Whangarei Museum Complex in Whangarei, Whangarei, New Zealand | Museum | Heritage Museum

Whangarei Museum Complex has a significant collection from the Whangarei and the Northland region in New Zealand.
Beginning in 1903 with a donation to the Whangarei County Council by the Mair family, the collection now totals over 50,000 items.

Whangarei Museum Complex includes fine examples of Tai Tokerau Taonga Maori and early European settler collections also natural history collections, domestic items, examples of early trade and industry and a large photograph and archive collection related to the above from the Northland region in New Zealand.

Whangarei Museum Complex houses three core collections: the Whangarei District Council collection, the Fraser Collection (of predominantly taonga Maori) and the Whangarei Museum collection. In addition, the Clarke Family homestead and its contents are a significant collection.

Inside our Kiwi House
Day is transformed into night when our most famous native bird, the kiwi, wakes up. Here you will see a kiwi foraging for food as it would in the wild. The Kiwi is a nocturnal animal and the Kiwi House is kept dark so that visitors can see the bird in its natural environment. The Kiwi House was opened in 1990 raising public awareness of the endangered North Island Brown Kiwi. Our mandate is to promote and protect our endangered native species in partnership with other conservation organizations.

Gecko House
You will also have an opportunity to visit the Gecko House ? but you will have to look hard as the gecko is a master of camouflage.

Heritage Buildings at Whangarei Museum Complex

'Glorat' - The Clarke Family Homestead, c1886
The Clarke Homestead, was home for Dr Clarke and his family, newly arrived from England.

Jane Mander Study, c1908
One of New Zealand's most famous authors Jane Mander, used this turret to write her novels when it was located on the family home 'Pukenui', Hatea Drive, Whangarei

Riponui Pah School, c1898
The school was origianlly situated on a hill top beside the Ngau Pa (Maori village) and opened in 1898.

Oruaiti Chapel, c1859
Believed to be the world's smallest Methodist Chapel, this building was moved to the property from Doubtless Bay, North of Whangarei.

Whangarei Women's Jail, c1900
Orginally located between Clyde and Cameron Streets in Whangarei