McDonald Cottage
A vibrant museum connecting the past with the future
Morrinsville
Museum
Te Whare Taonga o Piako
Keeping History Alive
Nau mai haere mai ki te Whare Taonga o Piako -
Welcome to the Morrinsville Museum
Our museum presents a rich history of the district with its artefacts and extensive collection of historic photos. Exhibitions and displays tell the stories of the development of the town of Morrinsville and the district in exciting and unique ways.
The Morrinsville Historical Society was established in 1967 and two years later the Morrinsville Museum was opened in an c1920 villa in Lorne Street.
A purpose built museum opened in Canada Street in 2012, providing the community with a new museum that draws people to learn about the history of this growing rural town.
Exhibitions
Morrinsville Museum have a range of permanent exhibitions that you can explore and learn the important moments in Morrinsville's history.
Displays
Morrinsville Museum have a range of displays that you can explore. These change regularly.
See below for our current displays.
Research
If you are looking for family history, working on a school homework, writing a thesis or an article for a publication, we may have the information you need.
Want to Volunteer at the Morrinsville Museum?
The Museum team of volunteers are involved in various projects ranging from working with the museum collections to meeting and greeting visitors. We are keen to have more volunteers to expand our teams with a view to opening longer hours to cater for visitors over the weekends.
Your Generosity, Our Sustainability
Secure our legacy. Add to our endowment fund.
Now is the time to invest in our future. Your donation to our endowment fund will ensure our sustainability for generations to come.
Become a member of the Morrinsville Museum
By becoming a member of the Morrinsville Historical Society, you provide valuable support for the society’s work, receive a monthly newsletter outlining what is happening at the Morrinsville Museum, and you also receive invitations to special events. You also get free entry to the Museum as a member.
Join our Sunday Talks
On the last Sunday of April, June, August and September, members of the Morrinsville Historical Society and the general public are invited to attend a Sunday Talk. A variety of speakers and presentations about aspects of Morrinsville History is followed by a cup of tea.
Guided Tours
Morrinsville Museum offers guided tours of 30 minutes for our major exhibitions, the McDonald Cottage and Mana Whenua. The cost is $10.00 per person for one tour or $15.00 per person for both tours. You need to book one or both of these tours ahead of time so we can have our volunteers available.
School visits are by negotiation. If you let us know what you want, together we can develop activities to meet your needs. The entry fee for the children is a gold coin donation. If you let us know before you visit with your class, your teachers and parents have free entry.
To book these tours please phone Morrinsville Museum on 07 889 4190.
McDonald Cottage Guided Tour
The McDonald Cottage was built in 1873 at Kiwitahi. It was donated to the Morrinsville Museum and was moved into Morrinsville in 1972 to the Lorne Street museum site. Some of the furnishings and articles in the cottage belonged to the McDonald family.
The cottage has become an integral part of the 2012 building in Canada Street. Be guided through the cottage with a particular focus on the costumed displays which change every so often. This tour is only available by appointment.
Mana Whenua o Piako Guided Tour
This exhibition is unique to Morrinsville. Nine Kingmakers from 6 generations lived and worked in Morrinsville and all but one of these kingmakers are buried around the base of the statue of King Mahuta at Rukumoana Marae. Come and hear this important story in Morrinsville’s history. Available only by appointment.
Need a venue?
We have an event room available for hire at Morrinsville Museum. This can be used for planning days, quiz nights, networking events and more.
Morrinsville Museum
41 Canada Street, Morrinsville (opposite the Public Library)
P. 07 889 4190
E. info@morrinsvillemuseum.org.nz
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 11.00am to 4.00pm
- First Saturday of the month open for Morrinsville Market Day from 9.00am to 1.00pm
- Sunday from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
