The Paekakariki Station Museum was advertised as being opened on Saturdays and Sundays. Unfortunately, it was closed on the Saturday when we visited. It appears to be closed as it's still undergoing earthquake strengthening. However, the 1915 South End Signal Box was open. Though the Signal Box is now a gallery.nnThe Paekakariki Station had two signal boxes - one at the south end and one at the north end. The signal box system was discontinued in 1985 which was replaced by a remote control system. Fortunately, the signal box was restored by the community and is now registered a Category I by New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
This was so much bigger and better than I was expecting. There is a railway part to it but there is also a section on the US marines, Captain Anderson the founder of Forest and Bird and a section on the Maori history of the area. It is well laid out and presented, not crammed full of stuff like so many small-town museums. Right next door is a second-hand and new? bookshop with a really good selection. It keeps more or less the same hours as the museum. Cash only.
What a treasure this place is to visit. Lots to see and learn about Paekakariki and the Kapiti Coast.
Good
Loved the old book shop and small museum. We came away with a couple of great books. A great place for a browse through the great collections.
