Hawera
Hawera is a small town located on the southern end of Surf Highway 45–so named for its numerous surf beaches. The second-largest town in the Taranaki region, Hawera enjoys a rich, cultural history.
The name Hawera comes from the pre-European name ‘Te Hawera’, after a vengeance attack on a village south of the present day town. The village, totally destroyed by fire, left only blackened ruins, hence the name Te Hawera – ‘the burnt place’ or ‘breath of fire.’ The theme of fire has followed Hawera throughout its history, with a large blaze destroying five businesses in 1888 and a lot of the main street in 1912. more
After this, the decision was made to build a strong water tower that stands over Hawera as a landmark today.
Many of Hawera’s locals work for Fonterra’s Whareroa site which produces enough dairy ingredients to fill more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools each week.
One of Hawera’s Must Dos is Tawhiti Museum and Traders and Whalers. Voted New Zealand’s third best museum by TripAdvisor, the museum features thousands of life-size and miniature figures acting out scenes from New Zealand’s history. A highlight is Traders and Whalers, a boat ride where you float through Taranaki’s history.
Hawera Directory Information
Please choose from the main accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below for Hawera, Taranaki, New Zealand.
Find By
What Do You Want To Do?
Attractions and Activities
Search for Attractions and Activities in Hawera...

Attractions and Activities
-
DAWSON FALLS MOUNTAIN LODGE & CAFE - Egmont National Park
DAWSON FALLS MOUNTAIN LODGE & CAFE - Egmont National Park
Feel nature's heartbeat on the slopes of Mount Taranaki. Nestled at 905m above sea-level on the south-eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki, within the beautiful Egmont National Park, is Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge. The highest accommodation on the mountain, the lodge provides a rare opportunity for guests to stay in traditional mountain lodge within the bounds of a National Park.
Where Do You Want To Go?
This New Zealand map does not display any listings on the map itself but may provide navigation by clicking on map symbol. Alternatively select a category or a region from the main links to find and view tourism businesses.
Select by Location
View 3 events near Taranaki - Hawera
Shashiko-inspired Mending Workshop
Where does clothes-mending fit into a society where a new tee-shirt can cost less than a coffee and scone? Fast Fashion is harming our planet so Let’s do our bit to keep clothing out of landfills. In this workshop ...
Where: South Taranaki Creative Space, Hawera, South Taranaki
Address: 41 Princes Street, Hāwera., Hawera, South Taranaki
From: 9:30am on Saturday 26th November 2022
To: 12:30pm on Saturday 26th November 2022
Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA
It’s time to secure your seats to the ABBA show everyone loves and adores! The world’s premier live ABBA tribute is back by popular demand! Far from being ‘just another cover band’, Dancing Queen: A Tribute ...
Where: Hawera Memorial Theatre, Hawera, South Taranaki
Address: 70 Albion Street, Hawera, South Taranaki
From: 8:00pm on Tuesday 13th December 2022
To: 10:30pm on Tuesday 13th December 2022
Hawera Gypsy Fair 2023
Get ready HAWERA! The Annual Gypsy Fair is coming to town! The Gypsy Fair has been travelling the North and South Islands of New Zealand for over 30+ years. It is NZ’s longest-running fair and has an eclectic ...
Where: Egmont A&P Showgrounds, Hawera, South Taranaki
Address: Burnside Ave, Hawera, South Taranaki
From: 9:00am on Saturday 21st January 2023
To: 5:00pm on Sunday 22nd January 2023