Museum: 9am - 3pm daily · TrainWorld: 10am - 3pm, Weds-Sun · Café: Temporarily Closed

Preserving the Legacy of New Zealand’s Timber Industry

Discover the roots of an industry that shaped New Zealand

The New Zealand Timber Museum evolved from the Putāruru Jaycees in 1967 to celebrate the impact of timber on our community and economy. With generous contributions of land and buildings through the local council, the museum opened in 1982 and continues to grow into a significant cultural and educational hub. The museum is operated by a trust dedicated to preserving the stories of forestry pioneers and the communities built around the timber industry.

Our collection includes:

Tuck and Watkins historic sawmill
Putaruru Hotel 1895 (now Sycamore Function Centre)
St Michael's Church from Arapuni
Vintage forestry equipment
NZ Wildlife exhibits
Thousands of archival documents and photographs

TrainWorld - New Zealand's largest model railway
TruckWorld - with interactive heavy machinery
Living Tree Exhibits with Native and Exotic groves
NZ Military History exhibits including a life-size WWII trench
Vintage Cars & Motorbikes
A 51,000 year old Kauri stump

With support from the South Waikato District Council, industry partners, and a dedicated trust, we continue to expand and enhance our exhibits. Whether you're a local, a school group, or a visitor from afar, we welcome you to explore the heartwood of New Zealand’s forestry heritage.

Come walk among the giants of the timber industry.

The Timber Museum's Historical Development

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Preserving the Legacy of New Zealand’s Timber Industry

Discover the roots of an industry that shaped New Zealand

The Timber Museum's Historical Development

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