DARGAVILLE MUSEUM - TE WHARE TAONGA O TUNATAHI

This museum traces the arrival of Europeans in the region, the exploitation of kauri trees and the history of the first Maori inhabitants. A waka dating from the ^18th century is on display. An important section is devoted to the navy, especially to shipwrecks, which were numerous in the area and in Kaipara Harbour where the Wairoa River flows: 113 were recorded on the coast, including that of the ship Aurora in 1839. In 1851, theAlcmène, a French three-masted ship with 36 guns, also sank near Bayly's Beach.