Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
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The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including Woodville Reed Organ Museum, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Oranjehof, Dutch Connection Centre, Dinosaur House, Middleton Model Railway, Colyton Clocks, New Zealand Rugby Museum, Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage, Coach House Museum, Whanganui War Memorial Centre.
Restaurants in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
1. Woodville Reed Organ Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Around 100 of our over 150 old pedal/reed organs are on display and can be played to your heart's content, or just look and learn, or listen and sing, etc. We live in the building so are usually at home to show you around, but if you want to be sure, ring or e-mail ahead of time for an appointment. Will be a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
2. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Award winning Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom combines a library, cafe, & community hub, galleries & and an iSite. iSite for visitors: We know all the best things to do, places to stay and ways to get there, plus we take care of the bookings. We'll point you in the right direction to make sure your trip in Horowhenua is memorable for all the right reasons. Galleries: Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre is a Māori museum, arts and learning centre that provides an insight in to the lives of Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Piriharakeke has a strong focus on the stories, treasures, language and art. Oranjehof Dutch Connection Centre - Oranjehof showcases the stories and treasures of one of Aotearoa’s largest migrant groups – the New Zealand Dutch community. In our national Dutch museum, you can get in touch with all things Dutch.
Reviewed By PieterS90 - Nelson, New Zealand
We went especially to Foxton to see the Dutch museum. It was very interesting. It was well put together from the discovery of New Zealand by Abel Tasman to the modern day. There also was a Maori section. While we were there, there was a special exhibition of Anne Frank. It was housed in the community hall with the library, isite and a coffee shop. If you are passing through Foxton it is worth a stop.
3. Oranjehof, Dutch Connection Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Oranjehof is a very special museum about the history of Dutch immigration in New Zealand with lots of personal stories. Oranjehof is part of Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, with library and the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre. Enjoy a complete Dutch experience by visiting Oranjehof, the windmill with a Dutch shop and the Oven, with Dutch treats like kroketten en frikandellen.
Reviewed By LeiMeisen - Bogota, Colombia
Next to the Dutch windmill in Foxton, you can find an amazing venue hub with the library, community services and 2 great experiences about the history of local Maori-iwi and about the history of Dutch immigrants in New Zealand. This part of the building of Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is called: Oranjehof Dutch Connection Centre. You can find there all kinds of documents, stories, artworks, pictures and applicants which tell the story of the immigration after WW2 from Dutch people to NZ. You will feel the emotions and the hard circumstances the first generations had to endure, but also the influence of a lot of 'Dutch kiwi's 'on daily life in NZ. For example, you can see and read the story of the first coffee shop ever in Wellington by Suzy van de Kwast, who was the first to boost the start of a real coffee culture. You can play the traditional Dutch game "sjoelbakken'and your children can dress up in traditional Dutch costumes for their selfies! The combination of the Dutch windmill, a Dutch shop, the Dutch restaurant the Oven with traditional treats like kroketten en frikandellen and Oranjehof offer you a real and amazing Dutch experience, very near the State Highway in Foxton
4. Dinosaur House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The Dinosaur House is a small museum which is run by dinosaur enthusiasts Ian & Sarah Moore. The Museum contains an amazing collection of dinosaur displays and fossils. Housed in a beautiful 1922 heritage building in the centre of the historic town of Raetihi. It is a traditional museum using the beauty and majesty of more than 100 specimens to show the public the exciting and wonderful world of fossils and dinosaurs. You’ll be transported back to prehistoric times to explore our carefully curated exhibits which will expand your mind.
Reviewed By YorkshireTeabag
Really well done. Friendly hosts truly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Some great items such as the actual costume worn by Sam Neill in Jurassic Park III. Highly recommend for all ages.
5. Middleton Model Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Inspiration827670
We saw the yellow road sign on SH2 so decided to call in. The entry is awesome with a path through a long tree covered walkway. We were greeted by a very friendly man who gave a short talk about the railway layouts and shop. This is huge so allow plenty of time. It is also the only railway layout that we have seen where one can operate some of the equipment. There are several scales on display from tiny to O Scale. The shop us well stocked and and most interesting. We really enjoyed our visit.
6. Colyton Clocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
The largest collection of time pieces in the Southern Hemisphere from all over the world. The oldest piece is over 300 years old and many others are over 100 years old. Rurally situated.
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
An amazing collection displayed in an old church.Jim is passionate about his collection and so he should be.They are not all polished and tick tocking , too many to wind the key everyday. This is the largest collection in NZ . Every clock tells the time, but behind every clock they tell a story and Jim knows them all. From a grandfather clock made of matches by an inmate at a prison.A 300 year old clock, clocks from Art Nouveau, Art Deco,French,Georgian and hand painted clock from Scotland. You could spend a whole day listening about the story behind each one. Jim also puts on a magical lighting display for Xmas from Dec. At only a small charge of $4 it’s well worth a visit. Drive up behind church and enquire at house for access to church
7. New Zealand Rugby Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The sport that shaped a nation.How did rugby come to play such an important role in the culture and heritage of New Zealand, and why are the All Blacks so good? Our Balls, Bullets and Boots Exhibition opens on 22nd August - Rugby Remembers WW1. Explore the rich history and folklore of the nation's game, see some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts, and learn about some of our rugby greats. You can get active by testing your rugby skills in the dedicated "Have A Go" area and measure yourself against the best.
Reviewed By Jadedog - Waikanae, New Zealand
Some fantastic historical items as well as contemporary pieces. A great collection of rugby and its intertwining into nz culture. A MUST see if in the Manawatu!! An active zone (designed for kids to test themselves) provides a distraction to all members of the family. Very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to assist and explain items.
8. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
At the cultural heart of our city, Te Manawa draws art, science and heritage together to reflect our past, illuminate the present and inspire a creative and sustainable future for our growing region and its people. Our public want deeper and more energetic access to their museums. They want to see and hear their stories told, in their own voices. They are right to demand inclusion, representation and participation. These make for personal experiences that touch them emotionally, inspire them creatively and give life and mana to their collective heritage – making for an exciting place to live. The main goal of Te Manawa Museums Trust is to provide the people of Manawatū and beyond with interactive experiences in art, science and heritage. For us, it is all about connection. People should feel passionate and excited about, and attached to Te Manawa, the collections we care for, and the experiences we shape with them.
Reviewed By Companion651122 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Excellent Museum for adults and children. The kids play area for under 7s is fantastic for the young ones to explore things. The social history gallery is great to look into the display cases to see things that have gone by. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.
9. Coach House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
A visitor attraction which tells the the story of 'Pioneering to Prosperity' in the Manawatu with a focus on horse drawn vehicles.
Reviewed By loyalaznz - Auckland, New Zealand
This museum in Feilding, New Zealand is probably on of the best lesser known museums in the country and is well worth the visit. The displays are mainly on agricultural history of the area and they do have several interactive displays and a few yesteryear games that kids will enjoy (they will love the spinning top game). There is a lot of old farming equipment but they aren't just sitting there rusting away, as they are in almost mint condition and some of them look like they still get used today. The cost is only $12 per adult and $6 per child so anyone can afford to go and have a look. Expect a visit to take 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
10. Whanganui War Memorial Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
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