Tairawhiti Museum
Tairawhiti Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Tairawhiti Museum and Art Gallery has a reputation as one of the most innovative regional museums in New Zealand. Our vision is to be an integral part of the Tairawhiti community and to stimulate passion for the stories of our region. Entry is free for local residents and $5 for visitors. Entry is free for children 12 years and under and Friends of the Museum. The Exhibit Cafe is open for lunches, brunches, morning and afternoon teas. A wide menu is available and changes with the seasons. The cafe is open from 9am - 1.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am - 1pm on Saturdays. The Tairawhiti Museum shop stocks a high-quality range of gifts. We pride ourselves on supporting local artists and makers.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles190 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
72
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
1

Family Foods
Auckland, New Zealand296 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
We discovered this cute little museum on a miserable wet day in Gisborne. It was really good value for money. There was a really interesting well curated history of the local area. There was a good mix of art, Māori and European history, maritime history and memorabilia. There were lots of pictorial representation with great accompanying descriptions. The old cottage was an added bonus. The staff were friendly and helpful. This was a great little find that we’d highly recommend.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vernman
Joplin, MO189 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
It’s a short walk from the harbor and downtown. The grounds have some impressive mature trees. The museum tilts more toward local history than art. If you are the type who enjoys looking at historical exhibits and reading all the details, you’ll probably like this place. It’s a bit light on the art side but there are some interesting items. We spent almost as long in their nice gift shop as the actual museum. The admission price is very reasonable so no complaints there.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brad H.
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
Great and quick museum to visit that covers all of the history of the local town. We spent about 1.5 hours and enjoyed meeting the staff and members of the Maori community who curated many of the exhibit highlights. Do this experience then walk through downtown Gisborne for fish and chips and some great second-hand shopping!
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anita T
Melbourne, Australia349 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
What a great museum, which should not be missed if you’re visiting Gisborne. The $5 entry is inexpensive considering the amount of exhibits.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maggie
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Couples
As it was my first visit to Taranga - Gisborne, I wanted to learn its history. Tairawhiti Museum had some excellent exhibitions and displays. Very impressed.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we are glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

764delwynb
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Modern exhibits. Good souvenir shop. Lovely cafe attached - pleasant to sit on the deck overlooking the river
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive review, we are glad you enjoyed your visit! The deck is a lovely spot.
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ann E
Wellington, New Zealand16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Couples
Interesting way to pass an hour or two . Great early photos of the area and people. some beautiful art work from various artists.
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive review, we are glad you enjoyed your visit and the exhibits.
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

11joannan
Greater Wellington, New Zealand52 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
A great way to spend a few hours in Gisborne to get out of the sunshine. Lots of interesting things to see for young and old alike
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to post a review - we are glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

pkdk
Wellington, New Zealand140 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
This is an excellent museum from the Lava glass exhibition to the Star of Canada Captain's bridge (kids - old and young- love climbing up to the bridge with its bell). Attractive exhibitions of Maori and western art. Well worth a visit.
Written 6 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to post a review - we are glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Deanne D
Wellington, New Zealand1,458 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
We had a super wet and cold day in Gisborne. The museum was a great option. Would be great with kids. It had a good looking school holiday program going. There was lots of Maori and European exhibits as well as a ship to explore downstairs. It costs $5 to get in for adults unless you are a local , then it is free. Free for kids too. Definitely go if it is wet.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to post a review - we are glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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TAIRAWHITI MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Tairawhiti Museum

Tairawhiti Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sun 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM


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