About Us

Rakiura Museum originally opened on 25 September 1960. The first museum building was 480 square feet, with alterations and additional space added in 1987. As the museum’s collection grew, display and storage space became increasingly inadequate.

A project to plan and finance a new museum was developed over time and has resulted in a new purpose-built museum located in the heart of Oban at 11 Main Road.

Officially opened on 1st December 2020, Rakiura Museum / Te Puka o Te Waka operates as a registered Charitable Trust managed by members of the Rakiura Heritage Trust. With the support and invaluable assistance from volunteers, together with the wider community, Rakiura Museum values the opportunity to continue the important work of collecting, displaying, interpreting and conserving artifacts and archival material about Stewart Island’s history.