Discover the story of Kāwhia’s origins through the Kawhia Museum’s Natural History Display — showcasing the region’s Jurassic history and geological heritage. View a range of fossils discovered in and around the Kāwhia Habour, with specimens including Jurassic ammonites, belemnites from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, fossilised wood, shellfish and rock formations, moa bones and other ocean specimens. These specimens reveal the life of local shellfish, marine plants, and the effects of volcanic and coastal processes that have shaped Kāwhia Harbour.

Ideal for visitors of all ages, the display offers a clear, engaging introduction to Kāwhia’s natural environment and its ongoing conservation story.

Trace the harbour’s story from its formation to first Māori settlement through early European contact and into the present day. Learn the history of the historic annual whaleboat regatta, and the Taharoa iron mining.

See the influence of the harbour and its resources on communities both past and present.

As you journey through the Musuem, discover stories of history through navigation, iwi and hapū development, war, peace, innovation, colonial relationships, partnership, trade, economy, community and culture.

Witness bicultural stories, perspectives and memories captured in taonga, resources, photographs, maps, books, newspapers and oral histories.