Golden Bay Museum

While in Takaka make sure you visit the Museum and adjacent Gallery, located in the shopping centre. You'll be quickly drawn to the beautifully crafted diorama depicting Abel Tasman's A.D. 1642 encounter with local Maori. An educational book detailing this encounter is available for sale at the museum.

Golden Bay Museum

To help you orientate yourself and to locate places you intend visiting, consult the detailed relief model of GOLDEN BAY, then wander around displays on Maori and European history of this region. You'll be surprised at the range of material in these and other displays; rockhounds in particular will find the collection of local rocks and minerals fascinating. Space has been set aside for regularly changing displays.

The archives area houses reference material for the researchers on local history and families. The archivist will be happy to help find information for you. There's a charge.

Next door's Gallery features a wonderful range of New Zealand art and craft. Don't miss it .... and don't forget to admire the superb matai floor!

Adjacent to the museum is the tiny but appealing Pioneer Park. With shaded seats, pergola, open lawn space and pleasant trees, it's the perfect place for a five-minute rest.

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