WHILE THERE

• Meet the "man" having his teeth pulled in the boarding house. He's a replica of the artist who created the many mannequins.

• Look for the enormous rings that show the size of the long-lost giants of the forest. The largest is the Giant Kauri Ghost, which grew at the head of Tararu Creek. It had an estimated diameter of 8.5m. • Kauri gum is as much a part of the history as the wood from which it's produced. Kauri gum is a resin that forms from damage to the kauri tree. It's a natural Band-Aid that protects the tree but also happens to look rather

pretty. Gum-diggers retrieved the gum by digging 8m into swamp or paddock, from the living trees or even created it themselves by cutting trunks and branches. The museum has a comprehensive collection of gum, including carved Māori figures and ornate necklaces. Time it right, and meet Thelma. Thelma teaches visitors how to polish kauri gum; a skill visitors can try themselves with a takehome kit that includes a little nugget of gum and some light sandpaper.

• There's a "live" day in

October, where guides and the community come together to bring the museum to life.

It's possible to self-guide over several hours but to get the full experience, join a daily guided tour at 1.30pm.

5 Church Road, Matakohe. (09) 431 7417, kaurimuseum.com