Location: Taranaki Region
Top Things to do in Taranaki Region
8 Specialty Museums in Taranaki Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand including Tawhiti Museum, Taranaki Pioneer Village, Aotea Utanganui - Museum of South Taranaki, Hillsborough Car Museum, Star Garage Patea, Richmond Cottage, Te Henui Vicarage, Fun ho! National Toy 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. 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.
3. Aotea Utanganui - Museum of South Taranaki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By nicolabX5837SV
Fantastic local museum on route 3 - we spent a good hour here looking at lots of well presented exhibits...definitely worth stopping. Particularly interesting film about a well known Maori group who came to England some years ago. We were fascinated - the song is apparently extremely well known in NZ but we'd never heard of it!
4. Hillsborough Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Hillsborough Holden Museum is a stunning new facility purposely built for the preservation and display of a private collection of Australian Holden cars and memorabilia. The cars range from well preserved early models, meticulously restored models through to late model new cars. There is also a mini putt golf course inspired by the famous Mount Panorama track at Bathurst. Cafe available.
Reviewed By 837graemeb - Auckland, New Zealand
What a Gem! Very impressed with the immaculate Holdens on display and the effort put into this museum by the owner.
5. Star Garage Patea
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
