The New Zealand Timber Museum began as a 5-year project in 1967 by the Putaruru Jaycees. Their aim was to provide a “point of interest” for the area and they considered that a Timber Museum would attract interest from local and overseas visitors given the role that the timber industry played in both the economy and history of New Zealand.

At a public meeting in 1972 the plan was presented to the community and a Timber Museum Society was formed. The Deputy Mayor expressed his support and the Putaruru Borough Council set aside 2 acres of land in the Putaruru Domain as a site for the proposed Museum.

Later in 1972 Putaruru Timber Yards closed their No. 2 Mill, previously the Tuck and Watkins Mill, on Taupo Road and just 3 kilometers south of Putāruru. Managing Director Archie Mason offered the lease of the mill building and several acres of land to the Timber Museum Society on nominal terms.

In 1978 work began on the renovation of the Mill building. By this time several other buildings had been donated and moved to the site.  After years of fundraising and hard work, and with ongoing support and encouragement from business and community groups, The Museum finally opened to the public in 1982. 

The New Zealand Timber Museum strives to preserve the history and tell the stories of the Timber Industry and the South Waikato District.