The Petone Settlers Museum Te Whare Whakaaro tells the story of the first British immigrants to land at Pito-one — the beach now known as Petone — in January 1840. Located in a significant memorial building on The Esplanade, the museum commemorates the origins of European settlement in the Wellington region and traces the development of the Petone community from that landing through the industrial era to the present. Entry is free.
Practical Information
| Address | The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt |
|---|---|
| Hours | Wednesday–Sunday 10am–4pm; closed Monday and Tuesday |
| Admission | Free |
| Getting There | Metlink Hutt Valley line from Wellington Station to Petone Station (approx. 15 min); The Esplanade is a short walk from the station |
About the Museum
The museum occupies the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial — a heritage building erected to mark the centenary of the first European landing at Pito-one in 1840. This landing is regarded as the founding moment of European Wellington, and the site on The Esplanade near where the settlers first came ashore carries particular historical weight.
The museum’s exhibitions cover early Māori history in the Pito-one area, the circumstances of the 1840 landing, the growth of Petone as an industrial town, and the waves of immigration that shaped the suburb over the following 150 years. Petone became a major manufacturing centre by the late nineteenth century, and the museum traces the working-class and immigrant communities that built it.
The Petone Esplanade
The museum sits on The Esplanade — the foreshore road running along the northern shore of Wellington Harbour at Petone. The beach is a long stretch of grey shingle popular for swimming, walking, and fishing. The area also has a thriving strip of independent cafés and shops along Jackson Street, a short walk inland from the museum.
Where to Learn More
Hutt City Council — Petone Settlers Museum — council overview and visiting details.
Petone Settlers Museum — Wikipedia — history of the museum and the 1840 landing.
FAQ
Is the Petone Settlers Museum free?
Yes — entry is free.
What are the opening hours?
Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Where is the museum located?
On The Esplanade in Petone, Lower Hutt — the foreshore road along the northern shore of Wellington Harbour, near where the 1840 settler landing took place.
How do I get there from Wellington?
Take the Metlink Hutt Valley train from Wellington Station to Petone Station — about 15 minutes. The Esplanade is a short walk from the station. By car, Petone is approximately 15 minutes from central Wellington via SH2.
What does the museum cover?
Māori history at Pito-one, the 1840 British settler landing, Petone’s industrial development, and the immigrant communities that shaped the suburb across the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
What is the building?
The museum occupies the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial, a heritage building constructed in 1940 to mark the centenary of the first European landing at Petone.
Also in the Lower Hutt area: The Dowse Art Museum in central Lower Hutt is a free contemporary art gallery open Tuesday to Sunday. For Wellington city’s historical attractions, see Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington.
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