medicine. What makes this museum more interesting was the considerable large display about the gum diggers who lived in the local area. All very interesting and a must visit.

D. F.

Went to the piano accordian show up at the museum called 'An American Journey". Great event with many acts of people singing, playing various instruments and acting short parts from musicals. We were given afternoon tea at intermission at no extra cost. Cost was $25 per adult. Is presented to the public to go to each year.

A. B.

Dargaville is a tidy little town up North and is close to the amazing Baylys Beach, Kai Iwi Lakes and Waipoua forest. The photos are taken from Dargaville Museum - a must see if you visit Dargaville.

d. c.

Love love this place me and my friends used to help with the museum

H. S.

We arrived close to closing time and the ladies at the desk were generous in allowing us an extra few minutes beyond closing time. It is well worth visiting and we were appreciative of this gesture. The focus is on the local area and the information is extensive and well presented- we enjoyed noting all the names of the Dalmatian kauri diggers who are now spread around NZ

F. R.

I have learnt about the Rainbow Warrior today. A museum with gumdigger information. Boats of all shapes and many other treasures A lighthouse lamp musical instruments gum digging spades the rainbow masts. Resulting in two teenages ( off their phones ) showing an interest and learning.

F. A.

A nice museum on a special location. You can see the complete surroundings around Dargaville.

P. M.

Well worth the visit. Mobile home water/waste station behind the outdoor toilet block in car park on the left. Be aware one way road so don't drive out the way you came in. 🚗..... Like what I did 🚌🚦😁😁😁😁

L. T.

Enjoyable and informative museum well worth a visit. Liked that there was a miniature railway there to fascinate my 2 year old great grandson

S. s.

Awesome both 5 and 2 year old loved it. Must see and good info. . Kids loved the train the most

S. C.

I love this museum. So many hidden treasures maritime and digging history in abundance.

C. J.

Such an interesting place to visit. Make certain to put a couple of hours aside to take in all the history of nortland. Oh, and do pack a flask of tea or coffee, along with your favourite sandwiches, then sit outside and view the surrounding area from the heights of this lovely museum. Better still, do take a pair of binoculars.

S. a. A. F. a. T.

A must visit for anybody traveling through or living in the area. Fifteen bucks and two or three hours is an easy way to learn about the history of NZ. Really well laid out. Fantastic value. It must have been a massive community effort to put this presentation together.

C. J.

I love the views from the museum, not only down over Dargaville, but along the river South, looking towards Ruawai. Sunrises & sunsets can be beautiful. Photos don't do it justice. Also only on the edge of town. Museum also well worth a visit.

M. F.

Worth the entry fee and more. Fantastic wee museum with friendly staff and some truly amazing exhibits.

N. A.

This is indeed a very unique place and should be on the "must visit" list of those visiting or driving through Dragerville. My visit on the 8th of February 2019 was a memorable one. The museum exudes a friendly personal touch , as the displays here conveys the personal stories of the individuals who lived in and around this town. I must put in a special word of thanks to the lady who was at the reception when we were there. I have never been treated with such courtesy and kindness in any of the places I visited in NZ, as in this place. I wish every museum had some one like her to take care of it's visitors. Many thanks.

A. T.

If you want to know the history of Dargaville this is the place to go. Entry fee is $15 and $12 if you hold a gold card and is worth every penny ! They have assembled a great variety of exhibits and all in good condition. Kauri gum is a very unusual exibit and is displayed in a tall glass cabinet. Take your time you won't be disappointed.

I. T.

Loved the history - it's a bit cold though, so take a jumper!

D. G.

A good place to visit

K. C.

A great place to go and learn some local history of the area, particularly on a working day when the likes of the gum washing machine are working. Fabulous views of Dargaville and the Northern Wairoa river. Good facilities and motorhome parking available overnight too.

J. S.

What a wonderful museum!!! We spent quite a long time there, so much to see and take in. Friendly staff.

S. D.

Very nice little local museum with 2 short videos well worth watching on people & modern Kauri logs.

j.

The history of the area was interesting to learn about. The detail the volunteers paid to the displays were done with skill and care that helped me appriciate how much we take for granted what people in the early days called work. Thanks guys 👍

J. M.

Very impressive collections and all well presented. So much to see, I was quite surprised. If you want a fascinating slice of Kiwi grass-roots history, this is the place.

R. G.

Great genealogy resources as well as stunning maritime displays and history.

C. M.

If I could give it more than five stars I would. A really amazing find, especially away from the main Centers. It would stand on its own among the best international museums of 19th and 20th century everyday life. It is also a true museum in the full meaning of the concept in terms of being a curator of artefacts that tell the history of the past, beautifully displayed in their thousands. No irritating vacuous Interactive Audio Visual junk that you can get through your phone or PC, at all. It is mainly focused on pakeha rather than Maori history although it does have some impressive Maori cultural artefacts. And fully in context it has extensive displays of Kauri related and Maritime history including some totally unique items. If you're a real history buff and love to be able to browse extensive collections you need to spend at least a day here. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

P. P.

With my first attempt to rate the museum, I accidently clicked 2 stars when it should have been five and it seemed at the time too late to change it. The museum is a a credit to the town and all the people who run it. It is well laid out, well displayed with discriptions of the exhibits. It reflects all the unique history of the district. The video of Swamp Kauri recovery was a great introduction. The background music in the gumdiggers section added to the experience. I was born in Te Kopuru so names and photos brought back many memories. I was pleasure to meet Nick who was on duty at the door. We spent over 2 and half hours in the museum. It was a great afternoon.

M. C.

We have learned so much about the culture and ancestors values. Which means a lot to me and my family

B.

An interesting collection of all sorts of old things - some interesting displays. But some really quite random & not so old kitch stuff too. It was expensive for what it was though - e charged$35 for 2 adults &1 cool.

D. E.

Really enjoyed the museum. Learnt alot about the history of the swamp Kauri. Was pleasantly surprised.

S. A.

Full of interesting stuff - a pleasant surprise that a small, regional museum could be so good! Definitely worth a visit.

A. W.

Unexpected little gem with lots of shipwreck history and daily life bits and poeces of the past. Don't forget to walk to the Pa just past the Rainbow Warior mast for a spectacular view. Great place for a picnic

m. k.

Museum definitely worth a visit. Great location, knowledgeable staff and fantastic displays. Great way to learn more about the history of the local area.

L. G.

This was such a great find. Loved this museum a lot. The views are amazing. Please don't miss this.

D. E.

Has lots of photos and paraphernalia from Dargaville's reasonably long significant history. I also attended a family member's funeral here at the main auditorium, which was an appropriate venue although very glary at the middle of the day.

S.

A wonderful look into the past, a definite must see for anyone traveling through.

J. T.

Good range of exhibits. Interesting material. But probably most expensive entry fee in all of NZ $15pp

H. C.

Very interesting, gives a wealth of knowledge which helps define the area

c. s.

Very cool museum, much better than I was expecting for a small town. Cover mostly local history, logging and gum digging, and shipwrecks.

N. B.

Brilliant museum, illustrates the history in a well preserved manner of the region and really provides an amazing insight into the history of Dargaville and the surrounding areas

m. t.

A great collection of local historical articles, and very informative displays on the gum diggers

V. A.

This museum has plenty to give

I. R.

Awesome place, so much bigger than I ever thought. Really recommended. Large collection of gum digging history, nautical artefacts, everyday past living etc.

R. L.

Great place to visit, enjoyed the banter with the receptionist, was my age plus but enjoyed the banter. Will take any visiter of ours to enjoy the excibits which are clean and well maintained. Good job guys.😁😁😁

P. R.

We didn't visit the museum but the public dump station and water supply were great for mobile homes.

M. W.

Country museum with great heritage and local stories. The view from their car park is amazing. Camper park over available.

M. F.

Great museum and well researched history. Perhaps could have more of the Maori history

M.

Lovely views over Dargaville. Good tidy spaces for picnics and photos. Good venue for functions. Lots of good parking.

R. G.

You need plenty of time to enjoy this museum

C. M.

Its a learning experience to go here, displays are not static. You can loose 3 hours easy. What a awesome place to visit

D. H.

Absolutely fascinating presentation of New Zealand's early history. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

M. S.

Very nice museum which gives you in a nutshell a clear idea about the history from all aspects.

F. M.

Great local museum. Lots of work put into making the collections interesting.

M. M.

Lovely museum. Worth a look if you like boats, shipwreaks and would like to learn about kauri gumdigger history

D. S.

Awesome place, full of such history. Some of it I even remember

S. M.

Amazing museum. Well laid out and interactive for kids. The ladys were very helpful

M.

Great local history here. The views are good as well.

R. M.

Good range of exhibits with good amount of interpretive signs, just what you want from a museum.

C. P.

Waikato is not the only jewel in the crown, check this magnificent awa (river) out. This is our jewel in the wilderness, THE KAIPARA, the eels are that huge they have to swim out to sea to turn around!!!

R. M.

Wonderful museum showing Dargavilles history. Worth a look if history or museums are your thing

N. k.

Impressive museum with great collection.

d. l.

Great afternoon at the museum well worth a visit

M. G.

Unbelievable that this place is entirely volunteer run! It is such an impressive museum!

F. “. D. a. H. P.

My Grandfather Mita Wire Paratene was a Wairoa Fisherman Catching a Grouper Giant.

D. S.

Always have to visit when in town. Such a great small museum.

T.

Well set out clean

C. C.

Great spot lovely people running it. Amazing museum. Cheers

K. L.

Lots of interesting History and Great views of Dargaville, the Northern Wairoa River and surrounding area.

J. B. V.

A great little museum but needs a better representation of local Maori history

C. B.

What a great museum- don't miss it if you are in the area.

c. m.

Really interesting. A bit if everything, something of interest for all ages

N. A.

Top place to visit great views n rainbow warrior site

M. N.

Good value for money @ $15.00 entry fee great view awesome resource for the area

R. H.

A big museum with lots of historical information and displays, I enjoyed the local Maritime section.

J. R.

Really cool, lots of different machinary

N. C.

Very pleased that we visited, so worthwhile, & informative, display of items are amazing❤️👍🌻🌺😊

B. D.

Lots of things I had never seen before and found Danks Brothers bottles from soft drink factory ran by grandfather and his brother

T. N.

Historic and full of unheard secrets very interesting and beautiful view

H. A.

Great display and well setup about gum digging and about earlier settler's

E. D.

We used the Lighthouse Function room. Great set up and that view WOW.

S. S.

One of the best museums I have seen.

B.

A fantastic museum. A must do venue if you are in that part of the Island.

R. E.

Interesting history to Dargaville and the immigrants who made the town. Not a lot of information about the local Maori.

S.

If you have the time, do this... the amount of kauri gum and its history was amazing.

M. B.

An excellent place to visit and sample a taste of this area and it's history.

H. C.

4th visit here. It never gets old. Actually it's filled with old stuff but you know what I mean.

S. S.

Neat little place with a good exhibition on Kauri gum digging.

K. L.

Good museum and hilarious health and safety in swamp Kauri video

m. w. S. G.

Great slice of history and improves every time I go there because of the new management

F. C.

Fantastic museum strategically placed on top of the hill.

N.

Because it's beautiful, loads of history of a,truly amazing town.

S. P.

Good place to see.. little bit far but one can.

J.

Shows the wonderful history in Dargaville of the Gum Diggers and the Dalmation people who settled there.

H. &. D. L.

Very interesting to learn about the gum diggers and many other things there.

P. B.

Great place to visit, very helpful and informative staff

J. C.

Well laid out and very easy to get around. Wish we had had more time.

D. T.

This place is known well to having the rainbow worriers mast from its boat.(Only the Aerial Photo's posted by me are photographed by me)

P.

Loved it thanks

L.

Absolutely awesome, very informative and worth the visit.

p.

Great track

o. f.

captures dargavilles beginnings beautifuly..something for everyone and an amazing view

K.

Very interesting 😊

d. S.

Excellent museum with informative static displays.

M. G.

Awesome museum. Thanks

W. B.

Great for visiting and learning about the history of this area

D. B.

Interesting history recollection. Great views of the Brynderwyns and township.

W. D.

Very interesting and informative smallish museum

J. F.

Great place for walking and enjoying river views

C. R.

Great to visit a lot of interesting things to see

G.

Excellent museum run by exceptional staff

D. T.

Very interesting and well set up. A must to see

G. B.

Excellent history of the area delivered by people that know what they are talking about

J. S.

It is great very well done loved the place

M.

Must go there for couple of hours

L. S.

Excellent experience. A bit of everything for everyone

N. W.

Interesting stuff hour n half to wonder thru

L. P.

A lot of similar stuff but full of memories for the older folks.

S.

Fun open day. Lots to see and do.

C. L.

Love visiting this place with family when i come to dargaville.

W. E.

Really so informative with very good displayes

A. J.

A lot of NZ history. Great.

L. F.

Well worth a wander thru history

F.

Very nice view of the city.

B. O.

Great Museum

d. h.

Excellent museum

A. S.

Awesome to see dargiville's past

C.

Well worth a visit

C. M.

Well worth the visit

A.

Great place

N. J.

Very very helpful with Genealogy.

G.

Good place to have a meal

J.

Cheap to rent out and not bad

S.

The gardens are beautiful!!

K.

Had a funeral to attend.

E. D.

An amazing museum.

J.

awesome place very interesting

W. S. v. d.

Awesome museum.

G. N.

Amazing place a must to visit

J. W.

Amazing information about the local area

M.

Fantastic

R. H.

Great have to go back

T.

Awesome views

F.

Awesome place to visit

D.

Great museum

S.

Fantastic

j.

Top rate place

T. D.

Awesome views

J.

Cool

M.

Amazing

D.

Amazing

B.

Excellent

W.

Beautiful

C.

Brilliant surroundings

K. H.

awesomeness history

S. M.

Very interesting

J. H.

Great experience

A.

Beautiful outlook

A. W.

Amazing history

T.

So much history

S.

Great location

G.

Fascinating

J.

(Translated) Of all my New Zealand experiences, Dargaville is definitely in my 25. The museum is pretty cool! (Original) De toutes mes expériencea néozélandaises, Dargaville est certainement dans mon 25. Le musée est pas mal cool!

A.

(Translated) Restore the look of the people who have lived here for two hundred years. There are stories of mining Kauri gum before. There are many things from that year and the room model that created the way of life in the past. It is more fun than expected. And the staff is very friendly! (Original) 還原這一兩百年在這裡生活的人的樣子. 還有以前開採Kauri gum的故事. 好多當年的東西還有打造過去生活樣子的房間模型, 超出期待的有趣. 還有員工很友善！

W.

(Translated) Worth it. Also the view! (Original) Moeite waard. Ook het uitzicht!

H.

(Translated) It is worth visiting the local museum (Original) Es lohnt sich das Heimatmuseum zu besuchen

H.

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