The Kauri Museum at Matakohe in the North of New Zealand is one of the country's most amazing theme Museums. Approximately 85,000 people visit our internationally acclaimed museum every year. This is a real Must See Attraction for anyone visiting Northland and is on the western corridor, on-route to the ancient Kauri tree's in the Waipoua Forest, open daily 9am - 5pm, closed on Christmas Day.
This award-winning museum tells a fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum. Settlers first came to Matakohe and nearby Paparoa and Maungaturoto in 1862. This museum was established to celebrate their centennial and to pay tribute to those early pioneers.
There are many exceptional displays and dedicated galleries to admire. You can expect to see a magnificent collection of antique kauri furniture. There is restored machinery including NZ's earliest tractor, a 1929 Cat 60 and a turning Steam Sawmill.
Qualmark endorsed visitor activity The Kauri Museum also has the largest collection of kauri gum in the world, a replica boarding house, a school and an historic post office with a fantastic collection of telephones.
Our Mission is to:
- Record aspects of the Kauri Industry and local pioneers
- Operate an excellent Museum with outstanding displays
- Entertain and Inform the Public
The Museum Shop where you can browse around has the best selection of kauri products in New Zealand. We also offer you the opportunity to shop online for unique kauri products.
The Kauri Museum enjoys strong community support. Many volunteers help us in a variety of ways. We regularly host