Last updated July 2026
The Petone Settlers Museum Te Whare Whakaaro tells the story of the first New Zealand Company settlers who arrived at Pito-one beach on 22 January 1840. Located in a heritage memorial building on The Esplanade in Petone, Lower Hutt, the museum explores the origins of European settlement in the Wellington region alongside local Māori history and the suburb’s later industrial development. Entry is free and the site sits on the foreshore where the settlers landed.
Practical Information
| Address | The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt |
| Hours | Wednesday–Sunday 10am–4pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) |
| Admission | Free |
| Getting There | Metlink Hutt Valley line train from Wellington Station to Petone Station (about 15 minutes); short walk to The Esplanade |
About the Museum
The museum occupies the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial, a heritage building constructed in 1939 and officially opened on 22 January 1940 to mark the centenary of the first European settler arrival. It also originally functioned as a bathing pavilion and became central to Petone’s beach life.
Exhibitions cover early Māori history in the Pito-one area, including leaders such as Honiana Te Puni-kokopu and Te Wharepouri, the circumstances of the 1840 landing by the ship Aurora, and the subsequent growth of Petone as an industrial centre with stories of factories, working communities and cultural change.
The museum collects and shares social history of the Wellington region, with an emphasis on both Māori and Pākehā settlement and the immigrant communities that shaped the suburb through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The Petone Esplanade
The museum stands on The Esplanade, the foreshore road along the northern shore of Wellington Harbour at Petone. The adjacent beach is a long stretch of grey shingle popular for walking, swimming and fishing. A short walk inland leads to Jackson Street, known for its independent cafés, shops and historic character.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the free entry and compact size, noting it offers a clear overview of local settlement history in a pleasant waterfront setting. Many enjoy combining a museum visit with a walk along the beach or a meal on Jackson Street.
Reviewers describe the exhibitions as informative and well-presented, highlighting the focus on both Māori and settler stories as well as Petone’s industrial past. The heritage building itself is frequently mentioned as an attraction.
Where to Learn More
Hutt City Council – Petone Settlers Museum: official pages with visiting details, exhibitions and history.
Hutt City Council – About the Museum: details on the memorial building and collection focus.
Heritage New Zealand – Petone Settlers Museum: heritage listing and historical context for the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Petone Settlers Museum free?
Yes, entry is free.
What are the opening hours?
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm. Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Where is the museum located?
On The Esplanade in Petone, Lower Hutt, on the foreshore of Wellington Harbour near the site of the 1840 settler landing.
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 it is roughly 15 minutes via SH2.
What does the museum cover?
Early Māori history at Pito-one, the 1840 British settler landing, Petone’s industrial development, and the communities that shaped the suburb.
What is the building?
The museum occupies the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial, a heritage building constructed in 1939 and opened in 1940 to mark the centenary of the first European landing at Petone. It originally also served as a bathing pavilion.
When did the first settlers arrive?
The ship Aurora arrived on 22 January 1840, marking the first New Zealand Company settler landing at Petone.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The site is on the foreshore with level access; visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact the museum in advance.
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