Pounamu Pathway - Māwhera

An excellent and thoughtfully curated exhibition that delves into the rich history of Māori culture in the South Island. It explores the tensions and alliances between eastern and western iwi (tribes), the arrival of Pākehā (Europeans), and the ensuing conflicts over land, natural resources, and trade- including pounamu (greenstone), coal, and gold. At the heart of the exhibition of course, is the story of pounamu- its discovery, cultural significance, uses, and why it has been so highly treasured by Māori for generations. It’s a truly fascinating insight for anyone interested in Māori history and taonga (treasures). The exhibition is designed by the renowned Wētā Workshop- famous for their work on films like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Their signature touch is unmistakable, especially in the stunning giant Māori warrior installation, reminiscent of the powerful figures in Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition in Wellington. While this exhibition isn’t quite as interactive as Gallipoli, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s more text-heavy, so the kiddies might find it a bit overwhelming, but the storytelling and visuals are engaging and beautifully presented. The building itself is a stunning new addition to Greymouth- modern, welcoming, and architecturally impressive. Owned and funded by the local Māori iwi, you can really feel the pride, passion, and care that’s gone into bringing this project to life while ensuring elements of Maori influences are evident. The young woman at reception was lovely and spoke so enthusiastically about the exhibit and its development. There’s convenient parking on the side with a wide driveway, and at the exit of the exhibit you’ll find a well-stocked gift shop and clean, thoughtfully designed toilets. I’ve seen beautiful pounamu jewelry featured in many parts of New Zealand but I was secretly hoping there might be a pounamu workshop here where visitors could watch an artisan at work- but alas, not this time. Sincerely wishing this place all the success!

This was an enjoyable visit, which lasted around an hour. It was self directed, which meant there was no time pressure to get around the exhibits. The set up was lovely, and the lighting and layout was great. There is a lot of reading (if you are interested in the details of what you are looking at) with text in both English and Te Reo Māori. It could have been made easier if the language texts were in different colours, to immediately focus the reader on the content they preferred. You will love this if you are curious and have an interest in history and the local area you are in.

This museum experience has had wonderful input from Weta Workshop with a larger than life Maori leader, and surround lighting, sound, and story telling. Also great timeline explainers of the 250 year history on the site of what is now Greymouth. A great way to add to our knowledge of what happened over Aotearoa NZ history and pathway to where we are now.

Great cultural experience and museum like story telling. Felt like exactly the activity and cultural experience that was otherwise lacking on the west coast. Excellent activity if it's a bit wet outside. Exceptional story telling of the Pounamu Greenstone histories, especially relevant on the west coast where it originates. Facilities were great, the audio and visual storytelling was very well done. Great bathrooms too and nice gift shop. Can't wait for the other 3 centres to open and hopefully will be back to see them.

What an amazing experience. It was such a treasure to learn the stories of something we here in New Zealand hold so close to our hearts. This is a must stop location when passing through greymouth. I look forward to seeing the one they have further up the coast

Amazingly set up. Great effects. Great storytelling. Helpful staff with great knowledge.

Absolutely loved it, the ladies were lovely at reception. One took me through as I was the only person there. So friendly awesome experience loved it! Beautiful exhibitions really cool to learn more about our history and ancestors!

Its history told by the victor (of course) and its really interesting, sad and amazing. Definitely worth a visit, though I have suggestions for future extensions (of course I do). Displays are top-notch!