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  Lovely interesting museum - This is an excellent museum from the Lava glass exhibition to the Star of Canada Captain's bridge (kids - old and young- love climbing up to the bridge with... read more

    Pk D
    December 7, 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  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  Maori Battalion - very special, moving. - Maori Battalion - very special. Had a photo of my tipuna from World war 2.
    Went to the other part of the museum, interesting.
    Coffee at the museum... read more

    Vivienne W
    June 6, 2021

    star rating  Very interesting part of Gisborne history. Used to be i believe part of the "Kia ora" Butter factory. In those days that was your only choice of spread. On this... read more

    Alexander S
    November 19, 2019
  • star rating  Stopped for lunch and afterwards wandered into the museum for a look. We were impressed with the displays and the way the collections are presented. Definitely worth visiting and taking... read more

    avatar thumb kaweraukid
    October 20, 2018

    star rating  Just minutes from the city this is a great place to visit. It features local art, an impressive history of the local area and a unique section of a wrecked... read more

    avatar thumb k0enraadk
    November 9, 2018

    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  Has a good Maori pre and post colonisation history. Some cool artifacts and nice video of 2 kaumatua. Small Museum. $5 entry for non residence, free for kids.

    tksontour
    September 15, 2019

    star rating  Excellent displays of museum items and local art. Next door is the Maori C Company exhibition. Worth visiting too.

    avatar thumb TrishRob
    March 10, 2019

    star rating  Take the time to stop in here! - Entry was a mere $5 for non-Gizzy residents, and worth every cent. Beautifully displayed art work, photographs, historical artefacts, with engaging information displays and not too overwhelming. We loved it!

    fandingo
    May 23, 2021

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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