Warkworth & Districts Museum

The Warkworth & District Museum is a local museum located in the township of Warkworth in the Auckland Region, New Zealand.

The museum is situated in the beautiful Parry Kauri Park, a two-hectare kauri tree reserve, and is only a 50-minute drive north from Auckland. Visitors can look out for museum signs just south of Warkworth and follow the directions to enter the gates of the lovely park.

The museum showcases the history of the Matakana Coast area, especially the kauri logging industry. It is family-friendly and has constantly developing and changing displays that give an insight into the lives and pursuits of pioneering families. From past to present, the museum has a magnificent display of colonial history, which is beautifully presented. There are numerous display rooms on the ground floor to explore, and visitors can also walk through the native bush of the Parry Kauri Park. The museum's objective is to display the past for the present and future generations.

One of the features of the museum setting is the magnificent McKinney and Simpson kauri trees standing in full view of the car park. These giants are the largest trees of their kind to be seen on the east coast of New Zealand and are a reminder of the days long gone when the kauri was known as the "king of the forest". The reserve features a walkway, primarily on boardwalk, and the grove of kauri trees has been tended by a local organization, the Kauri Bushmen's Association, since the 1960s.

The museum was first discussed at a town meeting in the early 1970s by local residents Jack Keys and Ken McInnes. By 1977, fundraising efforts had begun, and the museum was officially opened on September 21, 1980. The museum is run by friendly and knowledgeable local volunteers who are happy to share their insights into the settlement and development of the area.

In summary, the Warkworth & District Museum is a must-visit destination for those interested in the history of the Matakana Coast area, especially the kauri logging industry. Visitors can explore numerous display rooms on the ground floor, walk through the native bush of the Parry Kauri Park, and see the magnificent McKinney and Simpson kauri trees. The museum is family-friendly and run by friendly and knowledgeable local volunteers.