The Mercury Bay Museum stands on very historic land. Initially it was the site of Hukihuki, a large palisaded urupa (cemetery). A mill at Ferry Landing was developed in 1862 with the township growing around it, until, by 1881, with the mill and township too large for the area available, all was shifted over the river, to the current town site. After a fire at the Upper Mill in 1888 (located between the Waiwawa and Whenuakite rivers) all milling now concentrated on the new site in Whitianga over part of which the Museum now sits. The art deco building now housing the Museum was erected by the Mercury Bay Dairy Company in 1934 at a cost of £6,435. The first suppliers sent their cream to the factory by pack horse and launch. Butter was transported from the wharf to Auckland by the coastal steamer Lady Jocelyn. The factory operated until all whole milk was sent to Te Aroha in 1972. With the closure of the Mercury Bay Dairy Company in the 1970's the Lions Club, through fundraising, bought the building to be used as a museum. Initially occupying the front section of the building only, over the years as the museum's collections grew through donations, the whole building was used. Today the Museum preserves and protects our history and promotes it to the 7,000 plus visitors through its doors every year. https://mercurybaymuseum.co.nz/

Step into explore the rich heritage of Te Whanganui o Hei Mercury Bay.