Firth Tower and Museum

The Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth as a lookout, estate office and quarters for single men.

He was known locally as "The Duke of Matamata".

His estate was 60,000 acres in size and produced wheat, clover, hay and raised cattle and sheep.

The first commercial apairy  in New Zealand was also set up here.

A port, 11 km from the tower was opened at the boundary of the estate at Stanley Landing in 1881 after Firth had cleared the river from Paeroa to this point, a distance of 60km (40 miles), at a cost of £10,000 and from there dispatched produce to Auckland in his own ship.

Along with his brothers he started The Northern Flour Milling Company. He founded the settlement of Waharoa as well. 

Find out more about Josiah, including his political career when you visit the Tower and Museum.

Opening hours

266A Tower Road, Matamata

Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm

The Tower itself is closed due to earthquake damage.