Puke Ariki
About This Museum
What truly sets Puke Ariki apart is its brilliant fusion of a museum, library, and visitor information centre all under one roof—it’s the vibrant, beating heart of New Plymouth. You can spend hours wandering from fascinating Taranaki historical taonga (treasures) to interactive natural history displays that tell the story of the region's dramatic landscape, from the mountain to the sea. The way it intertwines Māori and Pākehā narratives is both thoughtful and deeply engaging. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a quick question and end up losing an entire afternoon.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the stunning Te Ātiawa waka taua (war canoe), which commands its own space with immense presence. The fossilized skeleton of the Kurī, a Polynesian dog, offers a quiet but powerful connection to early settlers, while exhibits on Mount Taranaki provide a dramatic geological and spiritual backdrop to everything.
Visitor Information
It's brilliantly central on Ariki Street, right by the coastal walkway, so you can easily combine a museum visit with a stroll along the sea. Best of all? General admission is free, making it an accessible and perfect spot for a spontaneous visit.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a striking mix of sleek, modern lines that somehow sit perfectly next to the historic library building, creating a dialogue between old and new that reflects the museum's own stories.
Contact & Location
Address: Puke Ariki Landing, New Plymouth District, Taranaki, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 6 759 6060
Website: Visit Website
