Whanganui Regional Museum Summer Programme

Whanganui Regional Museum is set to present a trio of engaging events as part of the Whanganui Summer Programme 2026, offering the public rare behind-the-scenes access and a lively exploration of local summer history.

The Museum’s Summer Programme schedule features two exclusive Collection Store Tours, giving visitors the opportunity to step beyond the public galleries and explore how taonga and artefacts are stored and cared for, alongside a richly illustrated talk celebrating how Whanganui locals have enjoyed summer through the decades.

Behind the scenes: Collection Store Tours
Visitors can join Museum curators for guided tours of the Museum’s collection stores — spaces not normally open to the public — and discover remarkable objects that are not currently on display.

• Tour 1: Hosted by Pou Tiaki/Collections and Curatorial Lead, Trish Nugent-Lyne. 12.30pm, Wednesday 25 February.
• Tour 2: Hosted by Kaihāpai Taonga/Curator of Social and Natural History, Maeve Egan, and Kaihāpai Taonga Māori/Curator Taonga Māori, Eruera Rerekura.
  12.30pm, Friday 27 February.

Each tour is limited to 20 people.
Cost: $20 per person. 50% discount for Museum Friends.

Te Raumati ki Whanganui/Summertime in Whanganui
Kaihāpai Kōrero/Curator Images and Manuscripts, Sandi Black, will present an entertaining talk exploring how Whanganui people have celebrated summer over time. From river picnics and beach holidays to summer fashion and community festivals, the talk draws on photographs, objects, and stories from the Museum’s collections.

Cost: $10 per person. Free for Museum Friends.

Bookings
Places are limited and bookings are essential. Register with the Museum’s Visitor Services team: info@wrm.org.nz or 06 349 1110.

Whanganui Regional Museum is proud to present these events in partnership with the Whanganui Summer Programme Trust.

For more information about Whanganui Summer Programme 2026, visit Whanganui Summer Programme on Facebook or their website.

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