This Museum is spectacular. Well worth a drive from anywhere you are staying in Taranaki. Allow a... read more
361
55
3
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Tawhiti Museum
401 Ohangai Road, Hawera 4672, New Zealand
Open today: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Review Highlights
“A fascinating museum like no other. Don't miss it if visiting Taranaki area.”
“Well worth a visit.”
I had been told this museum was worth seeing and how right they were. The exhibits are... read more
KarenM9315
Richard D
Hutton Rudby, United Kingdom
2313
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All reviews boat ride nigel ogle life size farm machinery attention to detail new zealand nz history an amazing place world class dairy factory taranaki region dioramas traders whaler tractor miniature wars
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361 - 366 of 421 reviews
Andre M
Auckland, New Zealand
4357
definitely recommend this place to everyone. Well worth the entry fee. This is a "gem" in the middle of no-where! You know you've arrived when you see all the camper vans & vehicles parked out on the road by the main entrance! lol.
Probably need to set aside at least 2-3hrs to really check this place out fully.
also recommend leaving behind persons not really interested in early Taranaki / NZ history, modelling, historical technology or the kids if they get bored quickly.
The museum part of the complex is awesome. It goes on & on. Nigel & his crew have created something wonderful here. The displays, models, and historical information on show is fantastic.
Traders & Whalers is fabulous, really special. don't miss it.
Couldn't go on the Bush railway as it only runs on the first Sunday of the month.
The onsite cafe serves the best "Magic slice" I have ever tasted!
Date of experience: February 2013
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Slowworms
United Kingdom
9359
What an excellent tourist attraction this is. Situated in Hawera just off the SH3 it was well signposted. The entrance fee €12 for each venue was well worth it. We spent approximately 3 hours here and my husband could have spent a couple more in the Agricultural barn (the seats provided were obviously there for wives/partners to wait while their partners were drooling!!). The life size figures were so lifelike and we thoroughly enjoyed the Traders and Whalers experience. Illuminated only by the twinkling of lanterns and candles you drift on boats back to 1830/40's period.
When we talked about going to this museum, to local New Zealanders, they all highly recommended it and we were not disappointed. Do check opening times as they are limited. Cafe on site.
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Emsmum10
wanganui
3213
We have visited Tawhiti a few times and each time have found something new to marvel over. Nigel Ogle is a very talented man with a real passion for his hobby. This visit we went on the Traders and Whalers attraction as well as the Bush Railway and we weren't dissapointed. The rides are very well done and attention to detail is fantastic. All of the staff we dealt with were very friendly and knowledgable with the attractions and history behind them, we even got to meet the man himself - Nigel Ogle and it was a pleasure - he was more than happy to share his passion with us and the story behind some of the displays in the shop. We are looking forward to our next visit and will be visiting the Ronald Hugh Morrison house display that we missed this trip.
Date of experience: January 2013
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David W
Tauranga
218
Quite out of the blue, we visited the Tawhiti Museum. This is a must both for New Zealanders and visitors from oveseas. It is a nostalgic trip into our past with lifelike dioramas and most interesting is the story of the Maori. Attached is 'Mr Badgers' cafe - a gourmet delight with homecooked food and 'real' service. All together a 5 star enterprise.
Date of experience: February 2013
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payasoru
Ferndown, United Kingdom
138104
And a "should do" even without children. This amazing museum has to be seen to be believed. One man's passion tells the story of New Zealand's beginnings, gives a comprehensive guide to how the early European settlers lived, and presents everything via a series of tableaux, both life size and tiny, with everything, including all the figures, made on site. Allow a good two hours, and then enjoy a snack in the cafe.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.