Museum of Kawatiri

21/09/2026

Book of the week 'A Journey Through Denniston'

15/09/2026

After a very significant chapter at The Museum of Kawatiri | Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri, it’s time for me to say goodbye.

I’ve genuinely loved many parts of my time there — welcoming visitors, sharing Kawatiri’s stories, working with the collections, developing displays and programmes, and connecting with so many people in the community.

I’m incredibly proud of what I achieved during my time at the museum, particularly the growth in visitation, stronger community engagement, and the energy and care I brought to the space. I put a huge amount of myself into the role, and I know the impact of that work will remain.

My biggest thanks go to the visitors, volunteers, community members and supporters who made the work meaningful. Those are the people and moments I’ll remember most.

Sometimes chapters end differently from how we imagined they would, but I’m leaving proud of the work I did, grateful for the good parts, and very ready for whatever comes next.

Onward. ❤️

13/09/2026

Book of the week 'Reef Town' by Moira Lockington.

02/07/2026

Final few weeks until our amazing gem and mineral club display disappears! Dr. Hamish Campbell will be in talks -great evening -come and learn about our earth!

Only a week to go until Dr Hamish Campbell from Earth Sciences NZ brings us Westport and its place in Zealandia.
Entry is free and you can register here: [email protected]

05/05/2026

💎 Unearthing Gems & Hidden Treasures 💎

As part of Archaeology Week, we’re excited to welcome a special new exhibition from the West Coast Gem & Mineral Club — on display at the Museum of Kawatiri for the next two months!

From locally collected West Coast specimens to fascinating finds from across Aotearoa and beyond, this exhibition showcases the passion and knowledge of a club that has been exploring and preserving these treasures since 1966.

🔍 Discover rocks, minerals, and fossils
:) Learn about our local Maori Midden discoveries
🌏 Find out where rocks come from and how they form
💬 Be inspired by the stories behind each piece of Te Tai Poutini-The West Coast.

Whether you’re curious about geology, love a good fossick, or just want to see something a little different—this one’s worth a visit.

📍 Museum of Kawatiri
📅 On display for a limited time -ends 10th July 2026

29/04/2026

Sea Week Punangairi Centre and Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri -showcase-Colossal Ocean Stories

28/04/2026

As we wrap up another incredible Sea Season at the Museum of Kawatiri, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who visited, supported, and shared in the experience with us 🌊🦑

A special thank you to Te Papa Tongarewa for bringing the amazing Colossal Squid: Freaky Features exhibition to our community. It has been a fantastic opportunity for locals, schools, and visitors to get up close with such a unique and fascinating exhibition.

From curious school groups and family visits to community engagement and hands-on learning, it has been wonderful seeing so many people enjoying the displays, asking questions, and making memories.

Thank you also to our volunteers, supporters, staff, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this season possible.

We loved hearing your feedback—especially from our younger visitors who were fascinated by the colossal squid claws, suckers, giant ships, and all the interactive displays!

As this exhibition packs down, we look forward to what’s next and continuing to bring exciting experiences to the Museum of Kawatiri.

Thank you for being part of it 💙

27/04/2026

🎉 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT – COLOSSAL FAMILY PRIZE PACK 🦑🎉

Thank you to everyone who entered our Colossal Squid: Freaky Features giveaway! We loved seeing all your comments and support for the Museum of Kawatiri and our amazing local businesses 💙

After our prize draw, a huge congratulations goes to:

🏆 Lisa J Keys

You’ve won our epic West Coast Family Prize Pack including:

🍺 $20 Shortjaw Brewery Voucher
🥩 $40 Mr Chops Voucher
🧼 $20 The Soap Box Voucher
🏛 Family Pass – Kawatiri Pounamu Pathway, Māwhera & Punangairi Centres

Thank you again to everyone who entered and supported local. Keep following for more giveaways, events, and museum fun!

13/04/2026

Last week of school holidays special: children enter free with each paying adult ticket.

01/04/2026

🐣 Easter School Holiday Special at Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri! 🦑

Looking for something fun to do these holidays? Come and explore Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri from Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April for our School Holiday Easter Special!

✨ Children receive FREE entry with a paying adult
✨ Meet the incredible Colossal Squid
✨ Enjoy a great family day out right here in Kawatiri Westport

Bring the whānau along and discover the stories, treasures, and wonder waiting inside the museum this Easter.

📍 Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri
🐰 Easter holiday special runs 3–19 April

See you these holidays!