Come up FOR ARTS & CULTURE

35°57'32.662''S 173°51'50.258''E

Dargaville Museum

Discover our storied history and rich heritage

The art, history, and culture of Kaipara are celebrated through its vibrant galleries, Māori heritage, and captivating museums. Explore local art galleries showcasing works inspired by the region’s natural beauty. Dive into the area’s deep Māori history, where stories of the first areas of settlement and connection to the land echo through time. Visit the Kauri Museum, Mangawhai Museum, and Dargaville Museum to uncover tales of gumdiggers, shipbuilders, and pioneers who shaped the region. Each place is a must-see for anyone seeking creativity, culture, and the spirit of New Zealand’s past and present.

Wharenui surrounded by green grass and a partly cloudy sky.

Māori History

The history of Kaipara is deeply rooted in the land and sea, being one of the first areas to be settled by Māori. Home to iwi and hapū, including Te Uri o Hau, Te Roroa, Te Kuihi, Te Parawhau, Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua, the area holds ancient pā sites, traditional fishing grounds, and sacred waterways. Stories of arrival, trade, conflict, and resilience shape the proud cultural heritage of Kaipara today.

Museum exhibit of model ships and maritime artifacts, including a boat with red sails and a lighthouse model inside a gallery with informational displays.

Dargaville Museum

The Dargaville Museum celebrates the history of the Kaipara Harbour region, from early Māori settlements to gumdigging and shipbuilding. Discover fascinating exhibits, historic artifacts, and stories of pioneers who shaped the area. Perched above the town, the museum also offers stunning views of the mighty Northern Wairoa River.

Exterior view of Mangawhai Museum with a sign indicating it is open, blue sky with clouds, modern building with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery.

Mangawhai Museum

The Mangawhai Museum showcases the history, culture, and coastal heritage of this beautiful region. Discover stories of Māori settlement, shipwrecks, sand dune ecology, and the vibrant community spirit that shaped Mangawhai. With engaging exhibits and interactive displays, it’s the perfect place to learn more about the storied past of Mangawhai.

A carved wooden volume and a fishing lure with green feathers resting on a wooden base, placed on green moss with blurred green foliage in the background.

Art Galleries

The art scene in Kaipara comes to life through unique galleries like Tika Pono Toi in Dargaville, The White Rock at Kauri Museum, and Mangawhai Artists Gallery - a creative hub hosting exhibitions, workshops, and community events. Along with Sarah C and The Pipi in Mangawhai, they capture the culture and creative spirit of Kaipara.

Exterior view of the Kauri Museum building with a sign, a flag on top, and a landscaped area in front, during daytime with a blue sky and some clouds.

Kauri Museum

The Kauri Museum is a captivating tribute to New Zealand’s kauri timber and gum heritage. Step back in time to explore life-sized replicas, historic machinery, and stunning kauri carvings. With fascinating stories of pioneering life and environmental change, it’s a must-visit for history lovers and curious explorers alike. You’ll find it at 5 Church Rd, Matakohe.