Haere Mai - Welcome to the Western Bay Museum. Our new exhibitions Toki: The edge of tradition and Unforgotten Heroes are now open.
Step inside a world of culture, history and local knowledge. Western Bay Museum is a place to play, explore, and discover while travelling through the Western Bay. Bring the whānau, take your time, and enjoy free entry as you experience something new together
Nau mai, haere mai. We are open 10:00am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday, and 11:00am - 3:00pm Weekends and Public Holidays, and we would love to share our high quality and engaging exhibitions with you.
Entry is free, with donations welcomed.
Toki: The edge of tradition
March - July 30th, 2026. Free Entry
Discover one of the most unique cultural experiences in the Bay of Plenty at Western Bay Museum in Katikati. Toki: The Edge of Tradition invites visitors on a journey through traditional Māori knowledge, exploring the history, artistry, and cultural significance of toki — one of the most important tools in pre-colonial Māori life. Through rare taonga, striking imagery, interactive displays, and stories shared through a Māori world view, the exhibition offers an immersive experience for locals and tourists alike.
Located in the heart of Katikati, Western Bay Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for things to do in the Western Bay of Plenty. Visitors can explore how toki shaped carving, waka building, ceremony, and everyday life while learning about the enduring strength of Māori traditions through generations of change. With free entry and interactive experiences for all ages, Toki: The Edge of Tradition is an inspiring cultural stop while travelling through the region.
Matariki Katikati 2026 Dawn Service
Friday July 10th, 2026. Free Entry
6:00am start, please come earlier to secure a spot
Te Whare o Rahi, Park Road Reserve, Katikati. Honouring Ururangi the whetū/star representing “the winds of the sky” - connected to the weather god Tāwhirimātea.
A time for community to come together to celebrate Matariki.Setting new goals, remembering those who have passed and the sharing of kai.
Enjoy a hot chocolate, hangi and fry bread burger breakfast after the dawn ceremony. All are welcome. Nau mai, haere mai!
Live Whakairo & Raranga demonstrations
Experience the living traditions of Rāranga (weaving) and Whakairo (carving) as part of the Toki Exhibition at the Western Bay Museum.
This special live showcase brings together skilled makers demonstrating their craft in real time, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see how natural materials are transformed into meaningful works of art.
From the intricate patterns of woven fibres to the precision and storytelling of carved forms, each piece reflects deep cultural knowledge and practice. Come and see the craft in person, engage with the artists, and gain a closer understanding of these enduring Māori art forms.
We acknowledge Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Creative Communities NZ for their support of this exhibition.
Unexpected heroes
March - July 30th, 2026. Free Entry
Step into the powerful and immersive world of Unexpected Heroes at Western Bay Museum in Katikati — a moving exhibition that brings New Zealand war history to life through the stories of local people from the Western Bay of Plenty. Visitors enter a recreated wartime trench where hologram-style storytelling, atmospheric sound, and even the scent of the trenches create an unforgettable experience. Meet Nurse Mary Hobbs of Te Puke, Private Winiata Rewi Tapsell of Maketū, Camel Corps rider Arnold Watson of Pongakawa, Rifleman George Henry of Katikati, and Winifred Best of Te Puke as they share their extraordinary wartime journeys through haunting “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion technology.
Alongside the trench experience, visitors can explore interactive displays on wartime animals, disease, and survival, while learning about the millions of animals who served beside soldiers during the First and Second World Wars. Both heartfelt and thought-provoking, Unexpected Heroes offers a deeply human look at courage, sacrifice, and remembrance through a uniquely local lens. Whether you are travelling through the Bay of Plenty or searching for meaningful things to do in Katikati, this free exhibition is a must-see experience for families, history lovers, and visitors of all ages.
Travel through Time
A permanent exhibition.
A new updated timeline exhibition.
September 2025 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Northern Irish Settlers arriving in Katikati. The new timeline will be permanent and positioned opposite the existing timeline. This reflects the progress, development and changes to today, highlighting the desire to make things happen and a diverse multi-cultural population. Katikati is an example of true community spirit.
We acknowledge Katikati Focus Trust for their support of this exhibition.
Te Au o Maui – Waka Tapu: Ceremonial Canoe Exhibition
A permanent exhibition.
Featuring a replica Waka Tapu – Ceremonial Canoe.
The Waka Taua is a powerful symbol of mana (prestige), Kotahitanga (unity), and cultural identity in Te Ao Māori. This five-metre model represents a Waka Pitau Whakarei, a traditional ceremonial war canoe.
Although smaller than historical Waka Taua, it carries the same legacy of navigation, craftmanship, and cultural resilience. It also honours Sir Hekenukumai Hector Busby, whose knowledge was passed down to waka builder Haimona Brown, who alongside Tohunga Whakairo (master carver) Hingangaroa Smith, built Te Au o Maui to uphold and continue the legacy entrusted by Hector.
It is powerful and sits perfectly with our Waka Migration exhibition.
We acknowledge Taylor Bros Transport for their support of this exhibition.
