Location: Taranaki Region
Top Things to do in Taranaki Region
10 Museums in Taranaki Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand including Tawhiti Museum, Elvis Presley Memorial Room, Waverley Glass Art Studio, Mokau Museum and Gallery, Quirky Fox, Fenton Street Art Collective, Puke Ariki, Taranaki Pioneer Village, Percy Thomson Gallery, Taranaki Aviation Transport and Technology Museum.
Restaurants in Taranaki Region
1. Tawhiti Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Tawhiti MuseumWidely acclaimed as one of the most innovative museums in New Zealand, Tawhiti uses life size exhibits and scale models to capture the past in a series of super-realistic displays. All the displays – including the life size figures created from moulds cast from real people – are designed and built on the premises. Whether the subject is shipping, farming, railways, or just a small corner of a colonial kitchen, the attention given to research and detail is the same. “I hope my enthusiasm for local history comes through the displays. I’m particularly aware of drawing children into our exhibits – they mustn’t feel museums are old buildings, full of old dusty junk. Historical display should be exciting and relevant – I’m always looking for more creative ways of making it just that” Nigel Ogle.
Reviewed By sheepgalore - Paihia, New Zealand
This has to be the best museum in NZ. You need the entire day to fully appreciate the uniqueness of the displays, the social history of Taranaki, the wars fought in the area, the Traders and Whalers boat ride and experience through underground rivers and enjoy tea at the charming tea room. The detail in the many dioramas is exceptional and cannot be described. The interesting information explained in an innovative way...absolutely wonderful. Make time for this experience.
2. Elvis Presley Memorial Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By G3597KVjohnm - Auckland, New Zealand
We were a group of 10, none of us were Elvis dedicated fans, but went on the recommendation of others who had been to see KD's collection. We were blown away, this is truly remarkable, a couple of us went to Gracelands in 2019 and found it very commercialized and reckoned that this collection was way more interesting with also being able to talk to the collector himself. Highly recommended. Also check out the great website for more good info. Remember to leave a donation in the dog, you'll have a laugh
3. Waverley Glass Art Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Libranace - New Plymouth, New Zealand
Outstanding friendly and helpful service. Wonderful glass objects to admire. I bought my 5th glass pendant today. Very friendly and cuddly puss cats enhance the atmosphere! Excellent place to purchase gifts in a wide price range.
4. Mokau Museum and Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
The Mokau Museum and Art Gallery highlights the rich and varied history of the region surrounding the museum as well as showcasing artists from the Waikato and Taranaki region.
Reviewed By Sunjoy
This museum has a great collection of old newspapers, various household (and beyond) items (from electric dog collars to washing machines) and also displays some of the Maori history. We had an enjoyable time scanning the vast collection of newspapers (all of them available to open and read) and looking over - and reminiscing for some of us - the old household items on display. There is a nice relaxed feel to the museum and it is definitely worth the time to stop and explore.
5. Quirky Fox
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The world is full of amazingly talented artists and designers. People that transform paints and oils, metals and woods, fabrics and clay into sculptures, jewellery, ceramics and works of art. Quirky Fox works with a carefully curated selection of New Zealand and international artists to bring these pieces of art from their studio into your home.
6. Fenton Street Art Collective
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By CaroleP258 - Wellington, New Zealand
Wonderful host. Entertaining and informative. Delicious gins. Great cafe and food with an excellent vibe. Interesting local art works on display for sale.
7. Puke Ariki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Welcome to Puke Ariki - an integrated knowledge hub comprising museum, library, research centre, museum store and i-SITE for a visitor experience that is like no other. Puke Ariki is a place where people come together and where there is a place for everyone. Sited in New Plymouth, between the majestic Mount Taranaki and the wild Tasman Sea, Puke Ariki is a place of wonder, of excitement, of discovery and adventure. "Te hiringa ā rangi, te hiringa ā nuku, te hiringa o Puke Ariki, kia tupu te toiora, kia tupu te toi auaha o te tangata, pupū mai ai i a Taranaki o mua ki Taranaki o nāianei, honohono ake te hunga kāinga, te motu me te ao ki ngā aronga hou, ki ngā ara huhua o tikanga kē, o iwi kē." "At Puke Ariki we aim to inspire creativity and enrich lives by promoting the heritage of Taranaki and connecting local people and visitors to new ideas and other cultures from around the world."
Reviewed By Marloid2 - Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
I found Puke Ariki to be an excellent local/regional museum and attraction covering, history, geology, marine etc. Very well presented, very open and modern. Also has an excellent gift shop. Next time in New Plymouth I shall return.
8. Taranaki Pioneer Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Step back in time and stroll around this pioneer village to see how the early settlers lived and worked during 1850-1950’s Allow a good 2 hours so you can take a train ride for two circuits around village.Feed the rooster and hens that follow you around or take a picnic lunch to have by the lake. All buildings have been relocated including a hospital and you can step inside and check out the memorabilia. All this is setup and looked after by volunteers who are very informative. From school houses to train stations and jails , there is something for everyone. A must see into Taranaki early history.
9. Percy Thomson Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By nin132 - Whanganui, New Zealand
What a delightful unexpected find! We stopped on a wet day looking for an art fix and discovered this wonderful classy gallery with adjacent art shop and cafe. Great spot to while away some time - and the shop was a fun browse as well. We didn't try the cafe this visit but will be back. A bonus - clean loos :-) and a very helpful information centre in the same complex. Recommend.
10. Taranaki Aviation Transport and Technology Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By kaylas2204 - Auckland, New Zealand
It doesn’t look like much from the outside but this place is an amazing treasure trove! Absolutely packed to the brim with old machinery and technology, including a few interactive pieces. Amazing value for money, we will be back to further explore the nooks and crannies
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