The Elms
4.5
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Kia ora and welcome to The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, one of the Bay of Plenty’s oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Maori and Pakeha, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting – this one hectare property is a must-see destination for visitors to the region. For generations The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga has been a place for community to gather and learn - this tradition continues today. We invite you to come and journey through the expansive grounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the historic house and library. As you do you will get a rare glimpse into the past of this now bustling city. The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga has in time become a well known venue for special events in the Bay of Plenty. With stunning grounds and vintage buildings available for use, please consider The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga for your wedding or next function. With experienced co-ordinators on site we are ready to help plan your special events at this beautiful venue.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
140 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
58
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Linda S
Auckland95 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Extremely interesting. A wonderful little museum which strongly conveys the lives of the people who lived in the dwellings on this site. Most of the artefacts on display belonged to the various owners of The Elms. So it feels quite personal. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The grounds peaceful and well maintained. Well worth at least 90 minutes.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonata Ž
Riga, Latvia1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
We had a great chance to visit this museum on a calm day to receive a private tour with excellent guide Jo. Not only she presented all of the museum history and different areas, but side stories as well, which helped to understand Maori culture even better. We left fascinated and could not recommend more.
Written December 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackofPBFL
Palm Bay, FL1,182 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The Elms was the former missionary station. Anglican, missionaries from England came to convert the Maori to Christianity. They also taught a lot to the Maori people who were interested in new technologies and thinking. It was a fantastic tour that really gave us a flavor of what it was like during the missionary days. The grounds and buildings are beautiful, the guide was excellent. Her name was Mary. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get a feel for the history of the area.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbob1
New Windsor, NY1,135 contributions
Jan 2023
Very happy to have the opportunity to visit this historical home and property. All the rooms are well appointed with artifacts. The tour guide was well informed, patient and easy to follow. This is one of the stops using the hop on/ hop off bus.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camda
Wellington, New Zealand888 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Cheaper rate if you’re a local Tauranga resident. Our assigned guide (included in admission), Philippa was superb and made the visit interesting and not too ‘dry’. A good insight into the family that lived here and donated the home to the city. A lot of interesting artefacts and a good insight into local history. Lovely gardens and free parking.
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen Owen
Brighton, UK1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
My wife and I visited the elms last week. We were in Taranga and somewhat at a loss as to what to do. Took the hop on and hop off bus and stopped at the elms on the recommendation of the driver. What a good choice-wonderful lady volunteers were most knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our stop there and hope to visit again in years to come but it’s a long trip from the UK!
Stephen and Angela Owen
Stephen and Angela Owen
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra S
Auckland, New Zealand75 contributions
Dec 2020
Unfortunately the house is being restored, but there is plenty to see during your visit. Our guide Judy, was very informative and it was really like stepping back in time. The old buildings - including the library (this is open), the new garden area - are really worth a visit.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian K
Tauranga15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
What a hidden gem. Even as a local I can’t believe I’ve never been here before. Thank you to phillipa for our guided tour (highly recommend). The perfect way to get a real understanding of the cultural and geographical significance of the area. A must for all, locals and visitors alike.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shona
15 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Awesome visit with 10 & 13yr old kids. Cheryl our tour guide was so knowledgeable & made the trip. We learnt so much of earlier NZ history. The gardens were beautiful & history packed. We visited the mission cemetery afterwards, which was humbling & completed the visit. Great couple of hours spent as a family.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TOM A
Chesapeake, VA698 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited the fine little replica of the missionary enclave founded over 100 years ago.
Many replicated buildings including chapel and library. Had a wonderful guide who
was very informative about the history. Kids might be bored?
Many replicated buildings including chapel and library. Had a wonderful guide who
was very informative about the history. Kids might be bored?
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew G
Tauranga, New Zealand
Hi Adult International $15pp, Tauranga Residents $7.50pp, Other NZers $10pp. Children half price.
Written December 28, 2018
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