LOCATION
The Kauri Museum in Matakohe, Northland, New Zealand is a 2 hour drive north of Auckland, or a 1 hour drive from Whangarei. Take the turn off at the Brynderwyn hills (State Highway 1) onto State Highway 12 (towards Dargaville). We are 20 minutes up the road from the turn off. The Museum is on the Ancient Kauri Trail to the Waipoua Kauri Forest and on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
Helipad transfers on request.
WHEELCHAIRS
The Museum has loan wheelchairs available for guest use.
EV CHARGING POINTS
The Kauri Museum has two charging points outside the main building. These are J-1772 and Type 2 plugs. For more details visit this link.
GUIDED TOURS
Private tours of the museum and behind the scenes special tours are available for an additional cost. Please CONTACT US to find out more. The Museum also opens for private evening functions. PRIVATE TOURS of our Historic Villa - Totara House are available by appointment only. The cost per head is $10.
LOCATION
The Kauri Museum in Matakohe, Northland, New Zealand is a 2 hour drive north of Auckland, or a 1 hour drive from Whangarei. Take the turn off at the Brynderwyn hills (State Highway 1) onto State Highway 12 (towards Dargaville). We are 20 minutes up the road from the turn off. The Museum is on the Ancient Kauri Trail to the Waipoua Kauri Forest and on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
Helipad transfers on request.
WHEELCHAIRS
The Museum has loan wheelchairs available for guest use.
EV CHARGING POINTS
The Kauri Museum has two charging points outside the main building. These are J-1772 and Type 2 plugs. For more details visit this link.
GUIDED TOURS
Private tours of the museum and behind the scenes special tours are available for an additional cost. Please CONTACT US to find out more. The Museum also opens for private evening functions. PRIVATE TOURS of our Historic Villa - Totara House are available by appointment only. The cost per head is $10.
SCHOOLS
What was school like for pioneer children?
Early education began in Matakohe in 1878 and the Museum’s Pioneer School was Matakohe’s first school building. The school is complete with desks, pens, books, maps and more.
PIONEER SCHOOL
Everyone is welcome.
We recently held a successful children's drawing workshop in the Pioneer School which was great fun. Individuals and community groups are also invited to TALK TO US about booking events in this space.
A peaceful native bush walk is located next to the Pioneer School. A perfect spot for your group to enjoy.
The Museum has a fascinating archive of photos and items relating to schooling in the area. If you are creating educational resources or planning something special for your class, feel free to contact us to make use of our library and archives.
KIDS WHAT'S ON
Holiday Fun for Kids
FREE SEEK & FIND HUNT
When you visit the museum this school holidays, remember to ask for a copy of this free SEEK & FIND HUNT to add another level of fun to your experience. Find these items around the museum as you explore. Great for all ages, little ones may need help.
Fun Kids Quiz
FREE FUN | OPEN THIS QUIZ HERE
Hey kids! Our Easter Quiz was so popular that we decided to leave it here for you to enjoy. Get your whole family in on the fun. Find out how much you know about local knowledge and early days in the Kaipara. Some of the answers can be found on this website, so get hunting!
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Endless opportunity for educational visits at the Kauri Museum.
We offer educational sessions or inquiry-based research that covers the two fields of social and natural sciences.
Through hands on experiences, dramatic recreations, questioning and critical thinking, lessons can be built around a number of themes.
We have NCEA and primary resources available.
The Museum has rooms to allow private sessions to be held and we can help you with planning your visit to us.
If you would like to visit the museum on a school trip or other educational visit, please complete the form below.
The Museum also offers fun educational hands on-activities. Book a kauri gum polishing experience for your class.
Find out more. GUM POLISHING EXPERIENCE