Kaikoura Museum

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Kaikoura Museum A Journey to the Soul of Kaikoura

Our award winning Museum offers a modern and relaxed environment We are open daily from 10am - 5pm.

The new Kaikoura Museum opened on November 23rd 2016, only 9 days after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit our region on November 14th. This is a state of the art Museum experience which showcases Kaikoura's rich and diverse natural, cultural and social history. Displays include excellent exhibits of Maori taonga, colonial life, whaling, surfing and memorabilia from Kaikoura's past. We also offer research facilities for historians or those wanting to find out more about their family history. A unique Museum with some exceptional displays and very knowledge staff, the Kaikoura Museum is a must see during your time in in the district.

From our collection. Decorative brass door fitting.EC1985-0270Karen
19/10/2026

From our collection. Decorative brass door fitting.
EC1985-0270
Karen

Shingle road, taken up above the Clarence on the main road. Clarence Point is in view. Cozens is written on the bottom. ...
19/10/2026

Shingle road, taken up above the Clarence on the main road. Clarence Point is in view. Cozens is written on the bottom. Unsure of date.
2010-067-08
Karen

We love these new magnets, specially made for us by . They're very cute and already proving popular so come and get your...
14/10/2026

We love these new magnets, specially made for us by . They're very cute and already proving popular so come and get yours soon.

From our collection, copy of the Census 1996 Total Population - Statistics New Zealand : Kaikoura District.2026-004-014K...
13/10/2026

From our collection, copy of the Census 1996 Total Population - Statistics New Zealand : Kaikoura District.
2026-004-014
Karen

Come along to the Museum tomorrow night for our monthly Astronomy session.** 5.30-6.30pm - ASTRO SESSION Join Larry and ...
12/10/2026

Come along to the Museum tomorrow night for our monthly Astronomy session.
** 5.30-6.30pm - ASTRO SESSION
Join Larry and Brian for two practical sessions:
-Understanding the naming of stars – learn how stars get their names and what they mean.
-Hands on polar alignment – learn how to align a telescope mount for stargazing.

** 6.30pm-9.00pm – STARGAZING (weather permitting)
If the skies are clear, we'll head outside after the astro session to explore the night sky together.
Larry and Brian will help you discover constellations and deep-sky objects.

Meet at the Museum first for a quick orientation before heading across the road by 7pm for night sky viewing until 9pm.
You're welcome to join us for the whole evening or just the stargazing session, and you're free to leave whenever you wish.

Wrap up warm!
Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and suitable footwear. If you have them, bring:
• A head torch with a red light
• A mat or blanket to lie on
• Your mobile phone with the Stellarium app (optional)

Everyone welcome! No experience necessary – just an interest in discovering our incredible night skies.

Stargazing is dependent on clear skies, but the 5.30pm Museum session will go ahead regardless of the weather.

From our collection, set of five wooden eggs similar to Russian dolls. They are based on Humpty Dumpty. Large egg resemb...
10/10/2026

From our collection, set of five wooden eggs similar to Russian dolls. They are based on Humpty Dumpty. Large egg resembles Humpty Dumpty while internal egg dolls represent all the Kings men.
2025-076-016
Karen

Its not everyday you get called radical perfect, so we'll take it! Thanks Tane.
09/10/2026

Its not everyday you get called radical perfect, so we'll take it! Thanks Tane.

Glen Kowhai & Lynton Downs School Reunion 1966.Can anyone help with identifying these people please?2013-015-020Karen
04/10/2026

Glen Kowhai & Lynton Downs School Reunion 1966.
Can anyone help with identifying these people please?
2013-015-020
Karen

Photo taken in front of the Pier Hotel. Back: Jessie Barnard (publican). Front: Lynne Appleyard, Richard Appleyard & tw...
02/10/2026

Photo taken in front of the Pier Hotel.
Back: Jessie Barnard (publican).
Front: Lynne Appleyard, Richard Appleyard & two others. C1948
2009-018-01
Karen

From our collection, petrol coupons used during WWII.2025-032-020Karen
28/09/2026

From our collection, petrol coupons used during WWII.

2025-032-020
Karen

Address

96 West End
Kaikoura
7300

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+64 3-319 7440

Website

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