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Museum: 9am - 3pm, 7 days · TrainWorld: 10am - 3pm, Daily for School Holidays · Café: 9am-3pm, Tues - Sun
Affordable fun for families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages
Looking for an unforgettable day out in the heart of South Waikato? The New Zealand Timber Museum in Putāruru offers something truly special for families, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. Open 7 days a week, this expansive six-hectare site invites visitors to walk among towering trees, discover vintage machinery, and step inside buildings rich with heritage and stories.
Opening Hours:
Museum Open Seven Days, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Day after New Years, King's Birthday
Reduced hours Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day
Museum:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 7 days
TrainWorld:
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Thursday - Sunday
Cafe:
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Tuesday - Sunday
Admission fees
Adults: $12.50
Gold Card: $10.00
Children (5-14): $7.00
+ TrainWorld Admission
Adults: $6.50
Gold Card: $5.00
Children (5-14): $3.00
Pay for admission to both the Museum and TrainWorld, and enjoy free museum entry on your next visit within the year! On your return, you’ll only need to pay to explore TrainWorld.
What to See and Do:
Stroll through 11 historic buildings and themed exhibits
Discover ancient totara stumps and a 45-year-old native forest grove
Explore a fully restored 1911 pioneer schoolhouse
See working vintage forestry machinery and a full sawmill layout
Visit the Wildlife of NZ Forests Exhibition with taxidermy displays
Marvel at TrainWorld: NZ’s largest model railway, packed with detail
Browse the Gallery & Gift Shop for local crafts and memorabilia
Relax at Redwood Café with delicious food and coffee
Enjoy outdoor events and activities on the expansive Village Green
School Group Visits
Interactive, Educational, and Fun for All Ages
Bring learning to life with a school trip to the New Zealand Timber Museum! Our site offers a rich blend of hands-on activities, historic exhibits, and outdoor exploration that aligns with New Zealand’s curriculum in history, science, and sustainability.
Get in touch to plan your next educational adventure in Putāruru!
Email: office@nztm.org.nz
Phone: 07 883 7621
Site Map
We're located on 2331 State Highway 1 in the South Waikato
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