Introducing Matakohe
Matakohe’s a sweet village on one of the Kaipara’s many inlets. Apart from its rural charms, the reason for visiting is the superb Kauri Museum (09-431 7417; www.kaurimuseum.com; Church Rd; adult/child $15/3; 8.30am-5pm). The giant cross-sections of trees are astounding in themselves, but the entire industry is brought to light through life-sized reproductions of a pioneer sawmill, boarding house, gum-digger’s hut and Victorian home – along with photos, artefacts, and fabulous furniture and marquetry. The Gum Room holds a weird and wonderful collection of kauri gum, the amber substance that can be carved, sculpted and polished to a jewel-like quality. The museum shop stocks mementos crafted from kauri wood and gum.
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Facing the museum is the tiny kauri-built Matakohe Pioneer Church (1867), which served both Methodists and Anglicans, and acted as the community’s hall and school.
Last updated: Sep 22, 2008
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: North Island - Fun and Education
by LisaMNZ 03 August 2011
The War Memorial Museum in Auckland is great for kids (and learning) as is Te Papa in Wellington. Te Papa is probably stronger on NZ…
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RE: Weekend Trips from Auckland
by LisaMNZ 17 July 2011
Don't think I'd do it just for a weekend. Everywhere is at least a 4 hour flight (Sydney & Melb are 3 1/2 I think when the wind is right)…
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RE: Tongariro Crossing & other things
by kiwitraveller1t 23 November 2010
When you are in Coromandel go to the Driving Creek Potteries and Railway http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/driving-creek-railway-and-pot…
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