Location: Hawera
Top Things to do in Hawera
The 10 Best Things to do in Hawera, North Island
Hawera is the second-largest town in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island, with a population of 11,950. It is near the coast of the South Taranaki Bight.
Restaurants in Hawera
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. Serenity Wellness Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. 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
4. Goodson Dell
5. Puketarata Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
A Garden of National Significance - A large country garden sensitively contoured across a hillside in South Taranaki making the most of views to Mt Taranaki and inland views including the adjacent 400year old Puketarata Pa. Skilled blending of a diverse range of native and exotic plants is a particular focus through the various garden rooms creating a garden which sits well in the landscape. Visits by appointment please 06 278 3081 as I may be away. The Garden is open for the 10 days of the PowerCo Taranaki Garden Spectacular which is the first week of November.
6. Waihi Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By 110gilliana - Hawera, New Zealand
This coast line is truly amazing......the unusual cliff formations were once upon a time sitting on the ocean bed. You can see the fossilized shells within the face of the cliffs and if your lucky - crack open a rock and get it to reveal a piece of fauna or sea life that has been encapsulated for hundreds or thousands of years!! My grandsons, enjoy looking for rocks that may hold fossils and shells and drift wood. The beach is only accessible at low tide and you need to be aware that although the geology is fascinating, it's unsafe to walk below the cliffs, as they can be unstable. Great though if there has been a bit of a slide, then you can access it's fossils!! You can walk along to Ohawe Beach for some more interesting pickings....the pebbles on the beach range in all sorts of colours and drift wood in all shapes and sizes. Take a dip at the river mouth before enjoying a nice picnic. I just love this coast line.....it's so un-commercialized.
7. 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.
8. Paper Plus Hawera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Taranaki's oldest & largest book, stationery, gift and toy store. In 1926 Hawera welcomed it's first book store and to this day, while it may have a different name is still in the same location with the same purpose!
9. King Edward Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Roam706049 - Hawera, New Zealand
Duck pound was a hit. The play ground is awesome for all ages. The little ones water play area is always busy and the kids just love it. Great place to just take a stroll as well
10. Hawera Water Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By ShellMoana - Rotorua, New Zealand
The climb to the top can be made a bit more fun if playing the Harry Potter theme music. The view from the top is great plus you may get to see nesting pigeons on your way up too.
