Kunst und Kultur in der Region Tasman

Arts & Culture

The Tasman region’s cultural landscape spans from the 1642 encounter between Dutch explorers and Māori to the industrial grit of the 1929 Murchison earthquake. This collection highlights local museums showcasing gold mining history, maritime heritage in Mapua and St Arnaud, and pioneer machinery in Takaka. Complementing these historical sites are contemporary galleries and sculpture gardens featuring works in steel, stone, and mixed media by regional artists.

Abel Tasman Monument

A white concrete memorial at Tarakohe commemorating the 300th anniversary of the 1642 meeting between Abel Tasman’s crew and Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri.

Murchison Museum

Features exhibits detailing the 1929 Murchison earthquake, local gold mining history, and pioneer farming equipment.

Golden Bay Machinery & Early Settlers Museum

A collection of vintage tractors, stationary engines, and domestic artifacts from the Takaka region’s early European settlement.

Classic Boat Museum

Located in St Arnaud, this museum houses restored wooden boats and vintage outboard motors related to Lake Rotoiti’s maritime history.

Maritime museum

Located at Mapua Wharf, this museum features displays on coastal shipping, the local apple industry, and the environmental restoration of the area.

Collingwood Museum

Housed in a former courthouse, featuring local history archives, gold mining tools, and Moa bones found in local caves.

The Art Vault

A contemporary gallery in Takaka showcasing rotating exhibitions of paintings, photography, and mixed media by regional artists.

Hidden Sculpture Gallery & Garden

A landscaped garden near Tapawera featuring large-scale stone and steel sculptures by artist David Marshall.

Estuary Arts

A gallery in Collingwood featuring regional fine art, pottery, and handcrafted jewelry inspired by the Golden Bay landscape.

Monza Gallery

A Takaka-based art space focusing on contemporary New Zealand paintings and design.