Last updated July 2026
Pātaka Art + Museum is a public gallery and museum in Porirua, about 20 kilometres north of Wellington city. Run by Porirua City Council, it presents contemporary art alongside taonga Māori and Pacific collections in a purpose-built facility in the Porirua city centre. Entry is free and the galleries are open seven days a week. The complex also includes a library, café and community spaces.
Practical Information
| Address | Cnr Parumoana & Norrie Streets, Porirua 5022 |
| Hours | 10am–5pm, 7 days a week |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Free parking available for up to three hours; accessible spaces and nearby kerbside options |
| Phone | +64 4 237 1511 |
| Getting There | Metlink Kāpiti line from Wellington Station to Porirua Station (approx. 20 min), short walk to gallery; by car about 15–25 minutes via SH1 |
About Pātaka
Pātaka — the name refers to a raised storehouse used to protect valued taonga — opened in 1998 as Porirua’s dedicated cultural facility. The gallery presents a mix of contemporary New Zealand art alongside Māori and Pacific taonga, reflecting the diversity of Porirua’s community. The programme includes major touring exhibitions, locally focused shows, and community-led projects.
Porirua has one of New Zealand’s largest Māori and Pacific populations, and Pātaka’s programming reflects this — the collection and exhibitions regularly engage with whakapapa, cultural identity, and the connections between tangata whenua and the wider Pacific. The building itself incorporates architectural references to Māori design and forms part of a larger civic complex that includes the Porirua City Centre Library.
Four accessible exhibition galleries host in-house, national and international touring shows. Additional spaces include the commercial Toi Gallery, the community-focused Bottle Creek Gallery, a retail store and Café Kaizen. A permanent children’s interactive gallery explores the harbour, Te Awarua-o-Porirua.
Getting There from Wellington
Porirua is well connected to Wellington by rail. The Metlink Kāpiti line runs frequently from Wellington Station to Porirua Station — the journey takes about 20 minutes, and the gallery is a short walk from the station. By car, Porirua is approximately 15–25 minutes from central Wellington via SH1.
Accessibility and Facilities
The galleries and bathrooms are wheelchair friendly, with two wheelchairs available on request. Baby change facilities are provided and free PoriruaFree WiFi is available throughout the building. The site is suitable for families and school groups, with education programmes offered year-round.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the free entry and the strong focus on Māori and Pacific art and culture. Many note the welcoming atmosphere, interesting temporary exhibitions and the convenience of combining a visit with the on-site café or library.
Reviewers often highlight the accessibility of the venue and the quality of the contemporary exhibitions. Families mention the interactive children’s space and the ease of reaching the gallery by train from Wellington.
Where to Learn More
Pātaka Art + Museum official site: current exhibitions, events, opening hours and visitor information.
Porirua City Council – Pātaka page: council overview of the gallery’s role in Porirua’s cultural life.
WellingtonNZ – Pātaka page: visitor information on Pātaka as part of the wider Wellington region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pātaka free to visit?
Yes — all exhibitions are free to enter.
What are the opening hours?
10am–5pm, seven days a week.
Where is Pātaka located?
Corner of Parumoana and Norrie Streets in central Porirua, close to Porirua Station.
How do I get to Pātaka from Wellington?
Take the Metlink Kāpiti line from Wellington Station to Porirua Station — about 20 minutes. The gallery is a short walk from the station. By car, allow around 15–25 minutes via SH1.
What kind of exhibitions does Pātaka show?
Contemporary New Zealand art, Māori taonga, and Pacific collections. The programme reflects the cultural diversity of Porirua and the wider region.
Is Pātaka suitable for families?
Yes — the gallery is free, accessible, and runs community and education programmes throughout the year, including a children’s interactive space.
Is parking available?
Yes — free parking for up to three hours is provided, with accessible spaces and additional kerbside options nearby.
Are there other facilities on site?
Yes — the complex includes Café Kaizen, a retail store, the Porirua City Centre Library and additional community spaces.
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