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Whitianga
Things to do in Whitianga
Mercury Bay Museum

Mercury Bay Museum, Whitianga: Hours, Address, Mercury Bay Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Mercury Bay Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Mercury Bay Museum
4.5
194
#2 of 16 things to do in Whitianga
Speciality Museums
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
With exhibits about the Polynesian navigator Kupe, Maori artifacts, the Endeavour and James Cook, HMS Buffalo (sunk 1840), kauri timber and gum, the old dairy factory in which the museum is housed, early settlers’ records, natural history, fishing displays and a wonderful photographic collection. Bringing you face to face with our history!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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42 within 5 kms
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View from our front deck
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Attractions
10 within 5 kms
Whitianga i-SITE
Whitianga i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
199
0.3 kmVisitor Centres
Mercury Bay Cemetery
Mercury Bay Cemetery
6
0.5 kmCemeteries
Cook's Beach
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198
2.2 kmNature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
Embarking at Ferry Landing
Ferry Landing Wharf
19
0.8 kmPiers & Boardwalks
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20
0.8 kmHiking Trails
Restaurant table with the view!
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256
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10
3 kmPlaygrounds
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3.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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8
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Popular mentions
4.5
194 reviews
Excellent
103
Very good
79
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
0
santo t
Auckland, New Zealand7,406 contributions
Small but attractive Museum
Feb 2021
It is a small museum in size, with attractive themes and exhibits. Several themes are displayed here, the history and voyage of Captain Cook to Mercury Bay, the story of gum digger. Then, the exhibits of the dairy life in the past, logging, as well as farming and wool shearing. Also the tragic story of HMS Buffalo which was wrecked here in 1840. For $5 ticket for adult, spend nearly 30 minutes to one hour here is worth when visiting this tourist town Whitianga. Easy to find, at the beach front.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eve
Hamilton, New Zealand7 contributions
Full of knowledge
Feb 2021 • Couples
My husband and I enjoy visiting museums to find out more of the areas local history.
I was very happy with this museum and it was a lot bigger than I expected when standing outside. It was my first time in Whitianga and I found learning about Captain Cooks travels so interesting and how the potato for Maori was so revolutionary haha very well rounded museum with local history too. I loved learning more about our native extinct Moa and all the rest they had to offer.
Very cool place for all ages! Would recommend stopping in!
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura Camilla
3 contributions
Great little museum
Jan 2021 • Family
This museum looks tiny from the front, but is packed with interesting exhibitions. They’re well put together and fun for both adults and children to roam. There’s a treasure hunt for the children, which keeps them interested. The staff are lovely, as is the little gift shop which has some gorgeous products. Highly recommended!
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane W
Auckland, New Zealand78 contributions
Great little museum
Sep 2020
We really enjoyed walking around this museum. Full of interesting facts about Captain Cook and his time in the area.
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doris L
5 contributions
Local history
Sep 2020 • Couples
A great local museum doing interesting things. I was impressed with the interactive exhibits. Some new exhibits under construction. Worth a visit.
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roz
6 contributions
Engaging and interesting , shedding light on local history and people.
Jul 2020
Well laid out, with stories of local 'legends' who have made a difference in this rural out post throughout the history since settlement . Both Maori and European
I was very interested in how the women who featured survived and thrived and helped each other out.
For a small museum, it punches well above its weight.
Highly recommended to get a real perspective on the region.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sa2vicfalls
Geelong, Australia73 contributions
Fabulous museum
Mar 2020
The museum was recommended to us by our host at the B&B and was absolutely worth the time. Such an informative museum in what appears a small space, but once inside it opens up into a variety of displays of significant history of the area. Well worth the visit.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ter
4 contributions
Excelent local museum
Jan 2020
Lots on the Cook landings and local history, should take half a day to enjoy the entire museum. Well done
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlexandBeth
Lymm, UK217 contributions
What a wonderful museum!
Jan 2020 • Couples
Very impressed with this, we should thank the local organisations and of course historians who have seem,essay brought the early days of shipwreck and Captain Cook into realism.
Not only that the realism they have brought into the situation on,y adds to the general acceptance of the situation at these particular times.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon W
Auckland, New Zealand39 contributions
GrWeeat information offered. excellent displays. well worth a visit
Dec 2019
Well worth visiting. Excellent displays and information about the early settlement of the area. More than happy to recommend.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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