Whakatane Museum

This museum displays the history and environment of the Eastern Bay of Plenty District. As the prime museum of the district, the museum aims to preserve historical objects made or used in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The Whakatane and District Historical Society launched a building appeal for the museum in 1956, and finally in April 1967, the foundation stone was laid by His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Bernard Fergusson.

The Museum hosts an important collection of taonga Maori from local tribes, tracing their descent from the Mataatua Waka. The museum is also trustee of the Kohika Collection. Displays also include items important for European and local natural history.