A $1 million transformation: Western Bay Museum closes doors to build its biggest chapter yet
Western Bay Museum Exhibition space
Western Bay Museum - 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.
A piece of racing history on display at Western Bay Museum. This classic 1955 MG TF belonged to Formula One champion Denny Hulme and featured in our Local Sporting Champions exhibition.
Live Whakairo and Raranga at the Western Bay Musuem 2026
Te Rā Waitangi Whānau Festival 2026
Toki: The Edge of Tradition
Exhibitions of the past
32 Main Road, Katikati, New Zealand.
Western Bay Museum is temporarily closed for a $1 million transformation and will reopen in March 2027. We’re creating an exciting new museum experience that brings local heritage, Mana Whenua stories and our pioneering past to life.
Western Bay Museum is temporarily closed for a $1 million transformation and will reopen in March 2027. We’re creating an exciting new museum experience that brings local heritage, Mana Whenua stories and our pioneering past to life.
A $1 million transformation: Western Bay Museum closes doors to build its biggest chapter yet
Western Bay Museum Exhibition space
Western Bay Museum - 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.
A piece of racing history on display at Western Bay Museum. This classic 1955 MG TF belonged to Formula One champion Denny Hulme and featured in our Local Sporting Champions exhibition.
Live Whakairo and Raranga at the Western Bay Musuem 2026
Te Rā Waitangi Whānau Festival 2026
Toki: The Edge of Tradition
Exhibitions of the past
A Group Tour experience is available - must be booked. Minimum of 8 at $5.00 per person.
We are temporaily closed for refurbishment. Watch this space and see you in 2027.
Western Bay Museum - 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. Te Au o Maui - Waka Taua - The Ceremonial War Canoe is a powerful symbol of mana, kotahitanga and cultural identity in Te Ao Māori. A glimpse of the Northern Irish settlement of Katikati can be viewed on a timeline wallpaper. Two exhibition spaces change regularly so there is always something new to discover. Ideal for kids and adults alike. Come and discover why we believe the Western Bay Museum is Aotearoa’s best small museum. Open seven days a week, free entry and some ticketed public programmes are available.
32 Main Road, Katikati, New Zealand.
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