Hawera: Tawhiti Museum, Pā Sites and Parks

Hawera offers a range of points of interest for a hotel stay: Tawhiti Museum, with its cultural and technological history themes, parklands and the nearby Turuturu-mokai complex. When looking for hotels in Hawera, you can consider whether exhibitions, a walk among trees and plants, or a place of significance to Māori history is of particular interest for your trip. The following distinctions can help you assess the destination according to your interests.

History and Exhibitions at Tawhiti Museum

Tawhiti Museum presents the history of Taranaki through thousands of life-size models and scale figures. The original bedroom of local author Ronald Hugh Morrieson offers insight into his work. Another focus is Farmpower Hall: its collection of agricultural machinery showcases its development since the 1930s. Traders & Whalers presents the Taranaki coast in the 19th century, with an underground canal ride. The Tawhiti Bush Railway illustrates the history of logging railways in Taranaki.

The exhibitions differ in their access and subject matter: Morrieson's bedroom offers a personal literary touch, while Farmpower Hall focuses on the development of agricultural machinery. Traders & Whalers and the Tawhiti Bush Railway explore different aspects of regional history. This makes it possible to approach the museum visit thematically, through literature, agriculture, the coast and logging railways.

Walks and Parklands

Goodson Dell, at the corner of High Street and Cameron Street in Hawera, offers a scenic walk among native and exotic trees and plants. King Edward Park features mature trees, a lake, and camellia and rose gardens. The two green spaces also have different features: Goodson Dell combines a walk with mixed plantings, while the lake and gardens contribute to the character of King Edward Park alongside its trees. You can therefore choose between a described walking route and a park with a body of water and gardens.

The Turuturu-mokai Complex near Hawera

The Turuturu-mokai complex lies near Hawera. It is considered culturally, historically, socially and archaeologically significant; its pā sites are outstanding examples of pre-European Māori earthworks. The complex is open to the public, and Ngāti Tupaia of Ngāti Ruanui permit visits to the site. The different aspects of its significance show that it is not only a matter of archaeological classification: cultural, historical and social perspectives also matter. Unlike the exhibitions at Tawhiti Museum, the focus here is on the pā sites and their significance.

In the wider South Taranaki District destination

Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki is located in Pātea. It is a purpose-built museum that embodies the spirit and energy of the South Taranaki region. While Tawhiti Museum in Hawera presents specific collection and history themes, Aotea Utanganui focuses on the region as a whole.

Mr Badger’s Cafe in Hawera serves fresh homemade baking and coffee. Check whether the cafe is open before your visit.

Explore more destinations: Patea, Opunake, Awatuna.

For the wider travel overview: South Taranaki District.