Discover Collingwood Museum – Gateway to Golden Bay’s Past

In the heart of the small seaside town of Collingwood, on the edge of Golden Bay, lies a hidden gem for history lovers – the Collingwood Museum. Housed in the town’s original 1850s courthouse, this heritage-rich museum is one of the oldest continuously used buildings in New Zealand and a must-visit for anyone curious about the region’s fascinating past.

The museum tells the story of Collingwood and Golden Bay, from its boom days as a gold-rush settlement to its role as one of New Zealand’s earliest European townships. Exhibits include gold mining relics, Māori taonga, photographs of pioneering families, and displays that bring to life the challenges and triumphs of early settlers in this remote yet thriving corner of Aotearoa.

A Heritage Experience in Collingwood

Stepping inside the Collingwood Museum is like stepping back through 170 years of history. The building itself, with its timber frame and colonial-era character, is part of the story. Once the seat of justice in Collingwood, it later became a community hub before being carefully restored and preserved as a museum. Today, it offers an intimate glimpse into life in Golden Bay’s early days.

Stories of Gold, Community, and the Coast

Collingwood Museum Golden Bay

The Collingwood Museum holds treasures that reflect the richness of Golden Bay’s past:

  • Gold Rush Relics – mining tools, gold pans, and documents from the short-lived but dramatic rush that brought thousands to the Aorere Valley in the 1850s.
  • Māori Heritage – taonga and stories that acknowledge the long history of tangata whenua in Mohua (Golden Bay).
  • Colonial Life – household items, clothing, photographs, and personal stories of the pioneering families who shaped the town.
  • The Courthouse Legacy – insights into Collingwood’s early justice system, preserved in the very room where cases were once heard.

Why Visit the Collingwood Museum?

Collingwood Museum Golden Bay
  • It’s one of the oldest heritage buildings in Golden Bay
  • You’ll discover stories of the gold rush and early settlement
  • It’s a compact, welcoming museum – easy to explore in under an hour
  • Perfect stop while visiting Collingwood, Farewell Spit, or Wharariki Beach
  • Run by passionate volunteers who keep the town’s history alive
  • Stay at The Station House Motel

A Must-Do in Golden Bay

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveller, or simply looking for things to do in Collingwood, the museum offers a fascinating stop on your Golden Bay journey. Compact yet full of character, it connects visitors with the people, events, and stories that shaped the top of the South Island.

Collingwood Museum is more than a collection of artefacts – it’s a window into the heart of Golden Bay’s heritage.

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