Whanganui Regional Museum
Te Whare Taonga o Te Awa Tupua
A rich collection of Māori artifacts and moa skeletons, showing the history of the Whanganui River region's iwi and colonial period.
The Whanganui Regional Museum, founded in 1892, is one of New Zealand's oldest regional museums. It is renowned for its collection of Māori taonga (treasures), including ornately carved war canoes, greenstone ornaments, and cloaks, as well as portraits of Māori figures painted by Lindauer and Goldie. The natural history section features a complete moa skeleton and many bird specimens. The museum sits in Queens Park next to the Sarjeant Gallery and the library, so you can visit them together in about an hour. Opening hours and gallery arrangements vary, so check the official website.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui
- New Zealand Glassworks
- Whanganui River Traders Market
- PS Waimarie
- Durie Hill Elevator & War Memorial Tower
- St Paul's Memorial Church, Putiki
- Virginia Lake Reserve
- Bason Botanic Gardens