Mokau Museum & Gallery
About This Museum
Tucked away on North Street in the small Taranaki coastal town of Mokau, this museum feels more like a local's well-kept treasure chest than a formal institution. It tells the layered story of the area, from its deep Māori roots and the bustling days of the river trade to its quieter present. You'll find everything from beautifully carved waka (canoes) that once plied the river to sepia-toned photographs of early European settlers. The atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious, inviting you to linger and discover the character of this unique stretch of the North Island.
Collection Highlights
A central feature is often a historic river canoe, speaking directly to Mokau's lifeblood—its waterway. Other exhibits showcase delicate pounamu (greenstone) adzes, vintage farming equipment that looks like it was just put down, and evocative photographs capturing the town's heyday.
Visitor Information
It's run by passionate volunteers, so opening hours can be seasonal; it's always best to check locally before you pop in. Entry is by koha (donation), which feels perfectly in keeping with the community spirit of the place.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a classic New Zealand weatherboard building, it’s unassuming from the outside, blending seamlessly into its small-town surroundings.
Contact & Location
Address: 33, North Street, Mōkau, Waitomo District, Waikato, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 6 752 9072
Website: Visit Website
