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

Nau Mai Haere Mai

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.

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

The Hokitika Museum team offer unique and memorable learning experiences.

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

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.

Collections online

Collection 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.

The Teichelmann Camera

This is the camera of 'the little doctor' (Doctor Ebenezer Teichelmann) who climbed and took early images of mountains 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

Rangitaki

Stay up to date on our latest blogs.

Hokitika Museum blog

Rangitaki

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 Hokitika Wildfoods Festival ever in his life.

22 Sep 2022

Breaking Gold

Leo Edward Morland: The man who almost got away with one of the largest gold thefts in New Zealand history.

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 described as the ‘lungs of the community’, Cass Square was the entertainment, sporting and gathering hub for the Hokitika community and visitors.

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.

25 Apr 2022

A Journey of Faith

This story captures The Sisters of Mercy’s journey and early days in Hokitika, New Zealand.

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