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 for local residents

Food and drink, bags

  • For the protection of the art and objects on display food and drink and large bags are not permitted in the galleries

Photography

  • Photography in the museum is generally permitted for personal use
  • Do not use a flash and respect ‘no photography’ signs
  • Contact the museum for commercial photography or filming enquiries

Wifi is available free of charge for museum visitors and cafe patrons

Access

  • A disabled carpark is available directly outside the museum
  • Access to the museum, café and shop is step free and a wheelchair is available for visitors to use
  • Access to the Star of Canada, lower-level gallery and Wyllie Cottage (upstairs) is via stairs only
  • Baby-changing and breastfeeding facilities are available

Our Neighbours

C Company Memorial House

C Company Memorial House, a Memorial to C Company of the 28th Māori Battalion is owned and operated by Ngā Taonga a Ngā Tama Toa Trust

Free entry

Opening hours: Tues – Sun 12 – 3pm (winter hours may vary, please call ahead)

Tel: 06 281 0478

Lysnar House Studios

Lysnar House (behind Tairāwhiti Museum) is used by The Gisborne Artists’ Society and Gisborne Pottery Group and regularly holds art workshops and tuition.

 

 

Contact the museum to book a guided tour or to enquire about venue hire.

 

Get Directions

Reviews from visitors

  • star rating  We had a super wet and cold day in Gisborne. The museum was a great option. Would be great with kids. It had a good looking school holiday program going.... read more

    avatar thumb Weetbix7
    July 13, 2021

    star rating  Not keen on the artistic stuff as I find the descriptions of why they do what they do precious and pretentious. You either like it it not. But the artifacts... read more

    avatar thumb Mike T
    January 19, 2018

    star rating  A gem of a museum and definitely worth a visit. The display of local history is extensive. Thoroughly enjoyed every section. The Maori history and the women's... read more

    avatar thumb RhellieKeith
    December 10, 2018
  • star rating  The staff were friendly and really helpful. The layout was a little strange but fun. The Display were amazing

    avatar thumb cliftonpcra
    March 22, 2018

    star rating  This museum is pretty amazing for a small town. There is both art and history and the lay out is interesting as well.

    avatar thumb mamakate2015
    February 6, 2019

    star rating  Excellent museum and gallery. Concise information and well laidout. A nice cup of tea and scrumptous rhubarb cake in the little cafe in the museum to finish a morning well... read more

    avatar thumb Lela1950
    March 14, 2019
  • star rating  Beautifully maintained museum full of history both Maori and pakeha. Lovely cafe where the rhubarb and ginger slice is really yum

    Huiatahi
    December 4, 2019

    star rating  It’s a short walk from the harbor and downtown. The grounds have some impressive mature trees. The museum tilts more toward local history than art. If you... read more

    avatar thumb Vernman
    March 21, 2023

    star rating  We started our visit to the Tairawhiti Musuem at the cafe with a light lunch out on the deck overlooking Kelvin Park, this set us up for a very pleasant... read more

    kpiddy
    July 12, 2019
  • star rating  A surprisingly large museum, with lots of diverse exhibits many of which change regularly. For example, when we visited there was a fascinating display of Maori basket weavings. I also... read more

    avatar thumb Marla H
    January 26, 2018

    star rating  Cost to enter is only $5 per adult. What a fantastic little local history museum (not usually that keen on them), combined with art gallery, displaying both contemporary and historical... read more

    DesaraeW3
    August 14, 2019

    star rating  Which should say it all really. Wonderful small town feel but lots to see. Really enjoyed it. Would go back again.

    avatar thumb MrPiquet
    April 8, 2019

We welcome ideas for new projects and exhibitions so if you have something in mind, please get in touch – we would love to hear from you!

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