Really liked a specially made section of the waka hourua (double-hulled voyaging canoe): done by craftsmen who pass this tradition through generations.
Also the Star of Canada: a shipwreck turned house turned part of the museum: you open an inconspicuous door in the museum wall to find yourself in the ship.
Lots of original artifacts on display.
James Hamilton
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February 08, 2026
Went here on a vacation the art work was amazing. The history is spectacular. This is a very good experience in gisborne when tour on holiday.
Jonathan Jubida
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January 31, 2026
Pretty interesting museum that is much bigger than it looks. There’s a cafe inside for caffeine and pastry fix after you’re done walking around.
Beverly Foster
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December 14, 2025
The museum is wonderful. It has a cute little café, and the art exhibit in the gallery was beautiful.
Jenny Traveller
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September 03, 2025
Love this museum, so if you're visiting Gisborne definitely go see everything. There's something for everyone, including artifacts, art, Maori history, local exhibitions, surfboard history and a cafe/gift shop. Also worth exploring is the Captain's cabin from the sunken The Star of Canada ship from 1912 plus an old colonial house next door. The museum is just across the river from the central city, so easily within walking distance and well worth the effort. Free entry too 😊
Our Address
10 Stout Street, Whataupoko, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand
Really liked a specially made section of the waka hourua (double-hulled voyaging canoe): done by craftsmen who pass this tradition through generations. Also the Star of Canada: a shipwreck turned house turned part of the museum: you open an inconspicuous door in the museum wall to find yourself in the ship. Lots of original artifacts on display.
Went here on a vacation the art work was amazing. The history is spectacular. This is a very good experience in gisborne when tour on holiday.
Pretty interesting museum that is much bigger than it looks. There’s a cafe inside for caffeine and pastry fix after you’re done walking around.
The museum is wonderful. It has a cute little café, and the art exhibit in the gallery was beautiful.
Love this museum, so if you're visiting Gisborne definitely go see everything. There's something for everyone, including artifacts, art, Maori history, local exhibitions, surfboard history and a cafe/gift shop. Also worth exploring is the Captain's cabin from the sunken The Star of Canada ship from 1912 plus an old colonial house next door. The museum is just across the river from the central city, so easily within walking distance and well worth the effort. Free entry too 😊