Nelson Provincial Museum
Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao
One of New Zealand's earliest regional museums, telling the story of Māori and colonial history in the Nelson-Tasman region.
Founded in 1841, the museum is one of New Zealand's oldest and is located at the corner of Trafalgar and Hardy Streets in the city centre. Its permanent displays cover the history of local Māori iwi, European settlement in the 1840s, the gold rush, and earthquakes. It also holds many old photographs from the Tyree Studio, and temporary exhibitions change regularly. It's a modest museum that takes about an hour to see, making it a good option on a rainy day or for background on the region.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Queens Gardens
- Nelson Market
- Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson
- The Suter Art Gallery
- Centre of New Zealand
- Founders Heritage Park
- Tahunanui Beach
- Boulder Bank & Lighthouse