The Kauri Museum

“I wanted to write this review in the hopes that I can contribute to the future of the museum. I agree with Johanna who wrote a review below about how the content of the museum felt at odds with itself. On one hand, look at the devastation. On the other, check out the cool machinery used to do it. I found myself quite emotional - and the large Kauri trunk loaded onto a train cart began to look like a corpse. I think the fact that a museum could make me feel this is powerful and perhaps even the entire point of the experience. I wanted to express gratitude for this museum - especially the room dedicated to an entire slab and the circles which showed even large trees of the past. And I wanted to make a suggestion to this museum - I think eventually you could tell a full and complicated story. The story of lumber laborers who were also a deeply exploited class, the story of businessmen who exploited trees, labor, and Maori and any cost. The families who already lived here and the ones who came hoping for a new life. The clear cutting, which was admittedly a feat of human ingenuity and persistence, was more importantly an example of thoughtless and greedy destruction of some of the largest living structures on earth.”

“An absolute must-see. This museum shows how humans can attack nature, yet it always recovers. Thousands of years old plants have been destroyed by humans for commercial purposes. The resin produced by these trees has an incredible importance, and the museum shows how it has been used to produce artisanal products. Fortunately this museum, with the work of good people, has managed to document what happened to prevent further similar damage in the future. You can learn the history of the trees, but also the story of the people who contributed to the birth of this splendid nation with their work and their desire to improve. Well done, and keep up the good work!”

“A fantastic museum documenting the relationship between the people of New Zealand and one of the oldest and grandest species of tree on the planet. Their work to preserve this species of tree is like nothing else I've ever seen and this museum gives context to everything they're doing in New Zealand to protect this mighty tree. It's absolutely worth a visit, and there's a fascinating exhibition on the gum (resin) produced by the tree and the importance of that too.”

“What a wonderful museum covering the history of the Kauri industry in New Zealand. I would definitely recommend you add it to your "must do" when heading to Northland. Allow plenty of time to explore this massive museum and the stories it tells. Follow up with a coffee at the cafe located across the road.”