Art, Culture & History

Museums and History

This region has a rich and fascinating history, and there are many places where you can ‘step back in time’ and share in our stories.

Right here in Otaki, you’ll discover the historic and beautiful St Mary’s Pukekaraka Churches. St Mary’s Pukekaraka Church, built in 1851 and is the oldest Catholic Church still in use in New Zealand. Visitors are always welcome  www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=4701 

Also the Rangiatea Church which was built by the great Maori Chief Te Rauparaha and early European missionary Hadfield. The original church, which drew visitors from far and wide, burnt down in 1995 but an exact replica has recently been built. Inside the church are beautiful examples of traditional Maori carving and weaving.  rangiatea.natlib.govt.nz/

Other Attractions

• Murrayfield - Clydesdale horses and Pioneer Museum  www.murrayfield.co.nz/
• Southwards Car Museum - one of the largest privately-owned collections of veteran and vintage cars in the Southern Hemisphere  www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz/
• Excellent Gallery of Dolls and Trolley Bus Museum in Foxton  www.planmyplay.co.nz/play/foxton-foxton-gallery-of-dolls-trolley-bus-museum
• Kapiti Coast Museum Guide   www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Our-District/Our-Community/Museum/  include Museum of Aviation at Paraparaumu Airport
• Shannon Historic Railway Station  www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=4703Wellington Tramwat Museum Queen Elizibeth Park Paekakariki www.wellingtontrams.org.nz/
• The Kapiti Coast Museum in Waikanae  www.kapitimuseum.org.nz/
• Steam Incorprated in Paekakariki   www.steaminc.org.nz/
• Paekakariki Rail Museum  pspt.wellington.net.nz/
• MAV tech – an excellent museum of Audio Visual Arts in Foxton  www.foxton.org.nz/foxton-attractions-mavtech.html
• The De Molen Windwill in Foxton  www.horowhenua.govt.nz/Leisure/Activities--Attractions/Arts--Heritage/Foxton-De-Molen-Windmill/
• Loco – miniature railway, miniature villages and scenes plus gorgeous gardens right here in Otaki  www.loco.co.nz/

And so many more places to go and things to see – ask our team for their recommendations and driving directions.

Arts & Culture
The spirit of creativity and living culture is alive and well here, and there are numerous collective galleries, private art studios, design stores and traditional Maori arts centres that you can find on the  Kapiti Arts Trail. Pick up a copy of the  Kapiti Coast Arts Guide from our office, and spend a day exploring the visual and cultural treasures of this region.