Claphams National Clock Museum is one of Whangārei’s most distinctive and well-loved attractions, sitting right in the heart of the Town Basin waterfront. The museum is home to over 1,700 clocks and timepieces, making it one of the largest collections in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors can explore everything from ancient sundials and water clocks to rare antique pieces by celebrated makers such as London’s Edward John Dent, alongside wonderfully eccentric designs including clocks that play music, dancing ballerina clocks, and clocks that make the tea. Staff are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about the collection, and are happy to share the stories behind the more unusual pieces.
Before heading inside, it’s worth pausing in the courtyard to take in the giant sundial, one of the largest and heaviest in the Southern Hemisphere, with a gnomon extending approximately 22 metres. Just adjacent to the museum entrance sits the Rolling Ball Clock, a striking kinetic sculpture where balls roll along timing racks to mark the hours, minutes and seconds. Short videos throughout the museum explain how different types of clocks work and how timekeeping has evolved across the centuries, adding depth to the experience without slowing the pace of a visit.
For Families
Children tend to love Claphams, and the museum has leaned into that with its Clock Hunt activity. Kids are given a challenge that sends them searching through the museum for quirky and unusual timepieces, keeping them engaged from start to finish. The collection has plenty to catch a young eye, from cuckoo clocks with moving figures to novelty designs that look more like toys than timepieces. The format works well for mixed-age groups, with enough variety that adults are equally absorbed while children are off exploring.
Guided Tours
Self-guided visits are perfectly enjoyable, but a guided tour adds a lot. The guides have an easy familiarity with the collection and a knack for picking out the pieces with the most interesting histories. Pre-booked speciality tours are available for groups wanting a more tailored experience. Contact the museum directly by phone or email to arrange.
Gift Shop
The on-site gift shop is well stocked and worth a browse on the way out. Alongside clocks and watches in a range of styles and price points, it carries jewellery, puzzles, and a good selection of New Zealand-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Opening Hours
Open 9:00am to 4:30pm daily. Closed on 30 June (stocktake) and Christmas Day.
