Location: Hawera
Top Things to do in Hawera
Countries
10 Things to Do in Hawera That You Shouldn't Miss
Hawera is the second-largest town in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island, with a population of 11,950. It is near the coast of the South Taranaki Bight.
Restaurants in Hawera
1. Tawhiti Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 306 reviews
Tawhiti MuseumWidely acclaimed as one of the most innovative museums in New Zealand, Tawhiti uses life size exhibits and scale models to capture the past in a series of super-realistic displays. All the displays – including the life size figures created from moulds cast from real people – are designed and built on the premises. Whether the subject is shipping, farming, Railways, or just a small corner of a colonial kitchen, the attention given to research and detail is the same. “I hope my enthusiasm for local history comes through the displays. I’m particularly aware of drawing children into our exhibits – they mustn’t feel museums are old buildings, full of old dusty junk. Historical display should be exciting and relevant – I’m always looking for more creative ways of making it just that” Nigel Ogle.
Reviewed By alan d - Tauranga, New Zealand
Shame on the New Plymouth District Council, for not supporting or promoting this hidden gem. Tawhiti Museum is a truly unique Enterprise and the attention to detail is simply stunning. You will need 3-4 hours to do it justice and the entry fee is only $15. It must be the best private museum in the country and uses life size exhibits and scale models to present NZ history in a series of brilliant, realistic displays.
There are multiple themes and exhibits as well as a Disneyland style ride through history. You sit in a boat and glide through the dark to a Maori village with trading and battles in 4D.
There's an extensive collection of farm machinery, horse-drawn and engine-powered, and an outside Bush Railway in a relic from the region's logging past that runs through the bush on reclaimed tracks. You would swear the models along the way are real, with every face different. If you’re short on time skip the railway trip, but you must do the mini boat trip through history.
2. King Edward Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By doris30nz - Ohakune, New Zealand
I grew up just south of Hawera and so this park is a place where we used to visit frequently. My kids have been here and it is somewhere that I would take my grandchildren. Just a beautiful area to be in, large and lots of space. The Gardens are beautiful - just love it.
3. Hawera Water Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By dgp1 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Not sure how many people have visited Hawera let alone climbed the old water tower on the inside which is the highest building around. Offers excellent views on a sunny day. You pay at the I site office next to the tower and it is only $2.50 which is awesome value. They give you the key to the door and off you go for a climb up the inside of the tower to reach the top and outside. It is not too strenuous but the steps are narrow yet they have handles/railings on both sides making it very safe.
4. South Taranaki i-Site Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By ebinde - Hendersonville, North Carolina
Let the helpful friendly staff introduce you to Hawera and the Taranaki region. You can get information about local and regional activities and accommodations here. There are also gift and souvenir items for sale. This is also where you can get admission to the nearby...MoreThanks for visiting South Taranaki! I hope you had a great time.
5. Ohawe Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By roythomas2016 - Hawera, New Zealand
Quintessential west coast beach: high & steep cliffs, rocky, black sand, big waves. Makes for a awesome walk though, and amazing sunsets in the evening.
There sometimes is actually really good swimming & Surfing, just straight off the boat ramp. the water looks a bit dirty but it's just the sand being stirred up
6. Puketarata Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
A Garden of National Significance - A large country garden sensitively contoured across a hillside in South Taranaki making the most of views to Mt Taranaki and inland views including the adjacent 400year old Puketarata Pa. Skilled blending of a diverse range of native and exotic plants is a particular focus through the various garden rooms creating a garden which sits well in the landscape. Visits by appointment please 06 278 3081 as I may be away. The Garden is open for the 10 days of the PowerCo Taranaki Garden Spectacular which is the first week of November.
Reviewed By chipmunk22 - New Plymouth, New Zealand
This country garden is sensitively set within its stunning environment, including the adjacent 400 year old Puketarata Pa. It has wonderful views of Mount Taranaki and is a lovely spot for a picnic. Jen has skilfully blended native plants with exotic varieties. There are generous herbaceous plantings that provide colour and scent. A peaceful garden with many hidden plantings to discover. Another bonus is that Jennifer and Ken Horner are knowledgeable fabulous hosts! I highly recommend a visit to this garden, you won't be disappointed.
7. Naumai Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By diob255114 - Tauranga, New Zealand
This is not a very well known park but well worth a visit. A pleasant walk around the paths by the small lake through bush.
8. Elvis Presley Memorial Room
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Kathi L
Our spontaneous visit was definitely worth it! Even if you're not a big fan of Elvis, it is great to experience the passion of the collector. It was a very warm and friendly welcome.
9. Quirky Fox
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
The world is full of amazingly talented artists and designers. People that transform paints and oils, metals and woods, fabrics and clay into sculptures, jewellery, ceramics and works of art. Quirky Fox works with a carefully curated selection of New Zealand and international artists to bring these pieces of art from their studio into your home.
Reviewed By sutherlandrachelle - Taranaki Region, New Zealand
Quirky Fox is well worth a visit, there are not many galleries like this one, from the helpful and friendly service you receive to the wide variety of art available. You would expect a gallery of this calibre to exist in a city. There is...MoreThank you for such an amazing review Rachelle. I look forward to seeing you again.
10. Lysaght Watt Gallery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Christopher C - Calgary, Canada
I pulled into Hawera yesterday and made sure to get a local accommodation that was close to the shopping and restaurants of the central business district. As I was ambling about, I enquired about any sort of local art galleries and was directed this way. However, upon finding the location, I was disappointed that the gallery seems to have closed …..
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