Pātaka Art + Museum

Galleries and museum key icon.
Galleries and museum key icon.

Monday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Sunday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

17 Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre

04 237 1511

Pātaka Art + Museum is a true gem in the crown that is the valuable resource of Porirua art and history. Open since 1998, the museum and gallery is home to plenty of curious intricacies, cabinets of fine and fancy jewellery, walls of prints, fabric works, photographs and paintings, not to mention impressive Māori and Pacific history. Make your way around the Whiti Te Rā! exhibition to learn about the local iwi, Ngāti Toa Rangatira—from their economic rise in the early 19th century, bitter conflicts with the colonial government a couple of decades later, through the two world wars and their Treaty settlement—in carvings, stories and interactive kiosks.

Four different gallery spaces mean there’s always plenty of variety when it comes to what’s on, and the cool, clean, quiet space allows plenty of time to peruse the treasures at your own pace. From drawers full of pounamu pendants to local photographers showing off their best work, Pātaka is all about the best of the best when it comes to artistic ability. A happy place for small people too, Pātaka has an impressive interactive kids' zone displaying facts about Porirua Harbour and all the wildlife that calls it home. Get cosy on the cushions and watch as the puzzles and games keep curious minds entertained.

Want a little Pātaka to take home with you? The gallery shop has plenty of gifts, books, jewellery, ceramics and prints for the art-loving friend or family member in your life.

Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

17 Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre

Nearby Places

Panikeke

The colourful interior of Panikeke in Porirua.
Place Porirua
Fashion key icon.

Bringing a vibrant splash of Pacific colour to Porirua, Panikeke is a lively little gift shop that aims to highlight and celebrate the local Pasifika community.

Louis by Louis Sergeant

Exterior of the Louis by Louis Sergeant food truck in Porirua.
Place Porirua
Cafes key icon.

A household name in Wellington for as long as anyone can remember, the Louis Sergeant brand continues to make its presence felt across the region.

Blue Bell Club

Pasifika artwork and items on shelves at Blue Bell Club, Porirua.
Place Porirua
Fashion key icon.

Venture out to Porirua’s harbourside and it won’t be long before you’re drawn in by the colours of the Blue Bell Club, a vibrant splash of Pasifika right on the water’s edge.

The Karaage Kid

The side of The Karaage Kid shipping container.
Place Porirua
Restaurants key icon.

A plucky little outfit that packs plenty of punch, The Karaage Kid - brought to you by the team behind Dirty Burger - is out to serve a hearty dose of Asian fusion goodness...

Similar Places

Tunapo Escape

The Tunapo Escape accommodation on a sunny day.
Place Porirua
Accommodation key icon.

Located just 35 minutes from central Wellington, atop the picturesque Paekākāriki Hill, Tunapo Escape is a tiny house getaway that provides an escape in every sense of the word.

Rangituhi Colonial Knob

The view from the top of Rangituhi.
Place Porirua
Stay and explore key icon.

If you feel like working up a sweat, and gyms have never been your thing, then set your sights on a big old stroll up Rangituhi.

Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve

Wild grass.
Place Porirua
Stay and explore key icon.

Originally developed as a sanctuary for birds and other creatures populating the area, the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve doubles as a quiet retreat for humans as well.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

Red sheds and rolling hills.
Place Porirua
Stay and explore key icon.

About 500 hectares make up the rolling hills of the Forest Park and a range of walking tracks take you through fields and along stream beds.