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Come Discover Waipu Museum

Experience living history at Waipu Museum

Waipu Museum tells a settlement story unique in New Zealand’s history and with its modern innovative approach it has won a reputation as one of New Zealand’s finest small museums.

Come and discover how one thousand Gaelic speaking emigrants from the western highlands of Scotland escaped the notorious Highland Clearances and eventually arrived in “the virtual paradise” of Waipu!

Inside Waipu Museum their extraordinary story is told through a variety of wonderful modern and interactive exhibits all magnificently supported by a unique collection of beautiful and intriguing artefacts. This superb exhibition has earned Waipu Museum its international reputation, a recent Unesco award, and a place in the finals of two national Museum awards. Link here

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Discover Waipu’s remarkable genealogical history

Discover how this beautiful region has become the “Heart Place” of thousands of Waipu’s ‘Scots Highland’ descendants. You may even have some historic links to the Waipu story so come in and explore genealogy at Waipu Museum but please remember – Make an appointment first!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT to enquire about your Genealogy

Discover Waipu‘s unique culture

Learn how the co-operative systems and unique culture of the Highland’s early settlers created the friendly and caring traditions that can still be discovered in Waipu to this day. All are part of the story told at Waipu Museum and the museum staff are here to greet you and help with information about the local district – come and experience Waipu’s warm, welcoming community atmosphere – get your first taste of this at Waipu Museum.

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Explore the beautiful historic district of Waipu

The once quiet village of Waipu has been the hub of a dynamic rural community for over 150 years. Cradled in the south west corner of beautiful Bream Bay, the Waipu district is rich in history, delightful coastal scenery and glorious beaches. These days Waipu is buzzing with visitors and boasting a lively mix of cafes, eateries and specialty shops. At the heart of all this is situated the famous Waipu Museum.

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Waipu events and exhibitions

Check our website regularly or like our Facebook page for up and coming events and/or exhibitions. Final year for “Waipu and The Great War.” Visit Waipu to experience the final year of the WW1 story boards detailing Waipu’s involvement with WW1. These can be seen in historically relevant places around the village and its environs. Created by the Museum you can obtain a free map showing their whereabouts.

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