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  Nice Mueseum - I came from Auckland, and I thought I will see a museum like the one in Auckland, but I was mistaken, but think in other way, this is a regional... read more

    Ir0nFighter
    February 2, 2021

    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 fantastic museum highlighting the history of Tairawhiti. Highly recommended. The children love it as much as the adults.

    Kiwimermaid
    November 6, 2019
  • star rating  Great and quick museum to visit that covers all of the history of the local town. We spent about 1.5 hours and enjoyed meeting the staff and members of the... read more

    avatar thumb JetlaggedNYC
    March 10, 2023

    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  This is a fairly standard local museum. As others have said. It has all the local historical artefacts that you could need. Lots of local history and art. It’s quite... read more

    avatar thumb SilicoJack
    April 1, 2018
  • star rating  A good place to get a feel for local history, for a small fee ($5) each to get in as a non-resident. Some really cool artefacts in there. There... read more

    ChrisH11055
    September 16, 2019

    star rating  I took 4 of my children aged 7, 10, 13 and 14 to the museum and I have to say I was somewhat underwhelmed. It cost $5 per person (under... read more

    avatar thumb Louise M
    January 7, 2018

    star rating  Good little Museum - Great thing to do if the weather is bad. Stunning art gallery. I personally thought the walk on boat (the Canada Star) was the coolest part. Great little gift shop... read more

    Xerokace
    January 7, 2021
  • star rating  As with all museums in NZ there is a big focus on the Maori heritage and history. It is across the river from the main town and not that easy... read more

    avatar thumb Hairyhenry
    April 2, 2019

    star rating  The permanent exhibition was quite interesting, but a bit convoluted and with far too much required to be read. The marine exhibition downstairs was very good. The "art" was awful... read more

    Rick M
    June 24, 2019

    star rating  Intended to have a quick look around this museum but ended up staying for the morning. Excellent exhibition of culture and there was a large display of Leonardo de Vinci's... read more

    avatar thumb Graham B
    May 5, 2018

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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