Heritage in Western Southland

Western Southland’s townships were built on the pioneering industries of whaling and sealing, sawmilling, gold mining and coal mining. In fact, Riverton (Aparima) was one of the earliest European settlements in New Zealand and a site of many cross-cultural encounters. Two heritage trails and a range of museums, including Tuatapere’s Bushman’s Museum and the Te Hikoi Southern Journey Heritage Museum, provide engaging insights into the unique and dramatic history of Māori and European settlement in the area.