Reviews of The Kauri Museum. (Museum) in Whangārei (Northland).

The Kauri Museum

1506 Reviews

395 Comments

Museum

Museum

Electric vehicle charging station

Restaurant

Souvenir store

Tourist attraction

5 Church Road, Matakohe 0593, New Zealand

Description

Information of The Kauri Museum, Museum in Whangārei (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%!

Map

Open hours of The Kauri Museum

Popular times

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Reviews of The Kauri Museum

A. d. W.

Simply a MUST SEE museum. I always take my overseas visitors there and they are in awe just like I was. Amazing Kauri Gum displays and life-size saw machines and rooms give an impressive realistic view on what it was in days gone by.

N. K. M.

Impressive, vast and fascinating, even for my teens. 😁 after 4, half price entrance fee, but you really won't do it justice in an hour.

C. S.

Great walk thru, loads of information and good set up

V. B.

Must Do. $25 Gets you a 2 day visitors pass. So much to see & do, I would visit over 2 days. Incredible place, too much to take in over 1st visit, need to spend 2days. 3 good Campgrounds close by. My pick would be Pahi.

K. P.

Awesome museum to visit. This could literally take up half a day with the amount to see inside. Love that they have student discounts as well. Beautiful gift shop which I purchased some earrings. We have loved in Northland for years and we had a fantastic time looking through the museum. Great for locals and tourists!!

M. S.

Great visit - you need plenty of time to see this - beautifully presented exhibits (and lots of them) telling the local history, as well as the history of kauri and gum harvesting. We thoroughly enjoyed it. There's a great little cafe across the road, although it was closed when we were there (late afternoon). Recommended,

T. S.

Stunning place. Good value for money. Fantastic for the whole family. Get ready to spend at least 3 hours exploring. Lots of interactive things that you can push and listen to and watch. A great record of early European history. Activities are on split levels and are also outside. A must for any visitor to the area.

R. D.

Really good place to visit for all ages. Loads to see and do. Don't forget to book in a whole day. Spend the morning there and go to the cafe over the road for lunch and continue your visit afterwards. The rose gardens, church, post office and school house are all worth visiting too. For somewhere to stay check out the motor camp just up the road. Great for motor homes or caravans.

J. S.

A totally absorbing experience, I lost several hours and would have stayed longer had the museum not been closing. Very comprehensive range of exhibits, made real with lifelike recreations, quirky facts, and loving attention to detail. Could be a whole day experience if you have the time.

A. a. M. N.

I haven't been here for 20 yrs. was amazed at how the collection had grown. it was well displayed with good visual supporting photos and video clips. loved the big sawmill in the middle of museum. so interesting we were there for 2.5 hrs could have spent longer but kids had had enough. they had a seek and find activity for the kids which kept them entertained. I was heartened to see the Rintoul collection returned to the museum. very reasonable priced. would go again and recommend to others.

m. o.

Very friendly staff, who told us we could park under pohutukawa trees across the street in the chapel compound so we could keep our car cool. Contents are not exactly exciting but not bad either.

B.

This place is so much bigger then it looks and is truly amazing. Took the child here and all three of us found it really interesting and found so many cool things.

D. H.

Very mixed feelings. The museum is superb, very spacious, well presented and detailed. It's just the subject matter that was so hard to process. The greed and shortsightedness of humans. Only 1% of original Kauri forest survived our onslaught. There is also another 3% regenerating. Favourite display was the hut.

T. S.

My partner would have loved this as he is a carpenter. The museum boasts a huge variety of different timbres, and of course Kauri gum, which looks a bit like solidified amber. You learn about the process people use, how carvings are done. It is amazing. There's a cafe just opposite the entrance and plenty of street parking.

Q. O. L.

Amazing and surprisingly rich equipped museum. It shows the rich history of logging Kauri in New Zealand. In the same time it understood that Kauri needs protection and has a number of initiatives and information available for the young ones. Studying and protecting Kauri is important. Making sure that the ones that are left can live through another 1000 years. The shop is nice and has a great variety of things besides the regular tourist junk that is worth considering buying.

L. E.

On many different levels the Kauri museum is the best, most interactive museum I have experienced in my 50-something years. If I may make a comparison, it would be like a small town local country fair to Disneyland in quality, scope and presentation. One could literally spend a few days in the museum without exhausting all the information exhibited - definitely very worthy of a visit of at least a few hours. What an impact the Kauri tree has had on the life of New Zealand. What a great loss it would be if they became extinct. Let's do all we can to preserve them and their habitat, this amazingly beautiful island home of Aotearoa.

A. M.

What a cool museum, I loved the real boarding house within the museum, so quirky

S. R.

I visited this amazing museum during my Northland trip. The staff at the ticket counter was very friendly and had good customer service skills. I was initially a bit surprised st the ticket price - $25! But trust me, what we get to see is worth much more!!! The museum depicts not only the history of kauri trees, but also about people related to it, Matakohe, the lifestyle of different people in that period - everything! It’s like this museum has frozen time, the whole era of Kauri history and everything related to it! There was so much I learnt regarding everything here. Pete, at the museum talked to us about the annual rings and the role they play to tell about the climate. The souvenir store has some good things to offer. Got myself a little piece of Kauri and gum. Would highly recommend visiting this place! Cheers

C. M.

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.

J. C. (. C.

Very informative museum can spend a whole day or two studying the history of these treasures of New Zealanders

m.

By far the best museum I have visited. The locals have done Northland proud; a must see destination.

M. L. R.

This was totally awesome. To be able to see the kauri wood furniture, and how they worked with the wood in those days. The kauri wood is totally unique.

K. N.

Wow what an amazing museum. So so much to see. Give yourself a good two hours and even then you won't see it all. The trees and their history is so interesting

B. W.

A really well put together museum. Fantastic realistic scenarios of the logging industry. A sad portrayal of hard labour and industry fuelled by a mixture of greed hardship. What Europeans did in the 1860 to 1960 period the Brazilians are now doing in the Amazon.

R. K.

It's a huge museum! Lots of good NZ history. I like how the mannequins are modeled after actual people that have ties with the area.

R.

You won't believe how interesting a tree could be. History before your eyes. Put it 9n your bucket list and allow at least 3 hours.

m.

Amazing history on New Zealand Kauri ❤

S. (.

A bit expensive but well worth a visit. The museum has lots of interesting displays including recreations of historic rooms, detailed mannequins and all, functional machinery, giant saws, and the worlds largest gum collection (like amber but from kauri trees). It's a very nice museum!

M. M.

A lot to visit and explore , recommended, you can use the thickets for couple of days if you're going to stay in the area.

P. B.

Expensive on first impressions, but much more to see than you realise from the outside. Set aside at least 2 hours.

W. F.

Kauri Museum is totally worth the price and there is a ton to see. If you buy a ticket you can visit two days to have enough time to see everything.

C. C.

The Museum is fantastic, the whole experience since you first get inside until you leave is amazing. Detailed, well illuminated, clean, and excellent attention. It's on the Must Go places of New Zealand.

A. C.

There is so much here to see and it is very original and a very important part of New Zealand history.

H. V.

This place Is so awesome we spent up to five hours exploring. The displays took us back in time. So good.

O. J.

Great place! Even got a peice of gum and a small peice of Kauri for only $7! The peice of gum came with instructions on how to clean/polish it.

C. C.

Loved it. Spend the whole day just wondering around. One of the best museums I have visited 👍👌

A. M.

Absolutely fantastic, well worth stopping in. Thoroughly enjoyed allow at least 3 hours

P. M.

This was my first time back to the kauri museum in years and I would recommend that you make sure you put it on the list to visit. The displays were very informative and it was a great day trip with the family. My kids especially enjoyed looking for all the insects in the gum and trying to see who could find the most.

K.

Just amazing!!! Its far bigger than I imagined. So much history, so well preserved, Kauri and other native ' trees' all the way down to bottles used in the past and how they get their colour. Mounted rifle section, kauri gum section which I missed but was told was pretty amazing. loads more. Best place to check this all out at for sure.

A.

Very interesting and informitive.Got some good advice for my piece of kauri gum.

V. S.

$25 for adult. I thought the ticket is expensive, but then I found it totally worth it and the collections are truely amazing. Thanks the Kauri museum!

R. M.

A wonderful museum. Very extensive collection, very well laid out, with clear, readable signage. Lots of fascinating insights into all things Kauri. A great cafe too.

K. O.

Beautifully curated, amazing smell of wood when you enter with a relaxed experience and the shop had good prices of jewellery as well as other kauri items, small and large. Lovely staff and something I don't comment on often, very clean modern bathrooms. Well worth a visit. 5 star.

G.

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.

G. M.

Absolutely mind blowing could have spent all day there. And the cafe across the road the pies are delicious

n. B.

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

F. A.

A special museum, on one hand, They prides themself on the fact that they have already cut down almost all the Kauri trees, on the other hand, the shame that there are almost no Kauri trees anymore. Well a good piece of history about New Zealand.

D.

Great museum to get lost in. Far too much to read if you have kids dragging you along!

G.

2nd black ring is Tane Mahuta. See photo of plaques for details

S.

Awesome place, fantastic exhibits, super friendly staff.

C.

Excellent place to see the Kauri Gum and understand history of the area. Highly recommend

C.

Great museum. A must visit if you are in the area.

M. P.

Very interesting, much bigger place than I thought. Interesting history lesson. Friendly staff, worth the visit.

E. M.

Very nice exposition, history of Kauri logging, gum digging and much more.

A. G.

The museum is much bigger than it looks from the outside! If interested in the history and stories, you could be there for hours! Even just seeing the moving machines are cool if you do nothing else! The old post office, church and school are also there preserved in time! Well worth a visit!

C. C.

Such an awesome museum with lots of different sections on this magnificent species, even for a nz-er.

D.

An amazing museum. Wondered about the lack of Maori history. Pricey at $25 each.

S. W.

Ammazzzing, 2hrs. Worth the time and entrance fee. BEST attraction in Northland. Great record of the history of the place, people and ecology of the time. SAD that this museum is an epitah of a very special tree species, that given Kauri Dieback disease, could most likely be the closing chapter of a very sad tale... with little hope for the future.

S.

Awesome place to go see history of the kauri workers. Great people very helpful Must see .

D.

Still justified as one of the best small museums in the world

A. Z.

Such a wonderful and interesting museum. Worth driving for 2 hours from Auckland. Just amazing. Love learning about nz heritage. Looks small from the outside but huge inside. A cozy cafe nearby. Highly recommended.

M.

A must visit. Absolutely amazing place.

T. T.

What an amazing place, world class museum and such friendly helpful staff

B. B.

A great place to find out local history and more

L.

it is a huge very nice .well done. I've been here 10 years ago this site got bigger than that days. Might bit to big whit a 6 years old one. After all it is nice place.

K. W.

Very nicely laid out and presented. Most of the exhibits are one of the kind in the world. Very courteous staff. Clean wash rooms. Value for money. A must visit before going to see big tree "Tane Mahuta".

r. f.

If you explore the northern part of the North Island with its remaining pockets of Kauri forests - the Kauri Museum - is a must!! Developed and looked after by a group of locals that work as volunteers , it has a huge collection of exhibits featuring the Kauri tree that is being displayed with a lot of love and passion that should not be missed!!!

s. l.

Beautiful location, amazing museum

E. S.

Great museum with a lot of different exhibits not just about Kauri. Entrance fee was $25 but there is a lot to see.

P.

Excellent museum,well worth a visit

S.

This place was HIDDEN GEM!! if you are on your way up north you must make this detour here. The museum has rich history of NZ Kauri lumber industry, the staff are just amazing at helping you out. The gift shop definitely has something worth buying for anyone! This place solely relies on in-house merchandise sales. Their Kauri wood clocks are just out of this world! Clean facilities, nice little cafe. Affordable prices. 10/10 I'd say!! 😄

W. W.

Incredible museum with so many things to see. Many years of hard work has gone into all the different, excellent displays. Well worth the visit.

F. R.

This an awesome, a not to be missed stop. The photos alone are a treasured gimpse into the events around deforestation. The men and equipment for these tasks. The size of the kauri tree on display shows us all why we need to protect our native species plants trees. This museum is a must visit. Please add it to your Northland trip.The people are super inviting and welcoming.

P. M.

This is an amazing museum, machinery in action for all stages of wood processing. Historical stories and so much on kauri gum. (Trish) Me - Really clean toilets good parking and gave me time to check messages as museums are Trish's thing. ☑️🅿️⌚

B.

Very interesting museum

A. F.

Amazing place . Bigger and better than I thought it would be

C.

Brilliant! My third visit and it still captures my interest. I wonder, if any updating or modernisation is being considered? Maybe a clearer acknowledgment of the environmental devastation of gum digging and Kauri logging would be in order?

R. B.

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.

A. P.

Awesome Museum, very big. Lot of thing to see was play with. Loved it

K. S.

Spend a whole day here if you want. Its a little place with a lot on offer..

L. W.

Outstanding museum experience. Excellent displays, photographs and collections of not only Kauri trees, sawmills and gum, but everything relating to settlers life in North NZ. Take good time. You can come and go on your ticket as there is so much to see and a food or drink break may be required.

J. H.

I was impressed by the collection and effort that has been put in. Well worth a visit.

R.

This is an amazing museum. Take your time to absorb all the history and don't forget to look into the post office and the pioneer church. Finish your visit with coffee an a humdinger pasty in the cafe opposite... yummy

C.

Heck of a lot to take in; this gets more interesting and well thought-out the deeper you go into the museum. Quite a professional feel to the curation. Definitely not a duck-in, duck-out kind of place - there's simply so much to see. Coming out the other end I had a whole new respects for how hard life was for settlers here.

I. W.

The displays are excellent and very interesting. My 12yr old grand daughter was very impressed and said she enjoyed it far more than the Auckland Museum.

A.

What a lovely warm and friendly atmosphere. Staff are so friendly. Learning about the importance of Kauri and Kauri gum to NZ was very informative. I could spend all day here

C. K.

It may be in the middle of nowhere but this museum is world class. Of course it is the definitive place for all things kauri, but also there are working sawmills, interviews with nz’s champion wood choppers, and lots of exhibitions of general life in colonial New Zealand. It is huge and you could spend a whole day here. It’s a shame there are no tours to help you take it all in - actually there are, but you need to arrange them specially.

S.

This is the most fantastic museum I have ever seen. It is huge, beautifully kept and immaculate displays. Now a little off the highway to Dargarville, it is well worth stopping to enjoy.

J. M.

This museum is awesome, got lost in here for 3 hours, could have stayed longer.

C.

Worth taking a look

A. R.

Great History. We loved the old telegraph station

D. P.

Really nice museum. It's a must see to understand the importance of the Kauri for New Zealanders.

D. F.

I love this museum. Have been to look at several times over the years. Sometimes they have extra exhibits on display. My favourite is the working sawmill. Love the artifacts and memorabilia. You can easily spend a whole day here. Other buildings surround the museum such as an old school house and an old post office. There is a cafe not far down the road to enjoy a great cuppa.

A.

Best museum I have been to for a while, displays are informative and interactive. Moving displays are awesome and so well done. Definitely not boring!!!

M. B.

This is an excellent museum that covers every aspect of the kauri tree and its timber in a comprehensive and well portrayed way. The obvious topics of its biology, felling and milling are well covered. In addition, the social aspects of all the people involved are well demonstrated using manikins based on real people. Beautiful furniture made from kauri is on display along with a huge collection of gum in its raw, polished and crafted states. My one hour visit was insufficient to see it all.

T.

Have been here many times over the years , each visit is better than the last! Fantastic interactive displays, scavenger hunt for the kids, friendly staff. Highly recommend a visit here!

K.

This museum is amazing. They have covered every aspect of the kauri industry in a captivating and informative manner. Our children thoroughly enjoyed it too.

R. E.

I love this museum. It has such interesting and comprehensive collection of amazing historical photos and exhibits of New Zealand and local families. It's so good to take the kids to so they can understand what went on with all the deforestation, not that long ago!. The workers back then risked their lives on a daily basis in the name of Kauri. Keep up the amazing work.

A.

This is the second time visiting here, this time with family who absolutely loved the place too. There's just so much to see and read about the history of the mighty Kauri and early life in New Zealand. An absolute must do in Northland 👌

P.

A bit price but comprehensive, or read the booklet for 20 UZ$. Modern, clean, great way to deservingly learn about noble Kauri trees.

P.

Absolutely amazing Museum, we throughly enjoyed our visit.

P.

Under rated museum that I'd never even heard of before. It's brilliant and well worth a visit. I'd have spent all day here reading everything if the kids let me!

A. H.

Since we were in the area after a scenic drive and having never been to the The Kauri Museum in Matakohe. We stopped and popped in for a look. I was instantly captured by the post office and the Church and other out buildings. The presentation of this museum is mind blowing from begining to end. I personally wasnt impressed with the price per person to get in, but I am very happy I did. This museum has extensive information regarding all aspects of the early Kauri industry. The displays are well presented and the Machinery is lovingly maintained. I loved all the rooms in the boarding house and the Kauri Gum room. Such gorgeous colours and hues our Kauri Gum can present itself in, and the beautiful heritage pieces of Kauri Cabinetry. What craftsmen. Built to last. I highly recommend stopping at The Kauri Museum.

D.

Very interesting exhibition. Showed all about life in the timber industry in the area. Some huge slabs of Kauri on display. Excellent Kauri gum display. Plenty of parking and big enough for motorhomes. Food and drinks available. Very short deviation from the main highway.

H.

I wish we had planned more time here on our drive to the north as it is packed full of interest and could easily occupy you for several hours. It has an eclectic collection of exhibits and information pieces which are all connected one way or another to the history of the area to which Kauri wood was central for perhaps a hundred years. Much of the wood on display is astoundingly beautiful or astonishing in its sheer size. And the machinery room could have kept me interested much longer than I had available. Goodness knows how they keep everything so clean and well-presented. A wonderful experience, and a terrific shop at the entrance. Delightful front office staff too.

D.

Very interesting. Helpful friendly staff.

S. R.

The kauri museum has amazing moving exibits and an astounding amount of history to go with it

K.

Spent a good couple of hours on our way through, the kids koved the treasure hunt. Allow yourself much longer to see and read all the exhibits.

W. D.

What a wonderful time we had.... we really thought it was incredible. To be perfectly honest , when we rocked up to this little town, and were slugged $25 a head , we initially thought it was a bit much. But it was amazing and will be a highlight of our holiday. It’s huge and wonderfully presented and a credit to those who work and maintain it. It really struck a chord with us as we come from a small town with a strong timber and farming history. If travelling the west coast , allow enough time to visit ( more time than we did as we couldn’t leave and were late to our next destination !!) It’s a must do....

G.

A great collection of historical items that show the times before proper current day chainsaws and trucks. Impressively having a fully period-staged house within under another roof as well.

I. P.

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.

S.

Awesome we'll worth the visit.

G. H.

Excellent museum. Spent more than 4 hours exploring.

S.

This is the most amazing museum. Has things of interest for all ages mainly based around the might Kauri. Be prepared to spend some time there. Entrance fee allows you to come and go all day. We loved it. Came away most satisfied with what we saw and learned. Oh and made a few purchases from the well equipped museum shop as well.

h.

Really good museum with so much interesting stuff despite the depressing topic. Well worth the entry fee. I would have liked a bit more narrative on when and why they stopped logging. Was it a lack of trees left or a realisation that it was wrong? And what is being done to plant new kauri forests and if not why not? Otherwise I would award a 5.

T. U.

This museum requires some time to see everything. Bring at least 2 hours and I would recommend the extra $5 for the afternoon tour to first see the highlights. Because there was so much to digest, the tour helped to keep the focus and receive some interesting background information.

P.

A quirky museum dedicated to the Kauri tree. Extensive range of exhibits showing how the trees were felled and the trunks processed. The samples of Kauri wood on display are very impressive as is the Gum room with an enormous collection of Kauri gum and Amber. On site cafe is basic but serves all the essentials (tea, coffee, pies, sandwiches, ice cream). Definitely worth a visit.

N.

Much more to see than you would think from the outside, and lots of interesting exhibits. Even for someone who is not that keen on museums like me.

d.

Nice museum and good cafe across the street

k.

Really Interesting place with great exhibits. If you get to talk to the lady polishing the gum then do so as she has a wealth of knowledge and so friendly.

Z.

Very nice museum with a distinctive "Kauri" theme, the muse was larger than I expected and you could definitely spend a solid half-day looking at all the intricate models and comprehensively written information panels.

R.

Absolutely incredible museum. As you travel through each themed section feels like a new museum. Bus sized Kauri logs to Kauri gum collections to motorized and functioning wood mill displays. Exceptionally clean and well run, the team obviously takes a great deal of pride in presenting the history of the area and country. Would highly recommend for everyone, with the exception of families with young kids, as there is a lot of ground to cover.

C. M.

It is the most awesome Kauri museum of the area. We spent 3 hours there and were surprised by there collection. And the famous Kiwis from the area too. We are going to go back. As soon as we get another visitor. I think it's important to see the past. They have done a fantastic job with everything.

m.

You can spend hours here ,fantastic place a must see

A.

Staff are great. Museum is always worth stopping at. Such alot of kauri history.

D.

Very educational. Everything about it is well done, right from the time you walk in the door. It is a fascinating depiction of the history of the area. Well worth a visit!

R. J.

I went there when I was a kid. Yesterday I took my daughter and the experience was even better! The museum has grown, the exhibits are wonderful and the staff are friendly and helpful. Definitely worth the drive from Auckland, an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

C.

An amazing place of interest. We are so fortunate to have our country's history on display like this. I encourage everyone who visit to put aside a good half day to wander through the museum so you can take it all in.

G. D.

A history lesson worth taking, a must to do, This is a butter churn built out of Kaure

P.

Institution and must do of any trip up north. Giid mix of history and curios of those that worked the land and these magnificent trees

Y.

Great museum and very friendly lady at the counter. Informative lot of exhibits and photos.

O. W. A. G. S.

Very interesting place. Easily would spend 2 hours plus. We went on a rainy day, so a good indoor activity. Although plenty of strolls of interest connected to the museum outside too, with lovely scenery.

S.

What a truly amazing place. In addition to an excellent overview of the magnificent Kauri tree and the history there were collections of so many other things. My husband particularly enjoyed the chainsaw exhibition😁 We only had a couple of hours to spare which really wasn't time to do it justice but a place not to be missed if you are travelling through NZ Sian UK

c. f.

A very informative museum

D.

Huge history of kauri gum and the early history of European settlers. Allow 2-3 hours for good look. Well worth a stop

A. L.

What an amazing place. Our grand daughter used her first dialing phone here. She loved it. My first phone memory was one that had the little handle you turned around. How far technology has come...

A.

Great place so much to see and explore. Both my boys loved it and they are 6 and 15

L.

Friendly staff, good place to visit to learn about history of the region. Pretty interesting too, take around 3 hours to go through everything in there,!

D.

Cool spot with alot of history

K. H.

Been there now three times over the last thirteen years. always happy to take visitors to see our endangered giants' history through time and economical development if NZ and the hardship connected with the kauri industries. Worth repeat visits to refresh the memory and knowledge. I always find something "new" in the many exhibition rooms. Take your time to wander around!

J. B.

This was an amazing visit i would highly recommend the museum to others. Amazing history an eye opener to how hard it was in every aspect for the settlers. A credit to those who work at keeping the machinery and the hisory alive. Very welcoming experience

M.

Always beautiful there lovely ladies greeting you as soon as you walk in i love the jewlery and the gift shop all the olden day memrobilia behind the glass the gum display beautiful

L.

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.

H.

Most interesting of NZ history, if looking at the one's how made it, by really hard work, risking their life's, possible for other's to build and expanding the country's economy. Show glimts of the life back then. If you're interested in engineering it's a must. Really nice, I recommend this museum. The only negative - audioguide didn't work.

D.

Run by Charitable Trust And totally reliant on Loyal volunteers. I first came here 12 years ago and then again 10 years ago . I was told by my host family that the Kauri had undergone massive improvements. I very much enjoyed this 'Hisory of New Zealand and its trees' Museum, on both of my previous visits , so was wondering how The Kauri Museum could be improved ? Well , I'm taking my NZ black cap , off to, the Charitable Trust that runs this, one of a kind, Museum , Now !! The only other Museum , that I was lucky enough to visit in Canada in 2000,was the Dinosaur Museum called , and , that , also completely, immersed me , as the, visitor, in the past . That's what a proper Museum is supposed to do ! Both experiences, left me breathless for more information, please. The Kauri Museum had a, transformative effect , on me, in 2010, 2012 and now in 2020 ! And I've now put my name forward to become a volunteer in September 2020, when I return for 3/4 months. This is how a museum should be run and exhibits exhibited ! A living loving story about the life and times of New Zealand's People.

P.

Most fabulously engaging museum for anyone with the faintest interest in New Zealand history. Kauri trees are almost mythical in their majesty and now elusiveness. The museum captures some of the magic the kings of the forest must have exuded. A truly worthwhile visit to this hidden gem.

K. L.

This is one of the very best museums I have visited! Sadly we only had two hours here which was not enough, it would have been easy to spend twice that time at the Kauri Museum. This museum is is extremely well designed and the displays are interesting, informative and beautiful. The variety included helps give an over all feel for how life must have been for the people living in this area during the time that the kauri trees we being logged and the gum digging industry was active. I very much appreciate the amount of planning and continuing effort that has gone into putting such an extensive collection together in a most accessible way. The collection of historic photos itself was fabulous. As a photographer I spent a lot of time browsing the pictures ... but wished there had been some more information regarding the photographers and maybe some displays of the equipment would really enhance the collection as it would highlight how different photography was then than it is now.

L.

A little off our planned route but really glad we took the time. Lovely museum and lots to see. Really interesting history of logging and the Kauri tree. A must see.

M. C.

I've been a few times and loved it. I really liked their kauri display that was basically a room filled with beautiful and rare kauri gum. I also enjoyed their gift shop and another display with had these big, old, milling machines which are working right there, on the set.

M.

Great place to learn about Kauri and the amazing things you can do with it.

H. T.

Very interesting going back a few years later.... did many a school trip here! Really enjoyed it as an adult & appreciated the effort & detail they have gone to preserve this detail and these memories! Took a 4 yr old, 5 yr old & 8 yr old. They enjoyed it to start with but like any child their attention soon waned😉 Good reminder how beautiful the Kauri tree is & how we need to do our bit to protect it🤗

M.

My 12yr son loved this museum, he and his mates spent almost 2hrs looking

R.

A wonderful surprise to sum it all up. If you love anything mechanical and an antique, this is your place. You can spend all day wondering around. It's so much more than just about trees. Definitely worth the admission price. No regrets here!

M.

Excellent museum. Keep up.the good work.

G.

This is such an interesting place, you can easily spend a whole day here. There is a huge collection of old logging and wood working machinery, as well as many displays of how life was a century ago. It's absolutely amazing to see the size of the Kauri trees, and how they were logged and moved to ports for processing. I also saw how beautiful Kauri gum is, what an eye opener.

S.

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.

J.

Good place to visit. Amazing historical story about the Kauri. Good little shop too, to buy souvenirs.

L.

Awesome Museum. Kauri timber and gum exhibits in mass. Plus Stationary engines aplenty plus other engine and tools displays. Well done to those who put it together. There was also some live engine start-up. Cafe across the road.

R.

Very informative. The lady who works with the Kauri gum is brilliant to talk to, full of knowledge and willing to share.

S. M.

I always see several somethings I have never noticed before, every time we visit. An amazing collection of interesting objects, and a great reminder of the way things were in the earlier stages of NZ. Great gift shop, fantastically helpful staff, this is always a brilliant outing.

P.

Well worth a visit. There for 3hrs. Lot of history. Staff friendly

M.

Amazing museum, absolutely loved our time here. The two ladies on the counter were brilliant and had a great sense of humour as well as being very helpful and informative. The collection is spectacular and very extensive, showcasing everything from the heyday of big kauri in Northland from well presented and beautiful displays of carved kauri gum to complete trunks as they were pulled from the bush by bullock trains. This is a real window into the lives of both colonial European and Maori New Zealanders during this period of our history. These were tough, hardy and ingenious people who could not just buy solutions to their problems at the local hardware shop. Well worth the $25 admission, we spent an afternoon here and barely skimmed the surface, we will definitely go back.

Y.

Thought it was going to be really boring but it was surprisingly intriguing

r. j.

Massive very well presented museum. A real 'eye opener' for all. A real must to embrace the culture, history, successes and struggles of the past. Don't go to the restaurant opposite, rude and no consideration of their guests. Would not have had it not been part of the Grand Pacific Tours.

M.

Rich in local history and extremely well presented with incredible displays. If you like museums you wont be disappointed!

S.

They have an amazing collection of photos of the area and logging activities. Which pale in comparison to the Kauri gum (an entire room), the cuttings from a great number of Kauri logs (average cutting size is 4-5 feet wide, 20 feet long and 4 inches thick, with some obviously larger than average). But all of that is topped by the equipment that was used to work these absolutely massive logs, presented in life like displays with real Kauri logs for scale.

S.

Initially thought the tickets were pricey, but soon found a wide array of impressive exhibitions with a lot of dedication and thought behind them that made the trip worth the time and money.

H. C.

Well worth the visit,well done to the organizers.

R.

You need 2 hours to view this wonderful place. What a treat. So well cared for and the staff take pride in explaining things.

R.

Lots to see. Interesting displays covering local history especially related to milling and processing kauri timber and gum.

J. F.

This place is outstanding, kids loved it too. Has some amazing stuff there to see. I loved the most, how it felt like a bit of a step back in time to be honest!!! Something about old NZ still lingers here. You can almost imagine the gum diggers still chippin away...... Loved it, definitely stop in.

M. F.

My favourite museum. Excellent history of the Gumgiggers of the Far North. Very interactive displays. Large areas to explore. Lovely shop also. Tea rooms in the grounds.

B.

Was here on Live Day, if you are ever so lucky, do come by on this once a year day for an even better than usual experience of the good old days. Was here 4.5yrs ago and it was already a memorable museum.

N.

Amazing displays. Don't cut yourself short here - allow at least half a day. Bring your lunch, or plan to lunch across the road, because you'll regret missing any of this.

A.

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.

L.

Lots and lots and lots to see! Spent a good chunk of a day here. Friendly staff and happy to have a chat. Awe inspiring displays of some truly enormous trees from NZ history.

L.

One of the best museums that I have visited.

T.

Defiantly worth a visit great to see how people did things.. Well set up. With a lot of really interesting facts about machinery and awesome wood samples to see

M.

Sorry, didn't go there to look today, just went there to buy tickets for the Merry May Day Dance next Sat the 5th May. It is to raise funds for exhibit storage for the Museum. Having been to the Museum many times before I would always advise anyone to go and look. Fabulous Museum, a great credit to The Kaipara, and New Zealand.

J. P.

Allow 2-3 hours to see all the highlights .. The dioramas are very detailed, and there's a staggering amount of wood cutting gear on display if you like that kind of thing! The special exhibition will also be of interest to photography geeks.

J.

This museum is a must see! From the life of early settlers to the magnificent kauri tree industry. Allow plenty of time! Good cafe across the road.

R.

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.

P.

You get to see the logging history and the equipment used. Entry price is OK and the gum room is the highlight of the museum and recommended to be visited last.

P.

A lot of stuff to see, maybe too much. It is going in every direction with a lot of information and scenes shown. You learn but you get lost in the mountain of things. Hard to get the structure and enjoy it as it should. Nice to see the old school and post.

D.

Fantastic history, and I very informative good photos, and displays etc everything there is great.

p. w.

Great place to visit. So much about Kauri milling on display. Includes a huge display of amber. The sawmills are also a highlight. I spent 3 hours but could easiky have stayed the whole day.

S.

Bought a lovely pair of earrings for my wife. Reasonably priced.

J. A.

Great displays with an extra dimension added by the models based on local people from founding families in the area. One of the best museums I have seen.

G.

Beautifully set out, even the 8 yr old granddaughter enjoyed it. Well worth the visit 😁

V.

Amazing exhibition and donations of kauri furniture and history finally we all know their value and will protect new growth for future generations in our beautiful country

M.

Great place, heaps to see. It does take 2 to 3 hours to go through it, it is very worth while to do it.

S.

As good as I remember it 25 years ago. Very comprehensive and something for everyone. Just about the best museum I've been to.

A.

An amazing place that you can spend hours at. It's not all about timber, the history, displays, information and staff are all fantastic. Don't by pass thus place.

S.

Lots of rooms to explore. Kept the attention of our 3 kids (6 - 11yo) for over an hour. Excellent

P. D.

Museum well designed, very well made reconstitution (some in action !) which inform about the life and the work in 19th century. The small movies are concise and very clear. Beautiful photos. However the price is too high.

C.

Really interesting museum. It takes 90mins to an hr to go through it. Has a gift shop attached.

C.

Well worth a visit to see how humans systematically flattened and destroyed New Zealand's forests!! Very tidy and pleasant hosts.

w.

Absolutely amazing. Beautiful relics from the past and so much too learn If you are going north this is the best!!!

J.

A really impressive private museum Great on the history of the area. Excellent pioneer displays , the uses of the gum and furniture made from it.

R.

Could consider 5 starts but I preferred not entering the museum due to longer duration of the tour offered. It's by choice. Prefer allotting 3 hours if you are interested in Kauri trees crafts and mechanics.

I.

Wonderful photos of a way of life long past. Amazing ingenuity of people working with timber cutting and processing.

R.

The best Museum of its type. Large, informative, interesting, and interactive.

A.

Lots of History! Worth a visit while heading north

M.

Well worth the $25 entry fee. Unbelievable effort put into the museum.

G.

A place that keeps unfolding with a lot to see. Clear and well laid out. Best priced kauri souvenirs we've seen. Cafe across the road is nice too.

A.

Allow plenty of time. So much to see

P.

Excellent. A MUST visit!

K. P.

Excellent museum. Well worth a visit. Allow plenty of time. Loads to see and read. Coffee shop and good facilities available.

R.

A lot of Kauri resin on display. Many other historical exhibits as well. Good to see that it is all being well cared for. Well worth a visit

J.

Such a cool place! Extremely interesting and informative and beautifully presented.

L.

Aside of the fact it's free, here's where you find how the other half live. You realize just what the Maoris went through in the Gallipoli landings, also how cruel things were during the war. We knew the history through folk music's 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' so for us it's as if we were there with them.

S.

Really interesting place to visit. Lots of information and history about early settlement in Northland. Something for everyone to look at, lots of machinery for the boys, lots of detail and examples of life as an early settler woman.

J.

This is a must visit museum. Just amazing what is in this museum. Allow at least a couple of hours to visit not only the museum but all the village. Museum is very clean.

S.

Absolutely incredible collection of kauri gum and kauri furniture. Wonderful working model of a saw mill. Could easily spend two whole days here.

M. G.

Very well presented, a product of much community involvement and a desire to preserve a unique past. The history of the Kauri industry is fascinating, as is the story of some of NZ's earliest European settlers.

A. C.

This is a little gem of a place, thoroughly enjoyed my visit here, the exhibits are very well curated, a place you could easily spend all day!

V.

This is an excellent museum with some fascinating stories and pieces. It is about the rich history of kauri in the area. Well worth the visit, I spent over 2 hours here.

A.

Allow a bit of time as there is a bit too see here if your interested in this part of history. From period room mockups featuring Kauri furniture to all the old logging gear displayed as it was used.

H.

Must visit experience for all ages, history, technology and ecology coming together to inform, entertain. You will feel you know your country whole lot better, and the Kauri gum collection room is a national treasure.

m.

What a place ,be prepared to spend most off the day there Great Cafe across the road

B. A.

Good place to visit, amazing museum. Great thing that some people donated kauri gum/boats/actual kauri timber /clothes /furniture for other people to see.

A.

Did not expect such a massive museum in such a small, isolated place! Definitely well worth the visit

L.

Amazing, beautiful. A must see. Kauri furniture was stunning. Historic scenes were incredible for their detail. A must visit.

P.

I loved this place. I could have spent the whole day there. Everything was so interesting and the displays were clearly labelled.

W.

What an awesome Museum I loved every moment and saw the whole lot the huge slabs of Kauri are amazing gosh the mahi (work) back in the days would of been hard to get them giant trees out compared to the trees they log today, I hope the Kauri stays around forever so much history in these beautiful giants, the drive from the Bay Of Plenty was so worth it a definite must see 👍

D.

Much bigger and more impressive than we expected. Definitely visit and spend more time there than we were able to - already on our list to come back to soon

B.

Brilliant..👍..providing you like history, and interested in Kauri....great displays...Cafe' across the road is good....though can be a bit up-there in pricing....but good food.

C.

Excellent museum, definitely well worth a visit, could easily have spent many hours wandering around the various rooms.

J.

This is an outright huge museum. It has lots of history about the Kauri trees, but it spreads its roots beyond just the trees and covers a large amount of NZ history. The price was $25 per adult with student or senior citizen discounts available.

A.

Great entertaining museum for kids as well as adults. This place is a s well kept and full as any big budget city museum.

A.

Nice to spend a day at this museum

C.

Do not miss this. I can't believe I have lived in the north for 13 years and this was our first trip. This is one of the best heritage attractions in NZ. Will be back soon.

K.

Brilliant great displays worth visiting

S. S.

Large museum . Could spend a whole day here. Loved the manekins of 'real' people in the displays. Fantastic to see the enormous kauri logs. Will go back again.

T.

Even though it cost $25 per adult. But it's really big and amazing.

G. B.

Very interesting and well-organised museum

P.

A must if you are able too. Tells all about of history when the Kauri trees started to be used for gum and lots more. Amazing items to be seen and experienced

c.

Some great history. We really enjoyed it and the amount of kauri gum is amazing. Never seen so much in one place.

C.

An amazing experience for one and all.amazing stories.and machinery..gotta go...

M.

Absolutely love the history the huge kauri slabs is what got my attention, hard mahi (work) back in the day compared to how they log now, the trees they log today are babies compared to these beauties, loved everything about this museum and I made sure to see the whole lot before our journey home to Bay of Plenty, definitely a must see the drive is worth it.

N.

Well set out with very informative displays. Allow plenty of time there is lot to ser

C.

Just came to buy some gifts to post overseas as all ways the staff were friendly and could not have been nicer I live not far away and am always impressed thanks so much to all the volunteers

D.

Fantastic place. Leave yourself a full day to leisurely go around, alot to take in. Well organised. The volunteer staff we came across new their stuff and were happy to explain things. Thank you great day. Debbie and jackie

D.

Great place to visit, didnt expect it to be so huge and so many things to see. Really worth to pay a visit. Check out the kauri gum collections.

A.

So much interesting stuff! My partner and I arrived at 10:30 and left at 5 when it closed, passing only for lunch across the road. Friendly staff.

N.

Wow! Allow yourself at least a couple hours to see everything. A must see to learn about NZ history. We loved all the interactive bits here.

H.

Interesting museum, beautiful hand crafts.

L.

Such a wonderful place, glad we stopped in on the way home from our weekend in Tinopai

N.

Love the history of the Kaipara area depicted in realistic mannequins & settings The best place to visit for interesting & detailed info around the iconic Kauri tree & the logging industry with working machinery The staff are knowledgeable helpful & friendly Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience ☺️

S.

Highly recommended visit here. Really interesting. Some great exhibits and history.

P.

A brilliant museum, so much to see. Plan to spend most of the day there you won't be disappointed.

I.

Lot of history well worth a visit

B.

A brilliant representation of our history. For me one short vist is not nearly enough! Must return. Bevan

G.

Brilliant capture of early life, settlers and insight on how we built, and modernized this beautiful country of ours. God defend our free land.

M.

Brilliant museum and a must do when seeing Tàne Mahuta to truly appreciate the Kauri and to see how much bigger they got.

M.

What a wonderful place.Loved how authentic it was,the exhibits covering human history of the people that lived and worked in the surrounding areas.Who knew a timber museum could be so interesting and was captivated by the stories of the people that once lived there and the age of the timber buried in the swamps.Thanks also to the lady who have us $5 off each as there was a group of 6 of us.Thank you and keep it up

P.

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

T.

Very worthwhile visiting as great displays of our heritage & history and what our forefathers & foremothers had to go thru.

D.

Worth a visit. Think the entrance fee could be a little less But a lovely place to have a picnic

E.

Excellent museum, we came today the third time and it was a very nice experience.

G.

The museum was great something of interest for everyone we spent hours viewing and reading about everything and it was easy to follow the plan and see everything

A.

This was better than expected...it's enormous...way bigger on the inside...you could come back a couple of times. It's not just a Kauri museum, it's all the industrial culture derived and supported by it....to put it mildly.

m.

It shows you how hard life must have been before today for living and logging, check out the books in the shop. There is a cemetary adjoining the museum which is interesting.

S.

What a great place to learn about the majestic Kauri trees of NZ and industry built around them. Make sure to see one of the few remaining Kauri trees in person!

A.

excellent top classcountry museum well worth the time to visit of great example ot early New Zealand history

B.

Very informative and nicely done. As if one gets transported back to the colonial era. But I found that the fate of those giants were rather sad.

K.

It's a great museum to visit. Very impressive.

K.

Loved the sawmill workshop set up, loved the fact that two of the steam engines were manufactured in Colchester Essex and Leiston in Suffolk both close to my home Ty own.

J.

Amazing, such an amazing collection! Wasn't expecting much, but the museum was amazing!

P.

Amazing place, up there with the best in NZ, cafe across the road 's pretty kool too. 10 points Matakohe. Absolute must see!!!!

H.

This was utterly incredible to go to . Hubby reckoned it was 12/10 ... and I"m sure the kids did too. Thanks so much, was here 20 years ago and loved it just the same :)

S.

What a great museum enjoyed everything on display. Lots of new Zealand history here

G.

How long have you got? Amazing amount of information and exhibits to take in. Well worth the visit.

F.

Enjoy going through the museum i would go again

A.

So much history, looks small from the outside but it's huge inside. Wonderful place to visit.

L.

Not what I expected. Very large and wonderful museum celebrating the kauri tree and all it had to do with settlers and the building of NZ

N.

Always love my visit to The Kauri Museum friendly staff beautifully maintained exibiters and something different each time I go there.

K.

very interesting and informative museum Allow a couple of hours to have a good look

K.

Well worth the drive in. I have been a few times and the volunteers always have something new on display.

L.

Awesome...so much to see! We had to drag ourselves away!

A.

Absolutely amazing! The third time I've been there, still awesome.

C.

This place is a must for everyone. Brilliant.

C.

This place is HUGE! Heaps to see and for and well worth a visit.

A.

Well organised historical exhibits. Interesting exhibits include Gum Tree, Kauri tree sections and heritage and machinery section.

J.

EXCELLENT MUSEUM - plus professional TEMPORARY and touring exhibitions from ART Awards to WOOL and MAGIC LANTERN SHOW (with interactive science of light exhibition for school kids) ..... A LOT BIGGER THAN YOU WILL EXPECT SO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME IN THE DAY TO GO AROUND....LOTS of rooms and different buildings and heaps of very professional displays covering a HUGE area..... In fact it's great to go over the road to the Museum GUMDIGGERS Cafe and refresh yourself then go back in for a second round !! Just needs (even) more details of the events on the website for temporary exhibitions (plus costs to locals etc) so that we don't have to ring up for information details every time we want to go to a temporary exhibition or event, and spend time sifting through the information to find the opening times and entry fees etc. Including relevant things like HOW LONG the Magic lantern show goes for, and what age groups would find it of interest etc, and the costs of the various temporary exhibitions, particularly to locals who may go a number of times during the year. And publicise any reductions for locals - especially if locals can get in free when they bring numbers of their own visitors to see the museum and/or the temporary diaplays at different times during the year (instead of individuals having to ring up to find out how much a given exhibition would cost them - and their visitors - which people DON'T DO - so they DON''T GO ! ANd in this general downturn of NZ economy and tourist downturn - the museum NEEDS ALL THE VISITORS IT CAN GET - SO PLEASE ENCOURAGE LOCALS THIS WAY - we are one of your 3 main sources of visitor numbers/income. )

W.

Excellent couldn't believe how much equipment and displays they have there. It's well worth visiting

P.

So we'll presented, so much history, a credit to all those who contributed and unpaid volunteers who put it all together

I.

Great museum. Well looked after. Lots of interesting displays and information.

D.

One of my favorite places to go NZ, it's amazing to see what NZ was built on and the majestic giants that once rules

P.

A wealth of information displayed in a very easy to understand format. The kauri trees were clearly the giants of the forest and we are worse off for their thinning out.

C.

One of the best in new Zealand

M.

Great time , needed to spend more time there, loved all the old machinery, so glad a live nowadays and not back then..

S.

So beautifully made and exhibits amazing!! Definitely worth the visit :)

J.

Lovely friendly people a must to visit

g.

Interesting displays and lovely helpful staff.

J.

Great, big museum with lots and lots to look at. So far the best museum I have visited in New Zealand.

A.

Excellent place. So we'll done.

S.

Very nice museum. Massive kauri tree logs. Glimpse of the history of kauri trees, its gum and life of people in that era.

J.

Fascinating. There's so much more here than you would expect.

C.

Gumdiggers Cafe is a great spot to stop for coffee and snack or lunch on the go. Friendly people and accommodating.

M.

Fantastic museum, impressive and lots of fun to visit.

d.

A must see for all people great day very nice staff as well

M.

It's a lovely place with a lot of history

T.

Amazing glimpse of history

E.

Awesome place to so much History a must see if you in the area,and for a coffee and food go to Gumdiggers across the road.

V.

Fabulous place. So interesting and the guide Pete was outstanding.

M.

Fantastic museum, impressive and lots of fun to visit.

L.

Aside of the fact it's free, here's where you find how the other half live. You realize just what the Maoris went through in the Gallipoli landings, also how cruel things were during the war. We knew the history through folk music's 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' so for us it's as if we were there with them.

H.

This was utterly incredible to go to . Hubby reckoned it was 12/10 ... and I"m sure the kids did too. Thanks so much, was here 20 years ago and loved it just the same :)

A.

So much interesting stuff! My partner and I arrived at 10:30 and left at 5 when it closed, passing only for lunch across the road. Friendly staff.

S.

Really interesting place to visit. Lots of information and history about early settlement in Northland. Something for everyone to look at, lots of machinery for the boys, lots of detail and examples of life as an early settler woman.

T.

Who thought a museum on a tree could be interesting to - well this one is - a must visit

M.

Brilliant museum and a must do when seeing Tàne Mahuta to truly appreciate the Kauri and to see how much bigger they got.

A.

Allow a bit of time as there is a bit too see here if your interested in this part of history. From period room mockups featuring Kauri furniture to all the old logging gear displayed as it was used.

R.

Great place to visit great on New Zealand s history. Very clean area and safe to walk around in.

S.

Amazing. Dont miss it

M.

Excellent place to visit. Could spend a lot of time in here. Put it on your to do list.👍

m.

You will never believe what is inside this building. A must see, the best bang for your (NZ) buck on North Island.

E.

More Kauri and Kauri gum than you can imagine. Allow plenty of time.

P.

Really nice museum, away from traditionnal touristic road. A lot to learn about kauri industry, back in the past.

l.

Loved it. Excellent displays and very interesting information.

m.

This place is amazing well worth the visit.

F.

Can't believe how big and expansive this museum is. Must be the biggest and best in NZ.

S.

Impressiv. Great information about the first settlement and the treatment between the English and the Maori. Makes is clear why there is a discussion about how the treatment must or could be read.

M.

Excellent museum in terms of the volume of collections and display. good place to learn about the Kauri histry.

R.

Fabulous hidden gem of a museum.

T.

Need 1.5 hours to get around the museum. Very interesting for locals and tourists

M.

Been here so many times but it never gets old or boring. Such a well presented and maintained piece of history

R.

Very informative history of the kauri culture

T.

Well worth a visit but allow couple of hours

B.

A must visit place. Worth going out of your way for

D.

This is huge place and is filled with Kauri related displays. My wife almost got lost as it's like a small town inside. Allow a whole day if you can

T.

A good place to understand the importance of Kauri to New Zealanders. A knowledgeable museum with a variety of exhibits related to Kairi.

B.

They smack it up ya on the entry fee but awesome museum.

R.

World class .Realistically priced. Make sure you allow at least half a day to cover all the fabulous displays

N.

Amazing museum, learnt alot of things and definitely worth the detour

M.

Hard ti imagine something so common as a tree can invoke such awe well done this was 3 hours of enjoyment coupled with very nice and helpful staff

A.

Well worth the trip, amazing displays

B.

Absolutely worth a visit....nicest museum I've been to!

S.

Excellent! Awesome display, professional and soooo interesting. Highly recommended!

C.

Good place to take kids and kind staff👍

d.

Excellent museum with unique objects

H.

Some quite good exhibits showing life at the time of the forestry taking off and the life of the loggers.

T.

Fantastic. Well worth a visit but make sure you have at least half a day.

M.

Very good but $25 for adults from UK. Spent a few hours here over 2 days.

M.

A interesting quick stop. Brilliant setup you will be surprised by the additional photography collection from as early as 1908

S.

Great display and the layout and history makes for a good experience.

M.

Great exhibits. Lots of historical information. Very informative.

D.

There is a huge amount of Kauri here and the museum is massive, a lot more than I expected to be. Not the most entertaining for kids or families.

G.

Excellent place with an amazing collection of NZ history. Really a must do for NZ'ers and tourists alike!

T.

Who thought a museum on a tree could be interesting to - well this one is - a must visit

푸.

Probably the best museum in NZ. The wood, people's life back in time and everything.

A.

Amazing place! Take the time to visit and plenty of time to view

M.

Well stocked and slightly pricey museum offering a good glimpse of how life used to be in the region

L.

Excellent museum on kauri wood and logging history. Many exhibits.

M.

Do not miss this. It was like visiting my early relatives. My parents had told so many stories about the early days and a visit here just made it all seem so real.

M.

Fantastic historical museum about the local community and early New Zealand.

M.

One of the best museums we've visited. So much in it

B.

Love it

J.

Fair price, nice shop and much history as well as impressive trees.

W.

I love the historical value of this place. It was extremely well set out and very informative

M.

Not your usual museum. Well worth a visit, even on a sunny day :)

D.

All together much more than I expected, along with the best decorative gum collection in the world. Very interesting

R.

This place is fantastic and huge! Absolutely loved our day out there

i.

Very very good

K.

Very informative 😊

D.

Great museum. Fascinating story of wood with great physical examples of wood and machinery

G.

Very good museum and historical displays

T.

Huge amount of work has gone in to establishing & maintaining this, very educational

T.

Loved all the gum and timber and machinery but was a bit put off by all the overly European house scenes with their Christmas garb

B.

Wonderful historical collection and depiction of two key developments in New Zealand's history.

D.

Great history of the logging with displays of wealthy light-skinned people presenting a lop-sided view.

D.

A must see - great layout Well done to all those who contributed to this great place

T.

Great taste of NZ with a warning about treating our environment better. Great place.

C.

Fantastic place to visit. Iconic museum.

G.

Fabulous place to visit great presentation Lots of history to view

M.

Magic place well worth seeing.

C.

Interesting with something for everyone, lots of exhibits, take your time and take it all in!

A.

A must do for everyone. Extremely interesting place to visit.

M.

Well worth a visit one of the best museums around

S.

Good! But maybe a bit pricey

M.

Full of interesting kauri heritage and actual examples of kauri's size/tools used to cut them up

G.

The first thing that hits you is the lovely smell. Great period museum.

E.

Don’t miss this place, there is so much history and interesting things to see, we spent about 3 hours there and it was not enough to see everything.

T.

3rd visit and seemed like I had not sèen half before . A favorite place for me having been in forestry

A.

An interesting look at the Kauri gum industry.

K.

Pretty cool a place like that exists locally. It's awesome.

B.

Such a great place to visit. Huge amount of kauri heritage here.

A.

Unbelievable beauty, make sure you have plenty of time to spend there

A.

A stunning museum. Super exhibition of great variety

S.

Nice compact little museum, especially for wood lovers.

J.

Awesome displays, well worth the entry fee!

R.

So many interesting things to see!

A.

It's a fun couple of hours...do it.

G.

Interesting local pioneer history & snacks available, awesome

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