Places To Visit In Hawera and Nearby
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Hawera Aquatic Centre

Looking for family fun during your stay at The Furlong Motel? Visit the nearby Hawera Aquatic Centre, open year-round! It features a 25m indoor heated pool and a 50m outdoor heated pool during summer, along with an indoor learner’s pool, toddlers’ splash park, thermal pool, and a thrilling hydro-slide. Perfect for guests of all ages, it’s just minutes away from our motel, making it an ideal activity during your stay!

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Hawera Water Tower

The Hawera Water Tower stands as a prominent landmark, guiding visitors through the town with its commanding presence. Recognized as a category one structure by the Historic Places Trust, it celebrated its centenary in 2014. Located behind the South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre, visitors can climb the 215 steps of this iconic heritage building for breathtaking views of the region and coastline.

Construction of the tower began in 1912 and was completed in 1914, providing improved fire-fighting capacity after devastating fires in 1884, 1888, and 1912. Neon lights were added in 1932 to honor the district’s pioneers during its 50th Jubilee. The tower also underwent a $1.1 million restoration between 2002 and 2004, ensuring its place as a cherished historical monument.

Tawhiti Museum

The Tawhiti Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience, created by renowned artist Nigel Ogle. Known for its breathtaking attention to detail, it’s widely regarded as the finest private museum in New Zealand. The museum brings history to life with lifelike exhibits and intricate scale models, offering a captivating and immersive journey through our heritage.

Every display is meticulously crafted on-site in the ‘Body Shop’ and adjoining studios, which visitors can view during their tour. With its incredibly realistic displays, the museum captivates all ages. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the exhibits, enjoying a ride on the bush railway, or taking a boat trip through the Traders and Whalers attraction. Afterward, relax with a delicious meal at the charming Badgers Cafe, styled after “Wind in the Willows.”

Hawera Cinemas

Looking for some downtime and eager to catch a movie? Hawera Cinemas, located on Princes Street in the heart of the CBD, offers the latest digital technology with a big screen, providing excellent picture and sound quality. Enjoy a great movie experience in one of two comfortable theatres, just a short drive from The Furlong Motel!

Hawera Parks

Hawera boasts two popular parks, King Edward Park and Naumai Park, which host various events throughout the year, including Arts in the Park and outdoor concerts. The scenic Park-to-Park walkway starts at King Edward Park, where you’ll find manicured lawns, rose gardens, playgrounds, and a picturesque lake. The walk continues through the Hawera CBD, leading to the peaceful Naumai Park, known for its stunning native flora. The entire walk takes about 30 minutes and is a must-visit during your stay at The Furlong Motel.