Nau Mai Haere Mai
We tell the stories of Westland, the wider West Coast and its people.
While our galleries are undergoing work the Hokitika Museum Team are available for enquiries from Monday to Thursday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.
Explore through our heritage collections and research archives to learn about the history of Westland and the wider West Coast.
Wanting to know more about the Hokitika Museum's past, present and future?
Tirohia
Your museum
Hokitika Museum is operated by the Westland District Council to deliver cultural, heritage and art services.
Visit the museum
We are available for enquiries through the Research Centre. We are currently earthquake strengthening our building.
Research
Our Research Centre provides access to the Museum collection, archives and reference library.
Events
We host and support a variety of local events and community groups for cultural, art and heritage celebrations.
Collections online
Collections online are coming soon. Until then please visit our collection highlights and blog posts.
Education
Take education out of the classroom with Hokitika Museum, at our Research Centre and Pakiwaitara.
FAQs
Everything you need to know for your visit. Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Exhibitions
Please keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on when exhibition spaces reopen.
Collections Highlights
Have you ever wondered what treasures are in Hokitika Museum?
Throughout the year, we will shine a spotlight on some of our special collection items.
Ripeka’s story ‘A gift of thanks’
This kete was made by Ripeka Te Owai after the death of her husband Ruera, as a gift of thanks to her neighbour who supported her through her grief.
Read more
The Teichelmann Camera
This is the camera of ‘the little doctor’ (Doctor Ebenezer Teichelmann) who climbed and took early images of mountains in South Westland.
The Preston Egg
This egg has 32 signatures of the people who attended a 1942 farewell party for Hokitika soldiers leaving for World War 2.
Hokitika Museum Blog
Stay up to date on our latest blogs
Explore our local history through our regular blog post here.
27 Jan 2022
Lungs of the Community
Once known as the ‘lungs of the community’, Cass Square was the entertainment, sporting and gathering hub for the Hokitika community and visitors. This story traces the early days of the Square, its construction and early uses.
26 Jan 2022
Ngā Tāne o Parihaka
This is a story of the Parihaka men who were illegally arrested and transported from Taranaki to Hokitika in 1880 without trial. During their time here, they worked on developing local roads, Cass Square and the Seaview terrace before their return in 1881.
25 Jan 2022
A Journey of Faith
In 1878 eight nuns and two postulants left their homes in Ireland for a journey to Hokitika to establish the Sisters of Mercy Convent and Schools. This story captures The Sisters of Mercy’s journey and early days in Hokitika.