
Claphams National Clock Museum
Discover over 1700 unique clocks, from antique to animated, in one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest collections.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Claphams National Clock Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover over 1700 unique clocks, from antique to animated, in one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest collections.
"A charming and fascinating museum with an incredible clock collection and friendly staff!"

⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the extensive collection and its details.
🤝 Ask for a tour!
Staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 386 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Collection
Marvel at over 1700 clocks, from antique to modern, each with a unique story. One of the largest collections in the Southern Hemisphere!

Animated Timepieces
Witness intricate animated clocks and automatons that bring history to life with mesmerizing movements.

Rolling Ball Clock
Adjacent to the museum
See time told by 35 balls on a unique, oversized outdoor timepiece. A free, fascinating spectacle!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticketing and Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the extensive collection and its details.
🤝 Ask for a tour!
Staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights.
✨ Don't miss the outdoor clock
The Rolling Ball Clock nearby is a free, quirky spectacle worth seeing.
📸 Capture the details
Many clocks are intricate; take your time to photograph the unique designs.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the extensive collection and its details.
🤝 Ask for a tour!
Staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights.
✨ Don't miss the outdoor clock
The Rolling Ball Clock nearby is a free, quirky spectacle worth seeing.
📸 Capture the details
Many clocks are intricate; take your time to photograph the unique designs.
💡 Learn about Clapham
Discover the inspiring passion of the man behind this incredible collection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Claphams National Clock Museum as a charming and fascinating hidden gem with an incredibly impressive collection. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, particularly those offering guided tours, significantly enhance the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting Whangarei.
"The Whangarei Clock Museum is a hidden gem! It has an impressive collection of antique and vintage clocks—each one with its own story. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. You can easily explore the whole museum in about an hour, and it’s absolutely worth it. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area."
Karam Pal
"Incredible clock collection and Joey was very helpful, friendly and shared many valuable information with us. She even showed each unique clock nd their interesting operations. Great experience."
Kasun Lakshitha
"We got there with only a half hour before closing and decided to take one of the tours. A tour guide which is an additional charge. You can look through the displays in less than an hour easily. If you have a tour guide there's a lot of additional information that can be provided in short order. The displays all have a wealth of information in them. I wish I had more time to spend. A wide variety of clocks and information on clock history. Very informative and for the price a worthwhile experience."
Kirk Scharein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Whangarei's Town Basin marina area, easily accessible by car or public transport. Many visitors arrive as part of a broader Whangarei exploration.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available in the Town Basin area, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Whangarei is a popular day trip destination from Auckland, and Claphams National Clock Museum is a key attraction.
The Town Basin is a walkable area, with the museum, Rolling Ball Clock, and other attractions in close proximity.
Local bus services operate within Whangarei, and you can check schedules for routes that stop near the Town Basin.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee, often around $10 per person, which is considered worthwhile for the unique experience.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early can be beneficial, especially if you wish to join a guided tour.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They offer additional information and insights into the clock collection.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Claphams National Clock Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Information on group discounts or senior rates is best confirmed directly with the museum through their website or by contacting them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, but you could easily spend longer if you opt for a guided tour or are a true horology enthusiast.
The museum boasts over 1700 clocks, including antique, vintage, and animated timepieces, showcasing a wide range of styles and eras.
Yes, children often find the animated clocks and the sheer number of timepieces fascinating. The nearby Rolling Ball Clock is also a hit.
While primarily a display of static and animated clocks, the interactive element comes from the engaging stories shared by guides and the visual spectacle of the timepieces themselves.
The Rolling Ball Clock is a large, free outdoor attraction next to the museum that tells time using moving balls on tracks.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
Focus on the unique details of the antique clocks, the intricate mechanisms of animated pieces, and the overall grandeur of the collection.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and near attractions; always check local regulations before flying drones.
A camera with good low-light performance and macro capabilities can help capture the intricate details of the clocks.
Stand back to capture the full scale of the Rolling Ball Clock, perhaps using a tree or bridge for framing.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit