The nationally-renowned Hokitika Heritage Museum is renowned for its dedication to preserving and presenting the history and culture of New Zealand’s West Coast. Spanning over three floors, the museum is home to a variety of interactive displays and artefacts, all of which tell the fascinating stories and tales of the West Coast.
History of the Museum
Hokitika Heritage Museum was formally opened in 1981 and was the result of the hard work of members of the local community and the Westland District Council. The museum was established with the purpose of preserving and presenting the area’s unique history and culture, with a particular focus on the original Māori and early European settlers.
Since its establishment, the museum has grown to become an important part of the Hokitika community. It is home to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that tell the stories of the local area and the wider West Coast region. It also offers education programmes, public lectures and workshops, as well as a gift shop containing locally-made handcrafts.
What’s Inside?
The three floors of Hokitika Heritage Museum house a variety of displays and artefacts, each with their own unique story to tell and insights to share.
Some of the permanent displays include:
- The Hokitika Gallery, which showcases the history of the West Coast region through a range of interactive displays, photographs and artefacts.
- The Māori Gallery, which explores the Māori heritage of the West Coast, and provides a fascinating insight into their culture and traditional practices.
- The Pioneers Gallery, which features stories, objects and photographs from the early European settlers of the Hokitika area.
In addition, the museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These can range from art installations to displays of local history and culture.
Education Programmes
Hokitika Heritage Museum has a strong focus on education and offers a range of programmes and workshops to schools, groups and individuals. These programmes provide a unique opportunity to explore the heritage of the West Coast in an interactive and engaging way, and are often tailored to suit the needs of the particular group.
Some of the education programmes they offer include:
- Heritage walks and talks, which allow guests to explore the museum at their own pace.
- Heritage tours, which tell the stories of the West Coast through the museum’s exhibits.
- Māori cultural experiences, which provide an immersive and authentic insight into traditional Māori practices.
The museum also hosts a variety of public lectures throughout the year, covering topics such as West Coast history, Māori culture and early European settlers.
A Must-Visit for New Zealanders
Hokitika Heritage Museum is a must-visit for anyone travelling to New Zealand’s West Coast. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s fascinating history, culture and people, and to witness the incredible stories of the past first-hand.
The museum is open 7 days a week and admission is free. With its range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive displays and education programmes, the Hokitika Heritage Museum is an excellent way to get an insight into the culture, history and people of New Zealand’s West Coast.