Tairāwhiti Museum is a 5-minute walk from the CBD, across Peel Street Bridge and through Kelvin Park. There is free parking on Stout Street.
Opening Hours
- Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
- Sunday and Public Holidays 1:30pm – 4:00pm
- Closed – Easter Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Admission
- Adults $5 (12 years and under and Friends of the Museum free entry)
- Free entry every day for local residents!
Exhibit Cafe
- Monday – Friday 9am to 2.00pm, closed weekends
- Open during the holiday period. Closed on statutory holidays.
What’s Happening at the Museum
Exhibitions
Ruanuku Art Award Exhibition 1995 – 2025
Opening: 12/12/25 10:00 am
The Ruanuku Art Award was introduced in 1995 under a policy initiated by Tairāwhiti Museum, in collaboration with Toihoukura, School of Māori Visual Arts. This award, sponsored by the museum, was drawn up for a student in their final year in recognition of their achieved excellence over the course of their studies. As an integral... Read more »
Kia Ngāwari
Opening: 05/12/25 5:30 pm
Kia Ngāwari is a group exhibition featuring works by Steve Gibbs, Ihipera Monowai Whakataka, Maia Gibbs, Jean Johnston, Gary Underdown, Michelle Kerr, Teressa Matthews, Rina Kerekere, Torri Stewart, Rangituhia Hollis, Tai Kerekere and Melanie Tahata. Calling in all the favours, Melanie Tahata gathers together eleven working artists for an easy and gentle end to the... Read more »
Waerenga-a-Hika: Hohou te Rongo
Opening: 18/11/25 10:00 am
2025 marks the 160th anniversary of the siege of Waerenga-a-Hika (17-22 November 1865). In 1865, 200 colonial troops with 300 Māori allies attacked the pā site where hundreds of Māori families lived. During the battle, which lasted five days, 71 Māori living at Waerenga-a-Hika pā and 11 government soldiers were killed. Many people were wounded,... Read more »
Colour Visions – Jan Linklater
Opening: 14/11/25 10:00 am
Aotearoa colour is exceptional. It is intensified by the clear light that enhances even the ordinary. As someone brought up with the soft hues and muted tones of England it never ceases to amaze. Colour gives excitement to movement and highlights the patterns of landscape My obvious European allegiance to Matisse and Hockney is now... Read more »
New Old
Opening: 08/09/25 10:00 am
Every month the museum receives generous offers of material to be added to it’s collections. New Old is a cross section of some of the historic photographs the museum has had donated over the last five years. We have made a selection to show the broad variety of images that have extended our already diverse... Read more »
Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
