Butler Point Whaling Museum, Historic 1840's House and Gardens

04/09/2026

Make Father’s Day one to remember!

Head to Butler Point Whaling Museum this Sunday for a memorable Far North adventure. 🐳

Explore the fascinating whaling museum and historic 1840s homestead, wander through gorgeous gardens, then relax with a picnic surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery.

History, nature and a special day out for the whole family - what better way to celebrate Dad?

And kids go free!! 😊

Visit www.butlerpoint.co.nz for details.

03/09/2026

Coming to the Arctic Circle in 2027: The Whale!

Imagine walking among five life-size orcas, hearing the sounds of whales and discovering their remarkable 50-million-year journey from land to sea.

Opening in northern Norway on 4th June 2027, The Whale will combine art, science, storytelling and architecture to celebrate these majestic animals.

Built like a gentle hill rising from the rocky coast of Andenes, 190 miles above the Arctic Circle, visitors will encounter life-size orcas, a massive suspended whale, underwater-inspired exhibits and stories exploring how whales communicate, cooperate and care for one another.

Even the roof is part of the experience, doubling as a platform for watching s***m whales, humpbacks, orcas and other species in the surrounding waters.

In a remote community with nearly four decades of whale-watching history, this promises to be a truly unforgettable place.

Photo credit - Mir Bergen

01/09/2026

Spring has sprung so it’s a great time to enjoy our gardens, see some wonderful old trees, learn a wee bit of local history, and all in a beautiful coastal setting!

TWO tours of Butler Point available tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd) - 10am and 2pm.

Tours last 90 minutes and include the family graveyard, whaleboat, whaling museum, 1840s homestead and our 5-star rated gardens.

Bookings via our website at www.butlerpoint.co.nz.

26/08/2026

‘Moby-Dick’ author Herman Melville honoured in New Bedford, the Massachusetts city where his whaling adventures began.

The 7.5-foot-tall bronze artwork stands in the heart of the 19th-century whaling port that inspired the author’s famous 1851 novel.

In 1841, a 21-year-old Melville set sail from New Bedford aboard the whaling ship Acushnet, embarking on adventures that would later shape much of his writing. Seven years after returning from his seafaring journeys, he published Moby-Dick, the epic tale of Captain Ahab and the whaling ship Pequod. The novel's narrator, Ishmael, also spends time in New Bedford, reflecting the city's deep connection to the story.

The new statue stands outside Seamen's Bethel, the historic chapel that inspired the fictional Whaleman's Chapel in Moby-Dick. At the unveiling, sculptor Stefanie Rocknak noted that New Bedford was far more than just a setting in the novel, describing it as "the threshold of the journey" where key moments and relationships begin.

Although Moby-Dick received little recognition during Melville's lifetime, it would go on to become a cornerstone of American literature. More than 170 years after its publication, New Bedford is proudly celebrating its place in the remarkable legacy of Herman Melville.

21/08/2026

Thanks to Jacquelyn @ Gardens to Visit for including us in the ‘Weddings’ category on her website. 😃

https://gardenstovisit.co.nz/wedding-gardens/butler-point-weddings/

If you’re looking for a Far North venue for a wedding or elopement, then get in touch. We’d love to assist and offer you a perfect location. 😊

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

Take time to explore the stunning 5-star rated NZ Gardens Trust gardens and grounds at Butler Point. With beautiful seasonal colour, mature notable trees, historic homestead, and gorgeous water views, it's a wonderful destination at any time of the year.
Right now there are plenty of signs that spring is on its way.

Whether you're a garden lover, maritime and local history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to visit, Butler Point heritage estate is well worth the trip.

Learn more and plan your visit at Butler Point - www.butlerpoint.co.nz

19/08/2026

Spring is already making an appearance at Butler Point!

Take time to explore the stunning 5-star rated NZ Gardens Trust gardens and grounds at Butler Point.

With beautiful seasonal colour, mature notable trees (including our 900 year old pohutukawa), historic homestead, and gorgeous water views, it's a wonderful destination at any time of the year.

Right now there are plenty of signs that spring is on its way!

Whether you're a garden lover, maritime and local history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to visit, Butler Point heritage estate is well worth the trip.

Learn more and plan your visit at Butler Point - www.butlerpoint.co.nz

13/08/2026

"The Best Kept Secret of the Far North?"

This early Butler Point brochure reflects the dream and vision of Lindo and Laetitia Ferguson, whose dedication from the 1970s onwards transformed Butler Point into the special place it is today.

Through the restoration of the Butler family homestead, the creation of the whaling museum, and the development of the 5-star rated gardens, they ensured this remarkable heritage would be preserved for future generations.

We are honoured to be continuing their legacy and sharing it with visitors today and into the future. Ka pai. 😊

www.butlerpoint.co.nz

09/08/2026

Premiere of Caroline Fitzgerald’s documentary about US whalers in NZ waters.