From the past to the present
Rakiura Museum is home to an extensive collection of historic items, artifacts, photographs and archival material related to the story of Stewart Island / Rakiura. A selection from the collection can be found in the museum gallery. Here traditional displays are combined with interactive media, visual touch screens and audio oral histories to give the visitor an enriched experience and insight into how the island community has evolved over time.
Minimum recommended viewing time – 45-60 minutes.
The gallery has disability access.
What is in the Museum?
Stories about the early settlements, Codfish Island, The Neck, Ulva Island, Ruapuke Island and Halfmoon Bay.
Māori taonga - a traditional Korowai cloak, kiwi feather kete, bone fishhooks, jewellery, Greenstone mere, hand crafted tools (Toki), early trade articles and tool making implements.
Mutton birding is a feature. Listen to the waiata, watch the video, and listen to the call of the Titi. A taxidermized mutton-bird and traditional poha with totara bark wrapping complete the display.
The topics of ferries and aircraft, early businesses, roading, accommodation and hospitality, law and order, the domestic front, nursing, whaling, saw milling and boat building are all included in the interpretative exhibitions.
Celebrating their stories
Historically Rakiura was a meeting place for early Polynesian, Māori, British, European and American peoples. They included mariners, whalers and sealers, saw millers, entrepreneurs, and those whose curiosity brought them to this isolated island. Inter marriage with Māori women led to community stability through the birth of children and the need to provide for families. Land availability and the natural resources of sea and land provided opportunity for these pioneering islanders. Some of their stories are celebrated in the exhibitions on display. Others are held in the museum records and archives. Those wishing to research specific historical topics or family history are welcome to contact the museum for research assistance.