What to see and best things to do
Interested in New Zealand’s seafaring history?
Intrigued by the story of whalers then Butler Point is a must go destination. Visitors will be fascinated by stories of the sailors who went whaling and interactions with local Maori. The setting for the Butler Point Whaling Museum is a magnificent garden with glorious harbour views. The comprehensive private museum is a testament to a period of time often forgotten, whaling and its impact on the local communities hostage to the whale trade. The 1840’s heritage home and gardens have been beautifully restored by the Ferguson family. There is an adjoining macadamia orchard.
Nearby Mangonui makes a convenient starting point for your day exploring the museum and coast.
Butler Point Whaling Museum’s highlights
- Butler Point Whaling Museum, rare original whale boat fully kitted out for whaling
- Scrimshaw (carved whale bone) items reflecting a 19th sailor’s life and times
- Gardens overlooking Doubtless Bay
Nearby Butler Point Whaling Museum what to do and see?
- Check out what to do in Mangonui from fish n chips from the ‘world famous’ Mangonui Fish Shop to heritage walks and art galleries nestled in a 19th century courthouse
- Further afield, approximately one hour is Pahia and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Pahia offers cruises to explore the Bay of Islands with its stunning coastal scenery, birdlife and marine animals.
- Travelling north is Cape Reinga and the outstanding views of the Pacific and Tasman oceans meet. The lighthouse is a favourite photo location.
- On the route is Kerikeri with its Kororipo Heritage Park, art galleries and outstanding Art Garden installations
In 1847 Captain William Butler House built a home to support his growing family and the providing trade supporting the whalers calling into Mangonui port for supplies. The residence is restored with period furniture and fittings reflecting the history of the house as a home for various residents. Visitors have an opportunity to walk into the parlour and living rooms of a nineteenth century home.
The garden, awarded ‘Garden of Significance’ status (NZ Gardens Trust) has extensive stands of ancient Pohutukawa trees. The Whaling Museum is a member of the Northland Museums Association and Butler House (category II heritage ranking). The gardens have been recognised as a ’Garden of Significance’ with the New Zealand Gardens Trust (NZGT).
Butler Point Whaling Museum’s location
Butler Point Whaling Museum overlooking Butler Bay, Mangonui Harbour.
Close to Hihi village where there is a general store, a holiday park and bachs (holiday homes).
Pohutukawa trees surround the Butler family cemetery where in season there are Bella Donna lilies, white irises and daffodils. Among the native bush on the property are the rare Elingamita johnsonii, many large puriri (vitex lucens) the shining broadleaf griselinia, large native puka and other coastal plants such as the Cape Reinga Lily (arthropodium) and varieties of flax (phormium tenax). These include a giant Magnolia Grandiflora; an equally large fig with its roots and branches overhanging the sea at high tide; and a very early olive that still stands in the garden as an massive old stump with only one regenerating branch now remaining.
The oldest trees are native Pohutukawa (metrosideros excelsa), some of which were ancient at the time Butler arrived. Pohutukawa lines the coastline to Butler House, providing a spectacular backdrop to the property. One surviving tree with a trunk circumference of 11.9 metres is the largest in New Zealand.
Butler Point to Mangonui
5.6 km 10 minutes
There is a gift shop marketing Macadamia Nut Products harvested from the commercial orchard attached to the Butler homestead along with literature and local artisan pieces.
OPENING HOURS
By appointment only either telephone or email Butler Point Whaling Museum.
HIHI
Stitchbird/hihi is a medium-sized forest species that is one of New Zealand’s rarest forest birds.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
