Let Curiosity BeYour Guide
Discover the people, places and events that shaped the Marlborough region.
What's On & Latest
Welcome to Marlborough Provincial Museum, where the region's stories come to life. From the stony shores of Te Pokohiwi o Kupe / Wairau Bar, one of New Zealand's earliest known settlements, to the world-famous wine country, the Marlborough Sounds, and the vibrant communities that make this corner of the South Island so special, our museum celebrates the people, industries and events that shaped Marlborough. Whether you're tracing family history, exploring local heritage, or planning a visit, we invite you to discover the remarkable story of this region.
Explore Our History
Aquaculture
The Marlborough Sounds are the heart of New Zealand's aquaculture industry, dating back to the 1960s.
View Aquaculture ExhibitArts & Culture
From early Māori art to contemporary expressions, Marlborough nurtures a rich local creative scene.
View Arts and Culture ExhibitBrayshaw Park
Brayshaw Heritage Park is home to the museum and many preservation clubs, societies, and guilds.
View Brayshaw Park ExhibitColonial Era
Explore Marlborough's colonial past, detailing the Wairau settlement and growth of Blenheim.
View Colonial Era ExhibitMarlborough at War
Learn how local conflicts, the New Zealand Wars, and global campaigns shaped local history.
View Marlborough at War ExhibitPeople
Early Māori rangatira and pioneering locals built this region. Read their personal histories.
View Historical People BiographiesPrint & Media
Trace the journey of local communication, showing how early media shaped the province.
View Print and Media ExhibitRail & Maritime
The Blenheim to Picton rail line and South-North Island ferry links created essential transport hubs.
View Rail and Maritime ExhibitSport & Recreation
Marlborough's sporting heritage includes early rugby matches and historic Pelorus Sound regattas.
View Sport and Recreation ExhibitTe Pokohiwi | Wairau Bar
Journey back 800 years to Te Pokohiwi o Kupe, one of New Zealand's earliest known settlements.
View Te Pokohiwi and Wairau Bar ExhibitTechnology
Early motor vehicles and industrial mechanisation made the growth of local industry possible.
View Technology and Industry ExhibitThe Pastoral Boom
Witness the evolution of Marlborough's farming, from manual toil to the age of steam.
View Pastoral Boom and Farming ExhibitThe Viticulture Era
Pioneering 1973 vines established Marlborough globally. Explore our journey to top wine region.
View Viticulture and Wine Industry ExhibitWakamarina Gold
In April 1864, a major gold find in the Wakamarina valley drew thousands to seek their fortunes.
View Wakamarina Gold Rush HistoryMarlborough at War
Historical Military Records
Visit our 'Marlborough at War' pages to read original soldier diaries, historic issue manuals, and archival papers preserved by the Marlborough Historical Society. Come in or reach out to our team to start your research.
Visit the Virtual Archive & Exhibits
This link connects to Marlborough Provincial Museum's original online archive, holding assets from past displays. We intend to transfer and build this legacy database into our primary platform later.
Visit the Virtual Exhibits Site
Explore More at Marlborough Provincial Museum
Discover the stories, people and places that make Marlborough unique. Browse our collections, plan your visit or support our work. Let curiosity be your guide as you explore our collections, plan your visit or support our work.
Our Story
Learn about the Marlborough Historical Society, the museum's founding and our mission to preserve and share the stories of the Marlborough region.
Learn More about the history of the Marlborough Historical SocietyPlan Your Visit
Find everything you need to plan your trip, including opening hours, location, accessibility, group bookings and more at Brayshaw Heritage Park.
Visit UsResearch & Archives
Access our extensive archives, historical records, photographs and family history resources. Perfect for researchers, genealogists and curious minds.
Explore CollectionsSupport & Get Involved
Become a member, make a donation or volunteer with us. Help us preserve Marlborough's heritage for future generations.
Support Us