Kauri Museum, Matakohe tells a fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum.

Settlers first came to Matakohe and nearby Paparoa and Maungaturoto in 1862. This museum was established to pay tribute to those early pioneers.

There are many exceptional displays and dedicated galleries including a magnificent collection of antique kauri furniture.

There is restored machinery including NZ's earliest tractor, a 1929 Cat 60 and a turning Steam Sawmill.

Matakohe is steeped in history and is a charming little rural village with a population of a mere 400 people.

Besides The Kauri Museum, the Matakohe church was a tribute to the first New Zealand-born Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Joseph Coates who was born and raised in Matakohe.

The Museum Shop has the best selection of kauri products in New Zealand.

The Matakohe Kauri Museum has sculptures ranging from bowls and statues to a large tuatara and massive archways, woven pictures and marquetry, antique kauri furniture, lifelike mannequins, early photographic collections and exquisitely carved kauri gum.