The West Coast of New Zealand boasts several museums showcasing the region's rich history and culture. Notable museums include the Coaltown Museum in Westport, which delves into the Buller coalfields' stories through artifacts and exhibits. In Hokitika, the Hokitika Museum focuses on the region's history, including gold mining and pounamu, while the Westland Industrial Heritage Park displays machinery and vehicles that shaped the West Coast. Shantytown in Paroa offers a recreated gold-rush town experience, shedding light on the area's gold mining history. The Murchison Museum in Murchison highlights the region's gold and coal mining past.
It offers an in-depth exploration of the country's military aviation history through immersive exhibitions, guided tours, and a Mosquito Mission flight simulator for visitors to experience.