X

Outdoor Exhibits

Kauri log, bushmans hut
Logging whim
Warkworth Town Hall foundation stone
US Army huts used during WW2
Warkworth Jail c1912 and stocks
Mahurangi East post office 1867

The Kauri Park

The Kauri Park and the grounds surrounding the Museum contain some of the larger items of the Museum’s collection as well as some that have been placed there by the local Kauri Bushmen’s branch.

To the right of the car park is a bushman’s hut with a shingle roof and alongside is an open shed containing a large Kauri log on a bullock cart, also a ‘whim’ used for hauling the fallen logs out of hard to reach places.

There is also a recently reconstructed foot powered grind stone.  Few farms or bushmen’s camps could be found that would not have had one of these for sharpening the many axes and other tools required in those days.

The External Buildings and Structures

In front of the museum building is a bell tower dedicated to the early settlers of the district. Prominently placed in the garden as you enter the Museum’s reception area and shop is the stone commemorating the start of the construction of the original Warkworth Town Hall which was removed when the later extension were added.

As you proceed down the left of the main building you will see two army huts built to house the many US Marine Corp soldiers who came to the Warkworth area in 1942 for training prior to the invasion of the Japanese held Islands in the Pacific.

The old Warkworth jail, a pair of stocks, a long drop or ‘dunny’ as it was known, a traditional red painted phone box and the old Mahurangi East Post Office make up the collection.

Shelter and Washrooms

Underneath the veranda on the right are a number of picnic tables where visitors to the Museum can enjoy a few quiet moments.

You will also find the toilets located on the right at the rear of the main building.

The Main Building

The main Museum building comprises of two floors packed with items of interest to all, including many rooms in the upper floor fitted out as they would have been in the early settlers’ days.

There is easy access to all areas and we hope you will enjoy reliving the past and marveling at the energy and endeavour of our pioneer families.