Firth Tower Museum
Nestled just 2km from Matamata on Tower Road, the Firth Tower Museum offers a captivating journey into New Zealand's pioneering past. Established on the historic 56,000-acre Matamata Estate founded by Auckland entrepreneur Josiah Clifton Firth in 1882, the museum provides a window into rural life of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The estate's centrepiece,
the 16-meter-high Firth Tower, was constructed as a lookout and served as an estate office and sleeping quarters for single men. Although currently closed due to earthquake damage, the tower remains a significant landmark within the museum grounds.
The museum complex encompasses 13 thoughtfully curated buildings, each showcasing different facets of regional history. Visitors can explore exhibits on the "drowned" Hora Hora Dam, Matamata's medical history, early movie-going experiences, and the Kaimai NAC disaster. The Firth Shed delves into local industries such as blacksmithing, tree felling, and the dairy sector, while the Gordon School offers a glimpse into early 1900s education.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum's tranquil gardens, wide lawns, and shady trees provide a perfect setting for picnics and leisurely strolls. The Firth Tower Historical Reserve is administered by the Matamata - Piako District Council, with exhibits curated by the dedicated Matamata Historical Society.
266A Tower Road
Matamata 3471
+64 7 888 8369
the 16-meter-high Firth Tower, was constructed as a lookout and served as an estate office and sleeping quarters for single men. Although currently closed due to earthquake damage, the tower remains a significant landmark within the museum grounds.
The museum complex encompasses 13 thoughtfully curated buildings, each showcasing different facets of regional history. Visitors can explore exhibits on the "drowned" Hora Hora Dam, Matamata's medical history, early movie-going experiences, and the Kaimai NAC disaster. The Firth Shed delves into local industries such as blacksmithing, tree felling, and the dairy sector, while the Gordon School offers a glimpse into early 1900s education.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum's tranquil gardens, wide lawns, and shady trees provide a perfect setting for picnics and leisurely strolls. The Firth Tower Historical Reserve is administered by the Matamata - Piako District Council, with exhibits curated by the dedicated Matamata Historical Society.
266A Tower Road
Matamata 3471
+64 7 888 8369
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