Explore the rich heritage and natural history of the Nelson Tasman region in our permanent gallery.
Nelson and Tasman boast some of the most varied geology in New Zealand. It is a region with rich mineral deposits and exciting history of geological exploration and mining. It’s bays and beaches, port and sea have shaped the lives of its inhabitants. The first part of the gallery is laid out as a map of the region tracing the mountain ranges from the West Coast to Golden Bay and from the Richmond Ranges to the Boulder Bank.
Discover the stories, peoples, history and Taonga (treasures) of the six Mana Whenua Iwi of Mohua, Motueka and Whakatu (the Nelson/ Tasman Region) and explore the human interaction with the region, from early Māori settlement, exploration and migration and 19th-century European establishment of the Nelson Province.
Throughout the Regional Gallery contemporary artists have responded to historical stories and objects producing commissioned work that helps narrate the story of the region.
Te Tautiaki i Te Ao e Whakatinanatia ana | Conservation in Action
We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to create an educational display which highlights native species found at the Sanctuary. Visitors will have an opportunity to view a lifelike Beech tree, taxidermy from the Museum’s own collection, and a wētā hotel – right in the middle of the Museum. Conservation in Action includes a video of the Sanctuary’s conservation journey, and an original Taonga Pūoro soundscape composed and recorded by Bob Bickerton in the Sanctuary itself. On display in our Regional Gallery now.
Read the Nelson Mail article - Slice of wildlife sanctuary comes to the city
