Hawera

Need To Know

The Maori language named Hawera means 'burnt place'. An older Maori name was Tau-patate, referring to the patate or seven-finger tree. There are four marae in the Hawera area and they are Ngatiki Pa, Te Rangatapu Marae, Ngaruahine hapu and Okahu-Inuawai. Hawera is in the shadow of the most iconic peaks on the North Island of New Zealand. Mount Taranaki, no wonder it has this slogan 'if you can't see the mountain, it's raining, and if you can, it's going to rain'.

Hawera doesn't get much media attention compared to some other big cities, but it is truly a place worth visiting. The Whareroa dairy factory, located about 4 km south-southwest of Hawera, is the largest dairy complex globally. The complex was officially opened in 1975 and is owned by Fonterra. Electricity and heat used here are generated by an on-site gas-fired power plant with excess electricity fed into the national grid. Please note that the museum is mostly open between Friday to Monday in summer and Sunday in winter.

Things To Do In Hawera

If you love milk and cheese, schedule a visit to Hawera, home of the largest dairy factory. About 13 million litres of milk are processed here daily. You can climb the Hawera water tower and pay a small entrance fee to climb a spiral staircase to the top revealing spectacular views over Hawera and Mount Taranaki. Aside from taking a photo while touring this great city, there are many attractions this town offers, from climbing historical water to relaxing in one of the town's picturesque parks. You can, of course, visit the outstanding museums that characterize this town or head down to the beach to embrace the rugged coastal scenery.

A famous museum here with a beehive of activity that you can visit is the Tawhiti Museum, with features from moulded casts of notable people who've made giant strides in life as a way of capturing the past. The museum is also known for its local heritage and history. You can also visit the Elvis Presley Museum, a private collection owned by Kevin D. Wasley, which displays memorabilia collections of the notable singer Elvis Presley since 1959. The Lysaght Watt Gallery is great to get a firsthand experience of a monthly art exhibition that showcases the work of skilful artists at Taranaki. The art gallery is open from Monday to Saturday. If you're yearning to get some great time by the beach, Ohawe Beach is there for you. The beach is at the coastline of Taranaki, with a campground that's just so perfect for catching some naps on a fantastic evening with family. If you're bored staying indoors, you can take a 10-minute walk to stretch your legs in the Gladstone walkway, which passes through farmland, an ancient village with a gentle stream and rhododendron plantations.

The places to visit here for some great time with family and friends are seemingly unending. You can visit the community art gallery-like Lysaght Watt Gallery, and see the work of some amazing and talented Taranaki and New Zealand artists. If you want to venture on a road trip down the Tangahoe Valley to New Zealand's lake, there are stationed tour guides that'll guide you through. Quality food and drink are never lacking in this town. Edward Park, for instance, is home to lovely roses and sumptuous meals from different vendors. The various gardens here will help you discover the park's hidden gems.