The museum focuses on the local history of the Matakana Coast area, especially the kauri logging industry.

The park includes the McKinney kauri which reached a height of 38 metres and is estimated to be around 800 years old.

[2] A museum for the Warkworth area was first discussed at a town meeting in the early 1970s by local residents Jack Keys and Ken McInnes.

[3] Over the next seven years, small historical buildings were added to the complex, including the old Warkworth jail, a United States Military army hut from World War II, and the Mahurangi Heads Post Office.

[3] The museum tells the history of the area, including the kauri milling era and a recreation of the town in the early 20th Century.