Bringing you face to face with our heritage

With exhibits about the Polynesian navigator Kupe, Maori artifacts, the Endeavour and James Cook, HMS Buffalo (sunk 1840), kauri timber and gum, the old dairy factory in which the museum is housed, early settlers’ records, natural history, fishing displays and a wonderful photographic collection.

Exhibitions

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History

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Our Stories

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Upcoming Events

Tuia – Encounters 250

In 2019, New Zealand will mark 250 years since the first meetings between Māori and Europeans during James Cook and the Endeavour’s 1769 voyage to Aotearoa New Zealand. Mercury Bay will play a significant role in the upcoming celebrations. FIND OUT MORE

When Toawaka Met Cook

We are so excited to be hosting this event this weekend!! Come in, purchase a book, get it signed and then have a look around the museum!! See you Saturday!!

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Te Powhiri

8 October 2019
Wharekaho
Te Pōwhiri is to acknowledge & commemorate that first encounter between Ngāti Hei and European 250 years ago. Visit the Mercury250 website for more information on Tuia

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Tuia 250 Voyaging Flotilla

18 -21 October 2019
Wharekaho
The Tuia 250 Voyage will take the form of a flotilla of vessels – waka hourua va’a tipaerua heritage vessels and their crews sailing to and engaging communities

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Te Mahutatanga o Takero – Mercury Rising

1 – 12 November 2019
This year almost exactly 250 years to the day after Charles Green an astronomer who arrived in Aotearoa on Captain Cook’s first voyage pointed his telescope skywards to

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Opening Times

Summer Hours 10am to 4pm (October – June)
Open daily
* except Christmas/Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day.

Winter Hours 10am to 3pm (May to September)
Closed Mondays

Admission

Adults $7.50
Locals, NZ Seniors & Students $6
Children Under 13 are free
Family pass $15 – 2 adults & 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children

Groups 10+ please contact us re your visit.

 

 

Become a Volunteer

If you would like to volunteer to be part of our front-of-house team welcoming visitors to the museum, read our volunteer programme fact sheet and download our application form from the link below.

Get Involved