Friends of Ōpōtiki Museum

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Friends of Ōpōtiki Museum The Opotiki Museum is a three storied modern building bringing a glimpse of our past to life, for future generations to enjoy, and reflect.

the opotiki museum is a three storied building situated in the main street of Opotiki. On the ground floor there is an extensive collection of emplements and vehicles. Displays highlighting saddler, printing, candlemaking, shearing, engineering, the dairy industry and a barber shop complete the ground floor. Early pioneer photographs and an exhibition focused on the importance of shipping in early Opotiki occupy the mezzanine floor, while twelve heritage rooms trace history from the arrival of pioneers to the 1930s on the Elvira Sundell third floor, along with the Whakatohea Reserch and Archives Taonga [treasures of the past]. Welcome to Opotikis Shalfoon and Francis grocery and hardware store, opened in the late 1800s and finally closing in 2000. Now the store is an extension of the new museum. The 100 year old shelves and original fittings are packed with countless grcery tins and jars. Posters and tins advertising signs promote dozens of bygone brands. It`s a quiet sensation, a treasure trove of N Zs shopping history

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY THROUGH THE PAST.

26/09/2026
While at the museum today I found an interesting old photo possibly taken back in 1940 -1950.So what do you think, are t...
24/09/2026

While at the museum today I found an interesting old photo possibly taken back in 1940 -1950.
So what do you think, are these people in the photo Male or Female ??

While visiting Opotiki and you are looking for something interesting to do, we have 3 levels of history to take in at ou...
23/09/2026

While visiting Opotiki and you are looking for something interesting to do, we have 3 levels of history to take in at our wonderful Museum, then we have Shalfoon & Francis historic shop & not to forget about the Guy Nicol Farmall agricultural museum which is just a short drive out of town with bookings by arrangement to view.

Today at the museum I discovered all these amazing old pocket watches and vintage clocks. Also spotted a lovely old phot...
16/09/2026

Today at the museum I discovered all these amazing old pocket watches and vintage clocks.
Also spotted a lovely old photo of young boys playing marbles back in the day.

Fabulous historic books of Opotiki, written by local people, available at the Museum, Church street, Opotiki.
09/09/2026

Fabulous historic books of Opotiki, written by local people, available at the Museum, Church street, Opotiki.

An interesting job for one of our Volunteers in the Opotiki museum. Patching up and repairing a couple of very antique h...
22/10/2025

An interesting job for one of our Volunteers in the Opotiki museum. Patching up and repairing a couple of very antique hand puppets.

29/09/2025

Just wondering if there is anyone who might have 6 wooden dining chairs to kindly donate to our Opotiki museum or we could possibly pay an amount if necessary.
Please msg us or phone the museum on 07 3155193 & ask to speak to Judy.

This has just come into the museum, how interesting. Grown locally.
26/03/2025

This has just come into the museum, how interesting. Grown locally.

Volunteering at the museum is always interesting each week. I've learnt about our old currency of pounds & pennies while...
20/03/2025

Volunteering at the museum is always interesting each week.
I've learnt about our old currency of pounds & pennies while sorting money that has been donated. I have met interesting people who have lived in Opotiki forever and know such interesting history about our town. I meet international visitors and get to tell them about our amazing world class museum.
Then on some days I even get to do the odd bit of sewing on vintage dolls and other unique things as I help to restore them as do many others who volunteer in other ways to make our museum amazing.

Address

123 Church Street
Opotiki
3122

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+6473155193

Website

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