The quiet town of Paeroa was home to one of New Zealand’s busiest river ports. Come and view maritime history and displays of the region including Captain Cook, Northern Steam Ship Company and our naval displays. This Museum is the home to a very important collection of maritime history relating to the role that Paeroa played as a port for unloading mining machinery and equipment in the late 19th century when the goldfields of Waihi and Karangahake were being developed and mined. The vast amounts of gold that were gained from these goldfields were then shipped out of the area via these ports on site and the ports in town.
The open air complex adjoining the museum has picnic tables, shady trees, motorhome facilities and is part of the Hauraki Rail Trail. The open air complex is part of the heritage trail in the Coromandel Peninsula. Check the Coromandel Guide for more information.
