Tirau Museum
The Tirau Museum, located approximately 3.5 km south of Tīrau on State Highway 5, is a privately owned institution dedicated to preserving New Zealand's rural and social history. Established in 1972 by Geoff Ernst, who began collecting artifacts at the age of nine, the museum has expanded over five decades to encompass more than 13,000 square feet of exhibition space.
The museum's extensive collection features a diverse array of items, including vintage furniture, clocks, lamps, household goods, tobacco and honey tins, bottles, tools, heaters, and radios. Significant machinery exhibits comprise tractors, horse-drawn vehicles, petrol pumps, oil tins, farm equipment, and stationary engines, notably housing the oldest mobile tractor in the Waikato region.
Military memorabilia is prominently displayed, featuring World War I and II Roll of Honour boards, a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun, and currency from a prisoner of war camp. Reflecting Ernst's background in beekeeping, the museum also showcases vintage apiculture equipment and a selection of local honey products.
Visitors can enjoy the museum's tranquil rural setting, complete with picnic tables and barbecue facilities.
The museum operates daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
SH5
Tirau
+64 7 883 1442
The museum's extensive collection features a diverse array of items, including vintage furniture, clocks, lamps, household goods, tobacco and honey tins, bottles, tools, heaters, and radios. Significant machinery exhibits comprise tractors, horse-drawn vehicles, petrol pumps, oil tins, farm equipment, and stationary engines, notably housing the oldest mobile tractor in the Waikato region.
Military memorabilia is prominently displayed, featuring World War I and II Roll of Honour boards, a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun, and currency from a prisoner of war camp. Reflecting Ernst's background in beekeeping, the museum also showcases vintage apiculture equipment and a selection of local honey products.
Visitors can enjoy the museum's tranquil rural setting, complete with picnic tables and barbecue facilities.
The museum operates daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
SH5
Tirau
+64 7 883 1442
