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History

History and heritage activities including museums are listed in this section.

Featured: Rotorua – Central Park’s cultural centre

Rotorua is regarded as the cultural hub of Central Park and has cemented its place as an international tourism icon. Rotorua offers everything from relaxing spa treatments to freefalling from 15,000 feet, backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, so whether its relaxation, adrenalin, a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Rotorua has it covered.

The city is best known for its geothermal activity with geysers and bubbling mud pools apparent throughout the area. Perhaps the most distinct feature of Rotorua is the intense sulphur scent which is unmistakable upon arrival. This is created by numerous sulphur vents throughout the area.

While learning about and experiencing Maori Culture is one of the main attractions to the area there are many other activities which draw visitors to the city. Boasting 16 lakes throughout the area, Rotorua is a haven for anglers with its vast quantity of trout providing excellent year round fishing. Ideal for many other activities, the lakes see a large number of holiday makers utilizing the sparkling waters for kayaking, waterskiing and boating.

Water activities are not the only enticing feature of the region with many land based adventures available. Possibly the most popular of them is mountain biking with Rotorua offering some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. The Redwood Forest is home to some of New Zealand’s best trails and the tracks are referenced relative to the level of difficulty and signposted making it easily navigable.

The Skyline Sykride is a popular attraction with the Gondola rising to 487 metres above sea level on Mt Ngongotaha. The adventure starts at the top of the mountain with the Luge and Skyswing. A 5km track descended on 3 wheel carts is a fun-filled option for all ages while the Skyswing sees thrill seekers swinging through the air at 120kph, offering stunning views of the lakes and Rotorua city at the same time.

For those feeling a little less adventurous, there are many walking trails through spectacular forestry and around the lakes. Some of the most popular trails are found in the Hamurana Springs, Lake Tikitapu, Rainbow Mountain and the Tarawera Falls.

Experiencing Rotorua’s geothermal landscape from the air is a unique and exhilarating adventure and is available through a number of operators in the area.

Renowned for its healing qualities, the thermal hot springs of Rotorua draw thousands of visitors to experience the natural therapies, from soaking in the hot waters, relieving aches with a mud wrap with mud sourced from local geothermal sites, to relaxing with a therapeutic massage.

No trip to Rotorua is complete without experiencing a bit of local culture. There are many places throughout the city to watch master carvers and weavers at work and sampling a ‘hangi’ – a traditional method of cooking food in the earth, is a must, along with cultural performances including the world famous ‘Haka’.

The Wonderland of Waitomo

The Ruakuri, Aranui and world famous Glowworm caves are the centre piece of Waitomo and provide a unique experience for all visitors. Renowned for its amazing underground adventures, Waitomo offers a range of activities to suit all ages.
The Glowworm caves, home to the ‘Cathedral’ – world renowned for its acoustics, has hosted acclaimed Diva, Dame [...]

Coromandel School of Mines Museum

The building dates from 1898 when it was as a School of Mines, it was created for 60 students paying registration of 2/- ($1.00) per annum and 5/- (50c) per term for each subject.
An assay room was originally part of the complex. The school closed as in 1936 and was opened as a museum in [...]

Whakatane District Museum & Gallery

The Whakatane District Museum & Gallery has recently modernised displays of the environment and human history of the eastern Bay of Plenty, which have been much praised by visitors.
A special feature is the Tree of Knowledge that provides links to the significant people, events and landmarks of the region.
A programme of special exhibitions is shown [...]

Katikati Heritage Museum

Step back into the past, with walk-through scenes and exhibits at the Katikati Heritage Museum. You will be pleasantly surprised, at how much fun history can actually be.  The museum is the home of the Goodwin bottle collection which is the largest of its kind in Australasia, it also features the LPs of yesteryear collection – both very impressive. [...]

Taupo Museum

The Taupo Museum displays focus on the district’s special local stories and our art gallery, with its changing exhibitions, is a much-loved favourite.
Opening Hours – Taupo Museum is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm; Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Admission Charges

$5 adults
$3 seniors, students, large groups and bus tours
Free to children, Taupo residents and ratepayers

How to Find [...]

Church Road Wine Museum

The Church Road wine museum is housed underground in old concrete wine vats whose adjoining walls have been opened up.
The walls are encrusted with sparkling, gem-like tartrate crystals, formed from the tartaric acid in the wine once stored here.
The oldest winemaking relics in the country lie entombed here, some dating back 3000 years.
Winery and museum [...]

Hawke’s Bay Museums

The Hawke’s Bay Museum is a combined museum and art gallery. The museum’s collection is broad in scope with a special emphasis on Hawke’s Bay history, especially the 1931 earthquake.
The Hawke’s Bay Museum is located at 9 Herschell Street, Bluff Hill in Napier.
There is a long-term exhibition celebrating Ngati Kahungunu their Tipuna (ancestors) and their [...]

Mount Surf Museum & Shop

The Mount Surf Museum is New Zealand’s biggest surf museum featuring 700 surfboards on display.
This dazzling lineup of longboards and shortboards shows the evolution of New Zealand surfing from early wooden board days through the psychedelic 60s and 70s. There are handcrafted masterpieces from Kiwi pioneers like Quane and Bob Davies plus rare collectables including [...]

National Army Museum

The National Army Museum is nestled amongst the tussock at the foot of the Tongariro National Park and Desert Road in Waiouru.
Visitors will enjoy a truly multi-sensory experience. Be inspired by the personal stories of our soldiers, discover New Zealand’s military history and reflect on how conflict has shaped our nation.
Join our friendly staff for [...]