Hawera Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels

About Hawera

Hawera isMāorifor "burnt place", from fighting between two local sub-tribes, which culminated in the setting ablaze of the sleeping whare (house) of the tribe under attack. Because of differing oral traditions, translations such as "breath of fire" and "burning plains" have also been offered. The name became apt when the town suffered extensive blazes in 1884, 1888, and 1912. For this reason a large water tower was built in the centre of town to increase water pressure, and this became one of Taranaki's best-known landmarks (appearing, for example, on the cover of the 1974 telephone directory).

Top Attractions in Hawera

Explore the best things to see and do in Hawera:

• ★Elvis Presley Memorial Record Room
• ★Hawera Water Tower
• ★Tawhiti Museum
• ★Turuturu Mokai Pa

Where to Stay in Hawera

• 🏨Hawera Holiday Park
• 🏨Park Motel
• 🏨Wheatly Downs Backpackers/Farmstay

Hawera Travel Guide Sections

Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: