Last updated June 2026
Clapham’s National Clock Museum is home to one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 1,400 antique, vintage and working timepieces gathered from around the world. The museum occupies a purpose-built facility at Whangārei’s Town Basin waterfront and is managed by Whangarei District Council. Visitors experience a constant backdrop of ticking and hourly chimes from hundreds of working clocks, creating an unusual sensory atmosphere. The collection includes pocket watches, grandfather clocks, automata, ship’s chronometers and novelty pieces spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas. It remains a popular stop for families and horology enthusiasts alike.
Practical Information
| Location | 95 Dent Street, Town Basin, Whangārei |
| Hours | 9:00am–4:30pm daily (closed 30 June for stocktake and Christmas Day) |
| Adults | $10 |
| Children | $4 |
| Seniors / Students | $8 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) | $20 |
| Guided tours (pre-booked) | $15 per person |
| Accessibility | Accessible access available |
| Parking | Paid parking at Town Basin nearby |
About the Museum
The collection ranges from ancient sundials and water clocks to singing-bird automata, dancing ballerina clocks and even tea-making timepieces. Many pieces remain in working order, so the museum is never silent. A children’s clock hunt adds an interactive element for younger visitors, while the on-site gift shop offers clocks, watches, jewellery and New Zealand-themed souvenirs.
Archibald “Archie” Clapham, a Yorkshire-born engineer, moved to Whangārei in 1922 and began assembling the collection. His original holdings of around 400 pieces grew through public donations after the museum opened in 1962. Whangarei District Council now operates the facility and maintains the working clocks.
The museum sits within the Town Basin precinct, a short walk from the Whangārei Art Museum and the Hundertwasser Art Centre. The combined sites form a convenient cultural circuit for visitors exploring central Whangārei.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently note the engaging atmosphere created by hundreds of ticking and chiming clocks. Many describe the experience as surprisingly absorbing, especially for those interested in mechanics or antiques, while families appreciate the interactive clock hunt and helpful staff who highlight unusual pieces.
Reviewers often remark on the scale and variety of the collection and recommend allowing extra time to explore. The museum is praised as a distinctive Northland attraction that appeals to a wide range of ages and interests.
Where to Learn More
Whangarei District Council – Claphams National Clock Museum: official page with current hours, prices, location details and facility information.
Claphams National Clock Museum: official museum site with collection highlights, tour booking information and gift-shop details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many clocks are in the collection?
Over 1,400 timepieces, making it one of the largest collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
What are the opening hours?
9:00am to 4:30pm daily, closed only on 30 June for stocktake and on Christmas Day.
What are the admission prices?
Adults $10, children $4, seniors and students $8, family (2 adults plus up to 4 children) $20. Pre-booked guided tours are $15 per person.
Where is the museum located?
At 95 Dent Street in the Town Basin waterfront precinct, Whangārei.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes, accessible access is available and the facility is fully staffed.
Can guided tours be booked?
Yes, pre-booked guided tours are available for $15 per person.
Who founded the collection?
Archibald “Archie” Clapham, who began collecting in the 1920s; the museum opened to the public in 1962 and is now managed by Whangarei District Council.
Is there anything for children?
Yes, a popular clock hunt encourages younger visitors to search for quirky timepieces throughout the museum.
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