Bluff Maritime Museum

Bluff Maritime Museum

The Bluff Maritime Museum is located in New Zealand's southernmost port of Bluff. The museum is situated on Foreshore Road and contains an extensive collection of Bluff's maritime heritage.

History of the museum

Being near the ancient Māori settlement of Omaui and as the oldest European settled community in New Zealand, Bluff's history illustrates the blending of two cultures and the shared community spirit, with the sea remaining as the central focus for many locals.

The museum contains a wide variety of maritime displays, artefacts, miniature models, boats, photographs and a working triple expansion engine. The biggest attraction is the full-sized oystering boat, the Monica, kindly donated by the Jones family. Visitors can climb aboard and explore the entire ship.The museum also exhibits artwork showing scenes of Bluffs early days,when it was officially known as Campbelltown.

References

• Hall-Jones, J. 1976. Bluff Harbour. Southland Harbour Board

External links

• Bluff Maritime Museum from Bluff promotions
• Museum website archive
• Bluff History Group
• Listing from Museums Aotearoa