Firth Tower Reserve and Museum

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of one of New Zealand's largest farming museums. Take a stroll through our gardens or picnic under the venerable shady oaks. Learn something of life in a more leisured age through our museum displays housed in 13 buildings. Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the countryside. It was also used as the estate office and sleeping quarters for single men. The tower stands on rising ground commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. The Firth Tower Historical Reserve is managed by the Matamata-Piako District Council and museum exhibits and displays are the work of the Matamata Historical Society. The Heritage Centre houses the archives of the Matamata area.