We tell the stories of Westland, the wider West Coast and its people.
Nau Mai Haere Mai
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
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.
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.
16 Jun 2023
West Coast Liquid Gold
Dairying on the West Coast began as early as 1868, and has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar export industry, employing large numbers of local West Coasters in production and processing. This blog provides a brief overview of the evolution of this important local industry.
14 Jun 2023
Wildfoods Adventures 2023
A first-time experience of someone who has never attended a Wildfoods Festival ever in his life. This blog will go over my time at the Wildfoods Festival that occurred on the March 11th of 2023. This blog will contain my time there, and snippets of history regarding the Wildfoods Festival.
22 Sep 2022
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.
05 Jul 2022
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.
26 May 2022
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.
29 Apr 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 Apr 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.