Kaikoura Museum

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 off

er 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.

Kaikoura Rugby "Killer Whales" on Takahanga Domain front left Steve Posa and Delwyn Summerton back: Owen Gibson, Dwayne ...
13/06/2026

Kaikoura Rugby "Killer Whales" on Takahanga Domain front left Steve Posa and Delwyn Summerton back: Owen Gibson, Dwayne Timms, Sam Summerton, Michael Posa, David Posa, Ben Ford. April 1994.
Karen
2015-001-0781

Group at a Working Bee for Dog Trials on Ludley Farm. Left: Mick Guthrie, Bob Smart, Tim Latter, John Latter, Jack Lauge...
07/06/2026

Group at a Working Bee for Dog Trials on Ludley Farm. Left: Mick Guthrie, Bob Smart, Tim Latter, John Latter, Jack Laugesen, Johnny Smith, Jacky Smith, Fred Peach, Digger Miles, Ike Gray. Child in front Johnny Guthrie. C1956
2007-018-01
Karen

The next session in our 'Astronomy for All' series is happening next Tuesday, June 9th, looking at The Milky Way and Con...
05/06/2026

The next session in our 'Astronomy for All' series is happening next Tuesday, June 9th, looking at The Milky Way and Constellations
Introduction to celestial coordinates and times compared to those of Earth. How do astronomers know precisely where and when to find objects in the night sky, and why do constellations change with the seasons? We will then explore the features of our Milky Way galaxy, and learn some more constellations plus the deep sky objects found in them.
Don't worry if you missed the first sessions, these are all stand alone, informal and flexible. Just come!
Entry is free, but donations are welcome!

The fishing boat Margaret at the old wharf, 1980s. 2012-024-01Karen
02/06/2026

The fishing boat Margaret at the old wharf, 1980s.
2012-024-01
Karen

Transporting the boat "Launch", probably to Kaikoura, built by Ted Millar, 1922. Harry (Peg-Leg) Smith - wagon driver, ...
31/05/2026

Transporting the boat "Launch", probably to Kaikoura, built by Ted Millar, 1922.
Harry (Peg-Leg) Smith - wagon driver, Bill Smith on deck, Harold Stove front left, Jim Smith on ladder.
2019-054-007
Karen

Hi I've done an edit, but still need help please?Kaikoura school boy rugby team, 1947. Back row L-R: Gordon Low, Peter ...
30/05/2026

Hi I've done an edit, but still need help please?
Kaikoura school boy rugby team, 1947. Back row L-R: Gordon Low, Peter Smith, Eddie Poharama, Jim Murray or Bede Keenhan?, Not Rex Hansen anyone knows who this is please?, Jim Hurley, Colin Low, Brian Beach
Front row L-R: Doug Smith, Jock Morgan, Ray Bray, Peter Lawson, Peter Jackson, Gerard Smith, Don Threadwell, Brian Arthur.
2025-032-016
Karen

Its a big weekend for surfing in Kaikoura this weekend with the Cold Water Classic competition running Friday to Monday....
28/05/2026

Its a big weekend for surfing in Kaikoura this weekend with the Cold Water Classic competition running Friday to Monday. Take a break from all the action and headlong to the Museum, and mention the surf comp for a discounted visit, including our Wharenga - First Wave exhibition.

A great turn out and another great astronomy session last night with Larry and Brian. This time we looked at star charts...
27/05/2026

A great turn out and another great astronomy session last night with Larry and Brian. This time we looked at star charts and how to locate constellations in our night sky. I couldn't do my homework, looking for centaurus, because it was cloudy. Annoying, but tonight looking much better. The enthusiasm of these to is infectious, and I might be getting the bug!
You really should come along to the next session 5.30 -6.30pm Tuesday 9th June. You can come to any or all, its all very relaxed, just turn up.
Head to https://kaikouradarksky.nz/upcoming-events/ for more details.

Join us tonight (Tues) from 5.30 at the Museum for 'Putting Astronomy into Practice' the second in our introductory ser...
25/05/2026

Join us tonight (Tues) from 5.30 at the Museum for 'Putting Astronomy into Practice' the second in our introductory series of informal discussions and demonstrations.
This week Larry and Brian will offer practical tips for observing comfortably at night, understanding dark adaptation, learning constellations, and making the most of star charts and smartphone apps.
Don't worry if you missed the first one, each session is stand alone, so come to them all or pick and choose.
Free to attend (koha to support the museum alwayswelcome)
Find out more about the full Winter Astronomy Talk Series here: https://kaikouradarksky.nz/astronomy-talks-and-demos/

We were delighted to host everyone who turned up to our open day yesterday. Much fun was had. Special thanks to Pete and...
25/05/2026

We were delighted to host everyone who turned up to our open day yesterday. Much fun was had. Special thanks to Pete and Ian who did the machinery demonstrations and to Aaron Surgenor who judged the design a surfboard competition. He may have some stiff competition in the future!

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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