Dargaville Maritime and Pioneer Museum

The maritime focus of this museum comes from the Wairoa River and Kaipara Harbour - shipping was for a long time the main transport means. Logging and gum digging have had a major role in the region's history; displays also include the history of Maori settlement in the area.
The interesting displays offer fascinating glimpses of the Kauri Coast’s diverse past - nautical, Maori and pioneer exhibits, including an operational kauri gum chip washing plant.
Maori exhibits include a pre-European hand-adzed waka, the only one of its size on display anywhere in New Zealand. The museum lies in Pou Tu Te Rangi - Harding Park, a former Pa site, a short drive from the town centre. Within the museum is a special display, a rebuilt genuine gumdiggers hut. It is so authentic it has it's own NZ Heritage listing.

The view from the Museum includes magnificent views over Toka Toka, Maungaraho and the historic Northern Wairoa River.

Richard Mackrory comments: Visited a couple of years ago with my daughter. We aren't really into museums so it is a testament to the quality of this one that we looked all the way through. Interesting and varied range of exhibits, well presented.