Mataura and district historical society — Attraction in Southland

This is a gem of a little museum that punches way above its weight. It even has an award that recognizes its excellence. It documents the history of the small town The story of the waxing and waning fortunes of the community of Mataura is cleverly built up using, artefacts, photographs (some especially commissioned), letters, recordings and videos of the work and leisure of individuals, great and small, who made up the township. It all works really well to build a picture of the history of those here but looks forward also to question what direction(s?) the current inhabitants might walk into the future. Make it a date to visit on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and you won’t be...

Researching local early settlers. Mairi was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Turned their archive store upside-down to find what we were looking...

Very calm place to visit. People are friendly here and also very helpful. They treat you like their own family. Love visiting this part...