Menu
Museum home
Visit the museum
Exhibitions
Collections online
Education
FAQs
Research
Your museum
Contact us
Make a donation

Nau Mai Haere Mai

We tell the stories of Westland, the wider West Coast and its people.

 

 

Opening Hours

While our galleries are undergoing work the Hokitika Museum Team are available for enquiries from Monday to Thursday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.

Contact Us

Te Tai

Explore through our heritage collections and research archives to learn about the history of Westland and the wider West Coast.

Hokitika Museum Research Centre

Ko Wai Mātou?

Wanting to know more about the Hokitika Museum's past, present and future?

Check out the Museum's history and vision

Tirohia

Explore

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

Our collection reflects the life of our communities in Te Tai Poutini-West Coast, New Zealand.  

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. 

Tukuihotanga Kohikohinga

Collections online

Collections Highlights

Miramira

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Hokitika Museum Blog

Rangitaki

Stay up to date on our latest blogs

Hokitika Museum Blog

Rangitaki

Explore our local history through our regular blog post here.

  • Social History
  • Archives

Breaking Gold

Leo Morland’s nefarious crime is a tale almost lost to time. This blog post explores how he became one of New Zealand’s last great gold thieves, as he managed to steal 3,650 ounces – over $10,000,000 in today’s value.

  • Social History
  • Archives

Lord of the Seals

When the General Grant sank to the bottom of the ocean, James Teer led the remaining survivors on the harsh Auckland Islands. Our story tells the tale of his life, his work, and how he fared on the island for over 18 months.

  • Social History

Lungs of the Community

Once known as the ‘lungs of the community’, Cass Square was the sporting and gathering hub for the Hokitika community. This story traces the early days of the Square.

  • Social History
  • Kaupapa Māori

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.

  • Social History

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.