Last updated July 2026
At Te Hīkoi Museum, visitors explore the heritage of Riverton (Aparima) through life-like displays and stories of Māori and European settlement on New Zealand’s South Coast. The museum sits on the Southern Scenic Route, a short drive from Invercargill, and combines exhibits on local history with an information centre and shop. An introductory film and interactive elements introduce the region’s past, including whaling, farming, mining and geology. Most visitors spend around 45 minutes inside, though some stay longer to browse the collections and plan further travels.
Practical Information
| Address | 172 Palmerston Street, Riverton / Aparima |
| Opening Hours | 10am–4pm (after Easter to before Labour weekend); 10am–5pm (Labour weekend to Easter weekend). Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. |
| Admission | Adults $10 (includes all exhibitions and introductory movie); children 14 and under free; movie only $5. Group and school rates available. Southland District ratepayers and library card holders receive free entry with a paying visitor. |
| Accessibility | Level access, ramp, accessible toilet, on-site wheelchair available, audio guides in multiple languages, service dogs welcome. |
| Facilities | Shop with local gifts and books, information centre, research services by appointment, movie theatre for hire. |
| Contact | Check tehikoi.co.nz for current details and bookings. |
About Te Hīkoi Museum
Te Hīkoi Museum presents the social history of Riverton and the surrounding Southland region through authentic displays and storytelling. Exhibits cover Māori traditions such as tool-making and harvesting, early European settler life, whaling, logging, farming and Chinese mining history, along with regional military stories including ANZAC and Passchendaele.
The experience begins with a 15-minute introductory film on Māori lore and the integration of Māori and European settlers. Life-like recreations and a dedicated geology room with microscopes and resources allow visitors to engage directly with the material. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, adding variety to repeat visits.
Located in the heart of Riverton on the Southern Scenic Route, the museum also functions as a local information centre, helping travellers plan stops along the coast and in Southland. The on-site shop offers souvenirs, heritage books and children’s titles, many available only from the museum.
Exhibits and Displays
Key collections include Māori taonga and traditions, whaling tools and stories, colonial settlement objects, and displays on local industries. The Discovery Depot focuses on Southland geology with hands-on microscope access and resource materials. Audio-visual elements and touchable interactive displays enhance the visit for a wide range of ages and interests.
Guided tours can be booked in advance, and self-guided audio tours are available in English, Te Reo Māori and several other languages. Research services and a reference library support deeper inquiries by appointment.
Accessibility and Facilities
The museum provides level access throughout public spaces, an accessible car park, ramped entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. An on-site wheelchair is available on request, and service dogs are welcome. Audio guides support visitors with different language needs, while interactive and sensory elements cater to families and school groups.
Additional facilities include a baby change table, comfortable seating areas and a bike stand outside. The museum continues to improve accessibility features such as alt text, dyslexia-friendly fonts and potential audio descriptive guides as resources allow.
Nearby Attractions and Walks
Riverton offers several short walks that complement a museum visit. The Mores Coastal Loop Track starts nearby and features coastal views, beach sections and forest paths, including the Balancing Rock formation. Howells Point Walk provides panoramic coastal and hill views in about 35 minutes. Te Wai Koraki Wetland Reserve, a short distance away, offers opportunities to observe local birdlife in a protected setting.
These outdoor options sit along the Southern Scenic Route and allow visitors to combine cultural exploration with light nature walks in the Southland landscape.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently describe the museum as surprisingly comprehensive for its size, praising the life-like displays and introductory film for bringing local history to life in an engaging way.
Many appreciate the welcoming staff, clear information and the combination of museum exhibits with the on-site shop and visitor information services, noting it as a worthwhile stop when travelling the South Coast.
Where to Learn More
Te Hīkoi official website: Current opening hours, prices, accessibility details and online collection access.
NewZealand.com listing: Official tourism overview with location and visitor information for Te Hīkoi Museum.
Invercargill City Council: Regional context and Southland attractions near Riverton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a café at Te Hīkoi Museum?
No café operates on site. Visitors can find eateries in central Riverton before or after their visit.
Can I take photographs inside the museum?
Photography is permitted; visitors are asked to be respectful of exhibits and other guests.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted inside except for certified service dogs. A dog drinking bowl is provided outside.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for guided tours and group visits. General entry does not require a booking.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, children 14 and under enter free, and interactive displays plus the geology room appeal to younger visitors.
Are audio guides available?
Audio guides are offered in English, Te Reo Māori and several other languages including Mandarin, Japanese and German.
Can I access research materials?
Research services and the reference library are available by appointment or email; contact the museum to arrange access.
Is there parking?
Accessible parking is available at the rear of the building, with additional street parking nearby.
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