The Museum Experience

The museum is intended as a quiet contemplative space.

There are benches in each room for guests to sit and absorb the art.

We are a low-tech zone - we invite you to bring a journal - write, draw, take notes. There is also a small reference library if you wish to explore artists further.

There is an option for guests to take your shoes and coats off, wear the provided slippers and take your time.

Pricing

Adults - $20

Kids under 18 are free*

* kids under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Golden Bay Locals Seasons Pass - $20

Thank you - your support allows us stay open and support local initiatives.

Accessibility

We have an accessibility carpark and ramp.

The ground floor of the building and the sculpture garden are accessible and have bathroom facilities.

What to Expect

Mohua / Golden Bay

Mohua, Golden Bay is an extraordinarily beautiful region on the western side of Te Tauihu - the Top of the South, in Aotearoa, New Zealand. There is only one road to the region and back out again, via the marble mountain of Tākaka Hill.

Aorere Museum of Art is situated in a one-street historic gold town, nestled in view of the Kahurangi National Park and on the way to the spectacular wilds of Wharariki beach and Farewell Spit.

Collingwood is a day trip from Nelson, or a half hour trip from Tākaka or Pōhara.

It is a journey to get to us - a worthy one.

Image Credits - Above: Craig Potton’s ‘Tākaka Hill Diptych’ 2022; below : Aorere River Sunset, 2026; Wharariki Sunset, 2026

Journey to great art

  • At least an hour, though you could spend up to three or four hours.

    With the reference library and child and adult-friendly creative space, time is as quick or as slow as you make it.

  • You can! We have boutique accommodation adjacent to the museum.

  • Unfortunately no. Kids under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult while they at the museum.

  • The museum is open for the public, but it is not publicly funded. In order for us to stay open we do need to try and cover some of our costs.

    Our endeavor is to support creativity and arts education in our region and your ticket helps us to stay open and achieve this mission.

  • The land rests and so must we.

  • Visit the Aorere Museum of Art!

    Another great alternative is Tākaka’s Village Theatre for both blockbuster and arthouse films.

    And of course the wonderful artisans/galleries of this region. To name a few - Estuary Arts; Living Arts Gallery; The Vault; Paper Scissors Rock; Monza Gallery.

  • Explore the many paths of Milnthorpe; eat something delicious at the Courthouse Cafe; check out the Aorere Centre; grab a drink at Tinky’s!

    If you are willing to head further afield, exploring Wharariki Beach is a must. We also highly recommend Farewell Spit Tours.

FAQ / Support