There’s been a museum in Gisborne since 1883 but even that was a bit late, considering settlers started arriving here from the early 1300s. Māori were first, when three great waka came from Polynesia, well ahead of James Cook who made his first landing in Aotearoa here in 1769.
Today, Gisborne is still only a small city, but it is rightfully proud of its history and its museum, which is modern, innovative and crammed with stories and artefacts.
Because where else can you stand in a wheelhouse that became an actual house, and then a museum exhibit? The Star of Canada was a cargo steamer, loaded with 35,000 frozen mutton carcasses, that was washed onto rocks at nearby Kaiti Beach in 1912.
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The two-storey wheelhouse and captain’s cabin was salvaged and moved into town where it was used as an eye-catching residence for over 70 years. In 1985, it was donated to the museum, where it was transported through the streets with due naval ceremony.
The museum displays a rich collection of Māori taonga of all sorts, as well as European and social history artefacts ranging from old photographs and toys to a selection of surfboards. An hour or two will pass quickly here for all visitors, children included.
It’s not just a museum – it’s an art gallery too, and there are some beautiful and colourful works on display, including a dazzling selection of Lalique glass vases and intricately embroidered kimonos. Don’t miss cute little Wyllie Cottage outside, the oldest house in town. Get refreshed at the café.
The C Company Memorial House is nearby, presenting detail of the service paid by soldiers of the 28th Māori Battalion, as well as other Tairāwhiti locals. On Saturday mornings, check out the neighbouring Farmers’ Market, selling a wide range of locally produced goods. The Rose Garden is right there, too; if they’re not in flower, head along to the Botanical Gardens by the river for some soothing natural beauty.
Muirs Bookshop in the main street is a classic, old-fashioned and welcoming, the oldest independent bookstore in the country. It sells both new and used books, with a special focus on local and Māori literature.
Go to the Vintage Railway to see the 1897 steam locomotive there, and maybe have a ride. Download the app and walk the full historic Tupapa Heritage Trail, or just climb up Kaitī Hill in Tītīrangi Reserve for some fabulous views over the city and bay towards Young Nick’s Head.
There are plenty of excuses to stop, including a pōhutukawa planted by Princess Diana, and a WW2 gun emplacement.
Free for locals, children 12 and under, and Friends of the Museum. Visitors pay $5 each. Masks and vaccine passes are required.
The museum is open weekdays 10am to 4pm, Sundays and public holidays 1.30pm to 4pm and is closed Easter Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day. Check the website for the changing exhibitions.
See: tairawhitmuseum.org.nz; tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on all flights and public transport. Proof of vaccination and vaccine exemption may be required in some venues under the traffic light system. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.
Gisborne is currently experiencing flooding and travel is not advised. However, once it is safe to do so, the region will need your support to bounce back.
This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Read more about our partnership content here.
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