Top Things to do in Coromandel Peninsula
10 Museums in Coromandel Peninsula That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand including Topadahil Art Studios, Kauri Cliff Art Gallery, The Little Gallery, Mercury Bay Museum, Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum, The Little Gallery Whangamata, Coromandel School of Mines & Historic Museum, Thames Historical Museum, The Treasury Research Centre and Archive, Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery.
Restaurants in Coromandel Peninsula
1. Topadahil Art Studios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
View fine art by contemporary French/New Zealand artist Guity Evelyn. Her unique home/studio has stunning views overlooking Wharekawa Harbour, unspoilt Opoutere Beach and the Wildlife Sanctuary.Guity's unique paintings and distinctive style exude a blend of The Coromandel with hints of Provence. These reflections of where the Pacific meets the Mediterranean express a character all of their own. Add to this a boldness of colour and Guity's affinity for both the figurative and abstract and you have a complete palate, which has made her works sought by International and Australasian collectors. **Well Signposted** Topadahil Art Studios is only 3km off Pacific Coast Highway SH25. **Only 10min From Whangamata - 25 min from Pauanui - 1 hour from Whitianga - and 2 hours from Auckland or Rotorua. - Check us out on Destination Coromandel's video - https://youtu.be/k80Rx7fmhEg
Reviewed By RaglanSteph - Walsall, United Kingdom
I visited Guity while on holiday at Whangamata. Not only does the studio enjoy the best views around, but Guity is a fabulous artist. I stayed there for hours discussing many topics of mutual interest and came away with some truly unique artwork which grace the walls of my house and which I will always treasure.
2. Kauri Cliff Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Kauri Sculpture at it's finest By award winning sculptor Tony Howse Tony has been sculpting NZ native timber for over 30 years his appreciation and knowledge is reflected in his works. Creating beautiful Kauri art works that embrace New Zealand's natural environment and cultural history.
3. The Little Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Visit The Little Gallery, where discerning art enthusiasts can enjoy and purchase affordable, quality artwork by leading local artists. This diverse, intimate gallery prides itself on offering 'a little of the best,' representing over 50 artists from the Coromandel and around New Zealand. The space is a must-see cultural destination for tourists, offering a snapshot of the local arts culture.
Reviewed By Annaliese62 - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
I love this gallery as its a place to discover lots of local art practitioners and see a good variety of different styles and approaches to art making. Its really a gem of Coromandel culture and well worth dropping in to see if anything appeals and to discover new artists
4. Mercury Bay Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
With exhibits about the Polynesian navigator Kupe, Maori artifacts, the Endeavour and James Cook, HMS Buffalo (sunk 1840), kauri timber and gum, the old dairy factory in which the museum is housed, early settlers’ records, natural history, fishing displays and a wonderful photographic collection. Bringing you face to face with our history!
Reviewed By eveskip - Hamilton, New Zealand
My husband and I enjoy visiting museums to find out more of the areas local history. I was very happy with this museum and it was a lot bigger than I expected when standing outside. It was my first time in Whitianga and I found learning about Captain Cooks travels so interesting and how the potato for Maori was so revolutionary haha very well rounded museum with local history too. I loved learning more about our native extinct Moa and all the rest they had to offer. Very cool place for all ages! Would recommend stopping in!
5. Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By flatworm
Absolutely excellent place Thames was the Camborne of New Zealand The School of Mines is as it was vacated - a time capsule and a memorial to the miners of Thames Really excellent mineral collection If you like industrial history a visit is a must , I loved the place and hope to return
6. The Little Gallery Whangamata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Visit The Little Gallery, where discerning art enthusiasts can enjoy and purchase affordable, quality artwork by leading local artists. This diverse, intimate gallery prides itself on offering 'a little of the best,' representing over 50 artists from the Coromandel and around New Zealand. The space is a must-see cultural destination for tourists, offering a snapshot of the local arts culture.
7. Coromandel School of Mines & Historic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
From the arrival of HMS Coromandel in 1820 and the beginning of kauri logging and gold mining in the 19th century to the marine industry in the 20th century;from the histories of our early settlers to our collection of vintage tools and household items, we aim to display our heritage and the changes Coromandel has undergone - and the kids will love our prisoner in the Jail House!!
Reviewed By kathleenw268 - Toronto, Canada
You have the amazing opportunity to see and read about the interesting history of past days on The Coromandel Pennisula and learn more about the early life before tourism. We were surprised how popular this area was with people traveling there from all parts of the world. We just discovered it ourselves by chance and so happy we made the effort to visit this Museum on our tour.
8. Thames Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By doandhopers - Auckland, New Zealand
Staff very knowledgably. We mentioned what and who we were looking and they recommended a couple of places we could visit. Pulled out a couple of books, and then even emailed us the following week with more information. Discovered grandma's grandad, on my father's side, was a Chief in the Fire Brigade in the day,,,,,,,never knew that.
9. The Treasury Research Centre and Archive
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
The Treasury is a heritage research centre and archive that collects, preserves and promotes the history of the Coromandel/Hauraki regions. The Treasury's research centre is housed in the historic Carnegie Library building in Thames and our purpose-built adjoining archive was constructed in 2014. The Treasury is operated by The Coromandel Heritage Trust. Our documentary heritage collection includes historical maps, family history books, gold mining history resources, a photographic collection, oral histories, newspapers, cemetery records, school records, Captain Cook and tangata whenua book collections and much more.
Reviewed By doandhopers - Auckland, New Zealand
Popped in here to do family research. Lovely ladies very helpful with what we looking for, and knew exactly where to locate the information. Found a phot that we hadn't seen before. They recommended to us a couple of other places we should have visited, but we ran out of time.
