Location: Northland Region
Top Things to do in Northland Region
What to do and see in Northland Region, North Island: The Best History Museums
Ngāi Takoto, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāti Wai, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa Te Roroa
Restaurants in Northland Region
1. Hikurangi Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
2. Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Ellie2525 - Auckland, New Zealand
The staff were all friendly and the guide on the free tour of the museum was very helpful to understand New Zealand history. I would like to come back next time for Waitangi Day.
3. The Kauri Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 817 reviews
The Kauri Museum tells the story of the mighty kauri tree, its fascinating gum and pioneering past. The Kauri tree is the focal point and theme of this museum, showing the different stages of how this giant wonder fueled industries that sustained communities of the early settlers. The Museum has over 4,500 sq mtrs of undercover attraction, and is a 'Must See'! Visit our heritage Museum en route to the ancient kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest. Visitor Information Centre on site with main focus on the western route of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and Northland. Disabled friendly, lots of free parking spaces available, accommodation and cafes nearby. Location: 5 Church Road, Matakohe, New Zealand 0593 Hours: Mon - Sun: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Open every day except Christmas Day)
Reviewed By rhondabP4198IT
This museum was incredible, the massive, Kauri gum collection, alone, was mind boggling. There is much to see and learn, and the beauty of this museum, is the community behind it. It has an army of volunteers, who are dedicated and so proud, of what has been achieved there. Many exhibits, have kindly been donated with pride as well. Even the Manequins faces, have been caste from local identities. The meticulous, attention to detail, with all the exhibits, even the sawmill, is astonishing. Well worth the cost of entry. $25 per adult. The shop attached, is worth browsing at, for gifts or momentoes. The friendly, helpful, paid staff, makes a wonderful atmosphere. There is plenty to enjoy and learn, for the whole family. Across the road nearby, is a café to have a recharge, after such an inspiring time, exploring the Musuem. Enjoy and allow for plenty of time, to step back in time.
4. Kiwi North - Kiwi House, Museum & Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Museum ● Kiwi House ● Heritage Park A multifaceted visitor experience with something for everyone in one very special place. The only kiwi and tuatara viewing in a controlled environment in the Northland region. Learn why our environment and it's animals are so unique and special. The Museum tells the stories of our people and their place, plus some travelling exhibitions. All this is on a beautiful 25 hectare site with it's original 1886 heritage homestead an other historic buildings. Room to stroll and stretch the legs, fresh air and space for the kids to run. Relax with us in this uncrowded family friendly environment, only 4kms from the SH1 and about 7 kms from the Whangarei CBD. Open every day, 10am to 4pm, except 25th and 26th December. All welcome.
Reviewed By craiso - Kimito, Finland
We came to this place to check out the kiwis and ended up enjoying everything they had to offer. The Lady in the reception was super. She explained to us about the kiwibirds, shared her knowledge and was wonderful. They have a dark room were they raise kiwibirds and you can come and see them walk around and getting fed. Awesome place!
5. The Pioneer Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Buildings include the Waimate North Courthouse built in 1862 which is the oldest courthouse in New Zealand, the Maioha Cottage built in 1875 and Utakura Hall and School built in 1891. Collections include the Fergie Neilson collection of Maori artefacts; Bill Pratt collection of gum-digging equipment and the Purdy collection of blacksmith tools. Machinery includes the only surviving Albion Cuthbertson Water Buffalo in New Zealand; one of only five in the world, a fully restored 1901 Burrell Steam Locomotive, a large collection of agricultural machinery and two fire engines. Rides available on diesel train carriage, 1901 3/4 size replica Grout cycle car, 1936 Leyland fire engine and/or 1901 Burrell Steam Traction engine. Bookings essential and subject to driver availability. Something for everybody!
Reviewed By ThereseJo - Houhora, New Zealand
This is a wonderful place to visit. The exhibits are informative and relevant. The staff were welcoming. Great coffee and chocolate cake. Well worth the $10/adult entrance. Thank you.
6. Mangawhai Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Mangawhai's stories and characters come to life in our modern, vibrant museum. Built with the vision of telling our stories with the Harbour as a focal point, the Mangawhai Museum has been created with a huge input from our community. It will continue to evolve and develop as our stories continue to be told.
Reviewed By kirstinAuckland
Such an interesting museum for both adults and kids. We loved reading about the history of the town, dating right back to the early settlers and gum diggers, up to the fascinating explanation of how the locals banded together to successfully re open the harbour entrance after years of damage caused by storms. We particularly enjoyed learning of how locals had transformed the decommissioned Auckland trams into baches - the replica inside the museum was so well done ! There was a nice room full of surprises for the young ones and a great cafe next door. Highly recommended!
7. Te Ahu Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Te Ahu Kaitaia is a new, visitor centre and community centre. It has many attractions under one roof and free WIFI access. The Visitor Information Centre is open seven days. The museum will give you a picture of the Far North, then and now. A special place to visit, with kuaka (godwits in flight) and a huge pou (carving) for each of the iwi (peoples). Our culture is here for you. Nau to whare, come to this place, where our community comes together to meet, learn, celebrate, enjoy and to grow.
Reviewed By greatkiwip0et - Wellington, New Zealand
We visited the Museum but were blown away by the atrium of the building itself. It has a floor mural that can be best appreciated from the mezzanine floor. While you're up there, take a close-up look at the carved pou - they really are magnificent. The interpretive signs are at ground level, so you might want to have a read before you go up the stairs. The pou represent 7 tribes - the original 5 Maori tribes that arrived after Kupe and spread throughout the Far North, the Croation tribe of gumdiggers and wine-makers who made this part of New Zealand distinctively European, and the Pakeha tribe, which includes missionaries and other settlers. As well as being beautiful in themselves, the pou tell the history of the region and are well worth a visit. The Museum itself is small but well-curated, and is a thorough and extensive history of the region. The artefacts are interesting and the reading material well-written and fascinating. The building also houses the library and (off to the side) the local movie theatre at ground level. It is a worthy and admirable hub for the council offices and several community initiatives, and I truly admire the far-sightedness of the town planners, officials, architects, designers and artists and craftsmen in making this place a pleasure to visit.
8. Kaipara Vintage Machinery Club Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Awesometygers371
Would love to come back another day , enthusiastic volunteers I also like vintage machinery and yeah is very good
