Kapiti Coast Art Galleries and Museums
Whether you’re craving a bit of culture or looking for the perfect rainy day activity, the Kapiti Coast museums and art galleries are a great thing to do!
The Kapiti Coast is home to six museums showcasing the best of heritage vehicles and way of life, and one fantastic art gallery offering insight into the Kapiti culture. We’ll go through the best of them in this list of art galleries and museums on the Kapiti Coast.
For more things to do in between museum-hopping, check out our 10 Must-Dos on the Kapiti Coast. Finally, for more museums, see 10 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington.
Table of Contents
1. Kapiti Coast Museum
Kapiti Coast Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved 1907 post-office building. This gem offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing period rooms and communications heritage.
We’re particularly drawn to the interactive exhibits, which come alive every weekend (Friday to Sunday, 1-4 pm) thanks to passionate volunteer guides.
From operating a manual switchboard to examining a whale-oil pot, there’s something to intrigue visitors of all ages. Recent updates to the facade and interior décor have only enhanced this already charming museum.
See more activities nearby in the 10 Great Things to Do in Waikanae.
Location: 9 Elizabeth Street, Waikanae.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Southward Car Museum
The Southward Car Museum boasts one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most impressive private motor collections. Spanning a massive 6,000 m², this automotive wonderland showcases over 400 classic cars, motorcycles, and even aircraft.
But that’s not all, you’ll also find a magnificent Wurlitzer organ and event spaces to explore.
Open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm, the museum offers more than just eye candy for car enthusiasts. Grab a bite at the on-site café, pick up a souvenir at the gift shop, or time your visit to coincide with one of their regular community events.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit Paraparaumu Beach for stunning views of Kapiti Island. It’s the perfect way to round off your day of automotive marvels.
Find out more in our list of 10 Wellington Beaches You Can’t Miss.
Location: Otaihanga Road, Otaihanga, Paraparaumu.
© Flying Saucer - WellingtonNZ3. Tramway Museum
Step back in time at the Tramway Museum in Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kapiti Coast. Ride on lovingly restored trams from the 1900s to 1930s, once the rulers of Wellington’s streets.
Trams depart approximately every 30 minutes, offering a nostalgic journey through the park. Don’t miss the tram used in the King Kong movie! As we discovered first-hand, it’s a delightful blend of history and scenic views.
This non-profit organisation preserves tramcars and other tramway artefacts, operating a working museum that fosters interest in Wellington’s transport heritage. The museum is open weekends from 11 am to 3 pm.
For more activities in the area, check out the 10 Excellent Things to Do in Paraparaumu.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, MacKays Crossing, Paekakariki. Follow signs for “Tram Rides and Museum”. Located just inside the gates of the MacKays Crossing entrance to the park.
© Vardion on Wikipedia4. Steam Incorporated
Step back in time at Steam Incorporated, a passionate railway preservation society based in the Paekakariki Railway Yard. We like their depot, known as “The Engine Shed”, where you can marvel at restored locomotives and rolling stock.
As one of the few operators of steam-hauled excursions on New Zealand’s national railway network, Steam Inc. offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rail heritage.
The best time to visit is on Thursdays and Saturdays when you can witness their latest restoration projects in action. Keep an eye out for their exciting North Island railway excursions throughout the year, perfect for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
For more information on seeing New Zealand by train, check out Train Network in New Zealand.
Location: 219 State Highway 1, Paekakariki, Wellington Region, North Island.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia5. Paekakariki Station Museum
Step back in time at the Paekakariki Station Museum, housed in the historic 1910 railway station building. Once so bustling that a 17-room hostel was needed just to accommodate the tea-serving staff! Today, this charming museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local history.
Explore displays of Māori and heritage items, explore the area’s rich railway history, and discover the intriguing story of the US Marines’ occupation of McKays Crossing during World War II. It’s a journey through time that we personally love, as it provides a unique window into Paekakariki’s past.
The museum is open weekends from 11 am to 3 pm, perfect for a leisurely afternoon visit.
Check out more experiences in the area using the 5 Super Things to Do in Paekakariki.
Location: Adjacent to State Highway 1, Paekakariki, Wellington Region, North Island.
© Karora on Wikipedia6. Otaki Museum
Discover the captivating history of Ōtaki and Te Horo at the Ōtaki Museum. We’re drawn to the absorbing exhibitions that change throughout the year, showcasing the rich heritage of this vibrant district.
From captivating photos and posters to intriguing letters and artefacts, the museum’s extensive collection brings local stories to life.
Discover family histories, pore over old newspapers, or explore military records. The museum’s passionate team is dedicated to preserving and sharing Ōtaki’s unique heritage, making it a must-visit for history buffs and curious travellers alike.
Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, except on public holidays. Best of all, entry is free!
Location: 49 Main Street, Otaki, Kapiti Coast, North Island.
© Otaki Heritage7. Toi Mahara
Toi MAHARA, the vibrant district gallery for the Kāpiti Coast. This creative hub boasts four diverse exhibition spaces showcasing local talent, toi Māori, historical taonga, and works by nationally significant artists.
The gallery’s programme expertly balances quality local and national content, reflecting the rich diversity of the Kāpiti arts community.
Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that Toi MAHARA houses The Field Collection, comprising 44 works, including 24 paintings by Frances Hodgkins. It’s the largest collection of Hodgkins’ work in public ownership outside Te Papa and Auckland and Dunedin public art galleries, available to view by appointment.
Entry to the gallery is free, so why not pop in and explore? You might even find yourself taking home a piece of Kāpiti Coast creativity!
Location: 20 Mahara Place, Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast, North Island.
© Toi Mahara8. Kapiti Aviation Museum
For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Museum of Aviation (Kāpiti) is a hidden gem on the Kāpiti Coast.
Established in 1994 by local aviation enthusiasts, this museum offers a fascinating window into New Zealand’s rich aviation history, with a particular focus on the Wellington region and Kāpiti Coast Airport.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by walls adorned with captivating photos, intricate scale models, and impressive dioramas. The extensive library is a treasure trove for researchers, while the display of medals adds a poignant touch to the aviation narrative.
It’s open every Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm, and while entry is free, donations are always appreciated.
Location: 227 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast, North Island. Located on Kāpiti Coast Airport, alongside the old control tower.
© Kapiti Aviation Musum9. The Kilns at Te Horo
Celebrate the legacy of renowned Czechoslovakian ceramicist Mirek Smíšek at The Kilns, a vibrant hub for ceramic art nestled in Te Horo. This exciting project, centred around Smíšek’s hand-built brick beehive kilns, breathes new life into a beloved community asset where generations of Kapiti Coast locals have honed their creative skills.
The site boasts a fascinating blend of history and artistry, featuring a century-old railway station, a pre-1900 timber-framed cottage, and Smíšek’s iconic beehive kilns.
Opening hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Location: School Road, Te Horo, Kapiti Coast, North Island.
© The Kilns at Te HoroMore Things to Do Near the Kapiti Coast
That’s it for our guide to art galleries and museums on the Kapiti Coast; for more information about New Zealand’s cultural attractions, check out the following articles:
- 10 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington
- 10 Blockbuster Movies You Didn’t Know Were Made in Wellington
- 10 Things You Did Not Know About the Maori Culture
If you’re looking for more things to do, you’re likely to find them in Must-Dos on the Kapiti Coast.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
