Bringing to life the pioneering spirit of the Western Bay

We are the guardians of the Western Bay’s stories and treasures. Come and discover tales of adventurers, voyages and pioneers as you travel back to the 1900s. Featuring hands-on exhibits, beautifully curated collections and outdoor areas to explore, there is something for everyone.

Our Story

You'll find us here

Get all the information you need to make your visit to the Museum seamless, including opening hours, admission details, directions and parking, and more.

While you're here, find out what else Katikati has to offer and make it a day trip!

Plan your visit
Watch an introduction to the 'Service and Sacrifice' Exhibition

Welcome to the Western Bay Museum

Aspiring to be Aotearoa's best small museum.

Nau mai, haere mai ki te whare tongarewa o Nga Kuri-a-Wharei ki Otamarakau ki te Uru.

Inside the instantly recognisable historic Old Fire Station in Katikati, you will discover the only museum in the Bay of Plenty and one of Aotearoa’s hidden-gems.

With high-quality interactive exhibitions and fun tour-experiences, we bring to life the pioneering spirit of the local Māori, Ulster Irish and all other settlers who together built this area.

Our welcoming and knowledgeable volunteer guides recount the tales of storm-ridden ocean voyages, adventurers and entrepreneurs and the determination and struggles that formed the foundations of the Western Bay of Plenty.

Visit us today (we’re perfect for a quick stop) or book one of our unique and memorable tour-experiences that will take you on a journey back to the 1900s.

Ideal for kids and adults alike. Come and discover why we believe the Western Bay Museum is Aotearoa’s best small museum.


On now until
June 2023
Opens
March 2023

70 Years of the Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade

70 Years of the Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade

See the exhibition
Experiences

Step Back in Time

This group-based tour aims to take visitors straight back to the 1900s. It includes a guided tour of the permanent and thematic exhibitions, scones (made on the range) and cups of tea served in antique bone china by volunteer guides in period costume.

Loved by local groups and families alike, we encourage you to combine your museum experience with a day in Katikati taking in other local attractions.

Learn more

Connect with us

Opening hours

Monday to Friday
10:00 am — 4:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays
11:00 am — 3:00 pm

Closed: Good Friday, Anzac Day morning, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Contact details

The Old Fire Station
32 Main Road
Katikati 3129
New Zealand

Phone +64 7 549 0651

Email info@westernbaymuseum.nz