Owaka Museum Wahi Kahuika

Owaka Museum

A small multi-subject museum in the Catlins, covering the history of Māori settlement, whaling, logging and shipwrecks.

The museum is in Owaka, the central town of the Catlins, and doubles as the visitor information centre. Its displays cover early Māori settlement, historic whaling stations, sawmilling and the many shipwrecks along the nearby coast, including the Surat. There is also a natural history section. The museum is small, and you can see it in about an hour. Admission is about NZ$10. The town has a petrol station, supermarket and restaurants, making it a useful stop for self-drivers.

Opening hours

Approx. 09:30-16:30 (check official website)

Museum · History · Visitor center

Nearby sights

Tunnel Hill Historic Reserve
Jack's Blowhole
Surat Bay
Cannibal Bay
Purakaunui Falls
Kaka Point
Nugget Point / Tokatā
Matai Falls & Horseshoe Falls

Places to eat nearby

Lumberjack Bar and Cafe
The Point Cafe Bar
Whistling Frog Cafe Bar
Niagara Falls Cafe