Clapham's National Clock Museum

　　   Clapham's National Clock Museum was founded by watch collector Clapham, who was born in Yorkshire, arrived in New Zealand in 1903, and eventually settled in Whangarei. He had profound expertise in clock collecting, and his sense of humor was also renowned worldwide.

　　   He collected more than 400 clocks and music boxes, some of which are rare in the world and still in working condition. In 1961, he sold his treasures to the local government for a symbolic amount of money. The government later established the current Clapham's National Clock Museum. The museum has since expanded in size and its collection has continued to grow, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the history of clock development. Countless clocks of all sizes fill the museum, showcasing a rich and dazzling variety of styles. Strolling through this world of timepieces, one can’t help but marvel at the boundless creativity and imagination reflected in their designs and colors.

　　   Featured clocks in the museum include longcase pendulum clocks, automatic memorandum clocks, and Viennese regulator clocks. One particularly creative design features animal heads or skulls, with the left eye showing the hour and the right eye displaying the minutes—both eyes move up and down as time passes, making for a delightful spectacle.

　　   Clapham's National Clock Museum Reason to visit: New Zealand’s most fascinating clock museum Continent: Oceania Country/Region: New Zealand Province/State: Northland Region City: Whangarei