The Museum

The history

Being the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, Bluff has a lot of history to offer. The museum also exhibits artwork showing scenes of Bluff’s early days, when it was commonly known as Campbelltown. Early maps illustrate that Bluff was always going to be an ideal place to become a port to shelter ships and boats from the elements of Foveaux Strait.

Exhibits include whaling, oystering, shipwrecks and a triple expansion working steam engine from the TSS Awarua tug. Pride of place is the oyster boat Monica, situated beside the museum with a replica seabed and oyster dredges.

The collection

This unique collection documents the maritime history of the Bluff and Foveaux Strait areas. Displays include whaling, shipwrecks, diving, HMNZS Southland, Stewart Island ferries, the construction of the Island Harbour, plus much, much more…

The Monica

The museum’s biggest attraction is the oystering boat the Monica. Here you are able to take command of the wheel in the wheelhouse, go down below and sit at the galley table. Inspect the engine room and enjoy the atmosphere of the only example of a genuine oyster boat on display in New Zealand. Board the vessel and explore all its nooks and crannies and imagine what it was like out in Foveaux Strait dredging Bluff’s delicacy.

Bofor Gun

Sit on and move the Bofor Gun to line up your target.

Off the H.M.N.Z.S. Southland high angle quick firing anti-aircraft gun, widely used for air defence during World War 2.

Research

The museum has both inward and outward and passenger lists. What documents the museum houses are available for public perusal and photocopying.