Hokitika Museum
About This Museum
People pop into the Hokitika Museum to uncover the rich, gritty stories of the West Coast, from its dramatic gold rush era to its pioneering industries. It’s a place where you can almost hear the whispers of prospectors and feel the spray of the wild Tasman Sea. The museum does a wonderful job of making local history tangible and deeply personal. You'll leave with a real sense of what life was like in this rugged corner of New Zealand.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the impressive collection of Pounamu (greenstone) carvings, which showcase the region's deep Māori connection to this treasured stone. The exhibits on the shipwrecks that dot the treacherous 'Graveyard of the Pacific' coastline are equally gripping, telling tales of fortune and folly.
Visitor Information
You'll find it right in the heart of town at 17 Hamilton Street, a perfect wet-weather retreat or a starting point for your Hokitika explorations.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a handsome, historic building that was once the town's Carnegie Library, its classic civic architecture adds a lovely layer of heritage charm to the visit.
Contact & Location
Address: Hokitika Museum, Hamilton Street, Westland District, West Coast, 7810, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 3 755 6898