Hokitika Museum

Hokitika Museum Welcome to the official page of Hokitika Museum

Winter hours
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10.00am - 2pm

Summer hours
Monday - Sunday 10am - 4pm

The Hokitika Museum is a facility operated by the Westland District Council to deliver art, cultural, heritage and exhibition services. The Museum takes care and consideration when sharing narratives from Westland, the wider West Coast and its people. Moderation: Westland District Council, Westland District Library, Hokitika Museum, Hokitika Swimming Pool and Hokitika isite (WDC) encourage interac

tion with our social media pages but reserve the right to remove posts or comments that breach our community guidelines or the platforms’ terms and conditions. We also reserve the right to block or remove users who repeatedly breach these guidelines. For full details see the Community Social Media Guidelines on our website here: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/policies/ - Communications and Engagement

We won’t comment on political issues or get involved in debates. Subject matter outside the jurisdiction or control of WDC will be removed. WDC social media must not be used for electioneering purposes. Any post - positive or negative - made by any individual specifically relating to their own - or someone else's - nomination, intention to run for Council or election campaign, will be removed immediately.

PAUSE FOR THE CAMERAExperience the magic of wet plate photography at Hokitika Museum this week.Presented by Rewa Rendall...
19/05/2026

PAUSE FOR THE CAMERA
Experience the magic of wet plate photography at Hokitika Museum this week.

Presented by Rewa Rendall in support of A Quiet Eye – The Photographs of Benno Thiem, this special public programme explores one of photography’s earliest and most fascinating processes through live demonstration, public talks, and portrait sessions.

✨ Free Public Talks & Live Demonstrations
Friday 22 May
11am & 5.30pm
Gallery 4 – Hokitika Museum

🖤 Tintype Portrait Experience
Saturday 23 May
Bookings required

Step in front of the camera and sit for your own handcrafted tintype portrait using traditional wet plate techniques.

Portrait sessions are limited.

For bookings and enquiries phone Hokitika Museum on (03) 755 6898 or message us directly.

We've had a research enquiry regarding these types of rocking chairs, which we believe were produced in Hokitika sometim...
28/01/2026

We've had a research enquiry regarding these types of rocking chairs, which we believe were produced in Hokitika sometime between the 1970's and 1990's. The one pictured below was believed to have been purchased in Hokitika between the 1970's - 80's.

If anyone has any information:
- Who made them, or the name of the company that produced them ?
- Where were these typically sold?
- Any other background on this style of furniture ?

Any help appreciated.

Heritage Summer Series - On TommorowAs part of our Heritage Summer Series, join us at Hokitika Museum tomorrow for a her...
23/01/2026

Heritage Summer Series - On Tommorow
As part of our Heritage Summer Series, join us at Hokitika Museum tomorrow for a heritage talk running on the hour from 10am–1pm.

Drop in at a time that suits you, cool off in the Carnegie Building, and enjoy engaging stories about the people and places that have shaped Te Tai o Poutini.

📍 Hokitika Museum
🕙 On the hour: 10am | 11am | 12pm | 1pm
🎟 All welcome

Faces of Early HokitikaFrom handmade Peace Day costumes to family portraits, Benno Thiem’s photographs tell the stories ...
10/11/2025

Faces of Early Hokitika

From handmade Peace Day costumes to family portraits, Benno Thiem’s photographs tell the stories of everyday people who helped shape our town.

His scenic views of rivers, forests, and coastlines captured the untamed beauty of the West Coast — and the eye of early tourists. Many were made into postcards, sharing Hokitika’s charm with the world.

As we prepare for our upcoming exhibition A Quiet Eye - The Photographs of Benno Thiem, we’d love your help.

If you have a Benno Thiem portrait, postcard, or photograph tucked away at home, please get in touch or bring it into the Museum. [email protected]

Did you know?65 years ago today, the Paringa–Haast section of the Haast Highway was officially opened! Until then, Haast...
06/11/2025

Did you know?
65 years ago today, the Paringa–Haast section of the Haast Highway was officially opened! Until then, Haast was only accessible from Hokitika by plane. Sir Keith Holyoake unveiled the plaque and Mrs Holyoake cut the ribbon — but soon after, slips closed the road behind them! The highway finally linked the West Coast and Otago.

Address

17 Hamilton Street
Hokitika
7842

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+6437556898

Website

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