Butler Point Whaling Museum and 1840s House

Butler Point in Northland's Doubtless Bay is one of New Zealand's most fascinating heritage tourist attractions. The property is home to the Butler Point Whaling Museum — one of the country's most extensive private collections of whaling artefacts, including a refurbished whaleboat, reconstructed tryworks, harpoons and whalebone — alongside the beautifully preserved 1840s homestead of Captain William Butler and a 5-star award-winning heritage garden recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. A significant Māori Pā site on the property speaks to earlier occupation. Visits are by guided tour, booked in advance.