Pounamu Pathway - Museum of Kawatiri
About This Museum
Stepping into the Museum of Kawatiri feels like walking directly into the rich, layered history of the West Coast. It’s not just a building with artifacts; it’s a living narrative that begins with the powerful waka (canoes) of the first Māori explorers and flows right through to the gritty tales of European settlers drawn by coal and gold. The air is cool and still, with a profound sense of reverence that makes you want to speak in a hushed tone. You leave feeling like you’ve genuinely connected with the spirit of this place, Kawatiri.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the experience is undoubtedly the pounamu (greenstone), where you can follow a single river stone's journey from rough rock to a gleaming, finished taonga (treasure). Don't miss the incredibly detailed scale model of old Westport—it's mesmerizing to see how the town grew from a few scattered huts. I was also completely captivated by the personal stories of local families, told through photographs and heirlooms that feel intimately personal.
Visitor Information
It's right there on Palmerston Street, impossible to miss with its striking modern design. Honestly, give yourself at least an hour, maybe two if you love getting lost in stories—it's way more engaging than you might expect for a small-town museum.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a statement, a beautiful blend of sharp, contemporary lines and raw materials like dark timber and concrete that somehow perfectly echo the wild West Coast landscape it sits in.
Contact & Location
Address: Westport, Buller District, West Coast, 7825, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 3 789 6658
Website: Visit Website
