Last updated November 2026
Beside the Waiuku Estuary, a cluster of old buildings on Tamakae Reserve makes up the Waiuku Museum, the town’s volunteer-run history museum on King Street. Its displays of Māori and early colonial artefacts reflect the district’s maritime and farming past.
Around the main museum stand several historic buildings, among them Hartmann House, Pollok Cottage, Maioro School, a dairy, a lock-up and the old Anglican vestry. The museum also helps people with local genealogy and historical research, and it opens for a few hours each week as well as for pre-booked school and tour groups.
Practical Information
- Address
- 13 King Street, Waiuku, on Tamakae Reserve beside the Waiuku Estuary
- Opening hours
- A few hours a week, and at other times by arrangement; see the museum’s Kōtuia listing for current times
- Entry
- Charged for adults, students and seniors; children under 16 free. See the museum’s Kōtuia listing for prices
- Groups
- Pre-booked groups and schools welcome
- Run by
- Waiuku Museum Society, with volunteers
- Phone
- 09 235 8698
- Status
- Check the museum’s Kōtuia listing before you go.
About Waiuku Museum
The Waiuku Museum Society runs the museum from its King Street site. Volunteers do the work of preserving the historic items and records and making them available for research, education and visitors.
The collection takes in the district’s Māori and early colonial history, with permanent and changing exhibitions that reflect Waiuku’s maritime and agricultural past. Kōtuia, the national directory of museums and galleries, lists its strengths as social history, taonga Māori and technology.
Alongside the exhibitions, the museum offers help with local genealogy and historical research, and it works with local schools and other interested groups.
The Historic Buildings
The museum’s site on the reserve also holds a group of historic buildings. They include Hartmann House, Pollok Cottage, Maioro School, a dairy, a lock-up and the old Anglican vestry.
Where to Learn More
Kōtuia: Waiuku Museum: opening hours, entry, contact details and the collection.
OurAuckland: Waiuku Museum supported by local board grants: the museum’s historic buildings and research services.
OurAuckland: New leases for popular Waiuku facilities: the museum society’s lease and its volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Waiuku Museum open?
It opens for a few hours a week and at other times by arrangement, and pre-booked groups are welcome. Current days and times are on the museum’s Kōtuia listing.
Is there an entry charge?
Yes, for adults, students and seniors. Children under 16 are free. Prices are on the museum’s Kōtuia listing.
Where is the museum?
At 13 King Street, Waiuku, on Tamakae Reserve beside the Waiuku Estuary.
What historic buildings are there?
Hartmann House, Pollok Cottage, Maioro School, a dairy, a lock-up and the old Anglican vestry.
Can the museum help with family history?
Yes. It offers help with local genealogy and historical research.
Can groups visit?
Yes. The museum welcomes schools and pre-booked groups.
Who runs the museum?
The Waiuku Museum Society, with the help of volunteers.
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