The eclectic exhibits of the Far North Regional Museum feature natural history and local cultural stories. Artefacts include kauri gum, carved greenstone weapons and wood carvings dating back to the 14th century.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Te Ahu Centre

0.02 MILES

This civic and community centre features a cinema, a theatre, a tourist information centre, a gallery and the Te Ahu Heritage exhibits of the Far North…

2. Okahu Estate Winery

2.09 MILES

Just south of town, off the road to Ahipara, Kaitaia's only winery offers free tastings and sells local produce, including the famous Kaitaia Fire chilli…

3. Ahipara Viewpoint

8.93 MILES

This spectacular lookout on the bluff behind Ahipara is reached by an extremely rough road leading off the unsealed Gumfields Rd, which starts at the…

4. Shipwreck Bay

9.39 MILES

The best surfing is at this small cove at Ahipara's western edge, so named for shipwrecks still visible at low tide.

5. Gumdiggers Park

10.97 MILES

Kauri forests covered this area for 100,000 years, leaving ancient logs and the much-prized gum (used for making varnish and linoleum) buried beneath…

6. Butler Point Whaling Museum

18.11 MILES

This small private museum is set in lovely gardens at Hihi, 15km northeast of Mangonui. The centrepiece is a still-lived-in Victorian homestead built by…

7. Karikari Estate

18.88 MILES

Part of the Carrington Resort complex, Karikari Estate produces wines of all hues and has a cafe attached. While the wine tastings are shamelessly…

8. St Mary’s Catholic Church

19.92 MILES

Catholicism arrived in Aotearoa in the form of well-respected French bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier, who celebrated NZ’s first Mass at Totara Point…