Kauri Museum

The Kauri Museum is a heritage institution dedicated to the kauri tree and the people who shaped northeastern Kaipara. The galleries display tools, equipment, and artifacts that document logging, gum digging, farming, and settler life across several centuries.

The museum opened in 1962 to preserve memories of the pioneering era in the Kaipara region. Its growth reflects the community's effort to document the story of kauri forests and the people who settled here over generations.

The exhibits present stories of Māori people, European settlers, foresters, and farmers whose lives were intertwined with this region. Visitors see how these communities shaped the landscape and depended on the kauri tree for their livelihoods.

The space is well organized with clear pathways and good signage to help you find your way through the galleries. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the collections comfortably without feeling rushed.

The collection includes preserved gum specimens that were laboriously extracted from forest floors generations ago, showing the skill required for this forgotten trade. These pieces reveal the ingenuity and hard work of diggers who searched through ancient soils for resin deposits.

Location: Kaipara District

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00

Website: https://kaurimuseum.com

GPS coordinates: -36.13015,174.18527

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04