Matakohe Kauri Museum

This rural museum is as much of a legend as the kauri it displays. New Zealanders add it to their bucket list, but more often than not find themselves proclaiming, “Oh, I've been meaning to go.” This mighty museum is a must-do in the region and the best place to begin a journey on the Kauri Coast. Don't be deceived by the exterior — the museum is enormous. There are 4500sqm of exhibits, including a full-size replica boarding house and sawmill, an 800-year-old kauri slab, 170 chainsaws, and the Rintoul Māori Collection, which houses treasured Māori taonga.