The Nelson Provincial Museum, Pupuri Taonga o Te Taiao, stands on the corner of Trafalgar Street and Hardy Street in Nelson. Its permanent gallery explores the heritage and natural history of the Nelson Tasman region, with regional history downstairs and changing exhibitions upstairs.
The museum is relocating its collections and research services from the Isel Park facility to a purpose-built storage and research centre in Richmond. The website says some services are paused for about 12 months during the move, and that access to taonga and loans remains available, though some items may not be immediately accessible. Admission to the regional gallery is free for Nelson Tasman ratepayers and residents, and fees may apply to some touring exhibitions. Current programmes include Unravelling the Saree, an exhibition on the history and artistry of the saree, a youth exhibition called Rangatahi, and Motor Magic with Mr Science, a hands-on workshop for children. Our pick in Nelson for a family visit.