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Story: Wellington region

Settlers’ Museum

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Settlers’ Museum

The Petone Settlers’ Museum is sited close to where New Zealand’s first organised immigrants came ashore on 22 January 1840. Built to celebrate the centenary of the landing, the structure was originally a memorial and bathing pavilion. A replica of the prow of the Aurora (the first immigrant ship) punctures the main façade.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page

Chris Maclean, Wellington region – European arrival, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13231/settlers-museum (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Chris Maclean, published 3 March 2009, updated 1 August 2015.