Kaikoura Museum regularly presents special events and exhibitions.
The following shows our current and past exhibitions and events.
View the Exhibitions & Events Calendar for all upcoming events and exhibitions.
Events & Exhibitions
Wharenga – First Wave
Long term exhibition opened May 2024
The distinctive geography of the ocean bed along its coastline means Kaikōura is one of the most consistent and enticing surf regions in New Zealand. The waves started attracting surfers to Kaikōura from the early 1960s. These adventurers helped shape, and continue to influence, the social fabric, culture and economic life in Kaikōura. However, their stores are mostly untold and contribution largely unknown. Until now! Wharenga – First Wave is a fun, interactive and multimedia …
COLOSSAL SQUID – NGU TIPUA
We are thrilled to be hosting the ever popular Te Papa exhibition, Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua, which opens at the Kaikōura Museum on 22 September and runs through until 14 November 2023. The Colossal Squid is so rarely seen that only eight adult colossal squid have ever been scientifically reported. Now Kaikōura Museum, in co-operation with Te Papa, is set to reveal some of the fascinating science and wonderful secrets of one of New …
Te Whaiwhakaaro ki a Waitangi – Reflecting on Waitangi
Thursday 28th January to Sunday 21st February 2021
Me whaiwhakaaro koe ki te āhua o te whakanui i te hainatanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi i roto i ngā tau mā te titiro ki ngā kiriata kua tikina i ngā kohinga o Ngā Taonga. Reflect on how the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi has been marked over the years through highlights drawn from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision’s audiovisual collections. 10,000 pea ngā tāngata i huihui ki te marae o Te Tii i te tau 1934 ki te whakanui ōkawatanga tuatahi o Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He rangi whakanui, …
New Normal – The Kaikoura Earthquake Exhibition
Long term exhibition
If you look at the geological history and the creation of Kaikoura, it has always constantly changed – on a continuum. However, humans tend not to notice geological change until it literally hits you in the face. Just a little after midnight on the 14th November 2016 Kaikoura was to feel the brunt of the largest and longest earthquake ever recorded in New Zealand. All that was normal changed within 120 seconds. New Normal is a long-term exhibition that looks at the impacts of the Kaikoura …
Poetry at the Museum
7pm Friday - 23 August 2019
Back by popular demand it’s Poetry at the Museum! Listen, share , enjoy as we join the Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day celebrations with Kaikoura’s very own poetry talent. With an open mic session and readings by poets Jenny Wards, Te Awhina Arahanga and Amy Leigh Wicks it is a night celebrating all things poetry. Bring your creations along and unleash the power of poetry!Entry by donation …
Kānapanapa mai ana a Matariki – Matariki Shine on the New Year
Until 20 July 2019
He wā whakarite kai a Matariki mō te Takurua. He tau hou Māori hoki. E hoki whakamua ana tātou ki ngā kohinga taonga a Ngā Taonga, arā he hauhake, he rokiroki kai, he hauhake kānga, kūmara hoki, he rapu tuna, he whakarite tītī, hāngī hoki. I hopukina ēnei kiriata i waenga i ngā tau 1920 – 1960 mai i Te Tai Rāwhiti ki Awarua. I puorotia hoki ngā kiriata ngū. Matariki is the traditional time for preparing food for long term storage over winter. It marks the …
What’s art got to do with it?
19 February 2019 5:30 - 8:30 pm
What kind of community do you want to live in? How can we use art, in all its forms, to help us address community, economic and environmental issues so we can realise our aspirations? Join us for a lively evening of presentations, discussion and debate as we explore the role of art in building vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities. Phone bookings essential so please phone us to secure your place on 03 319 7440 …
Kaikoura Lights 40th Anniversary
December 18, 2018 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
December 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of a series of UFO sightings around Kaikoura. These became known as the Kaikoura Lights. There were numerous sightings and recordings at the time and, despite a Ministry of Defense investigation, the mystery remains unsolved. Join us for a fascinating talk by John Cordy who was a senior air traffic control officer in Wellington at the time of the sightings. We also have an archaeologist who will be talking about references to UFOs in rock art and …
