If you have ever wondered what life was like for early European visitors it is worth a visit to this museum. The Matakohe Kauri Museum boasts a host of information about the early gum diggers and Kauri saw-millers, that carved a place for themselves in the wilderness of Northland.
There are beautiful displays of Kauri wood and Kauri Gum products. Many photo's depicting life at the time. But probably the best feature for me was the recreation of how kauri trees were milled and processed, before the advent of our modern machinery.
You need to spend a lot of time in here, to absorb absolutely everything. There is a cafe within walking distance so you won't starve, and it is well worth the visit.