Pataka Art + Museum is the cultural anchor of central Porirua and one of the best small public galleries in the country. It focuses on contemporary Maori, Pacific and Asian art, and rotates through changing exhibitions plus a permanent collection that includes major Maori carving and Pacific tapa work. Admission is free.
The gallery has six exhibition spaces over two floors and is laid out so a visit takes between an hour and a half-day depending on what is on. The shop has the best selection of Maori and Pacific design objects in the Wellington region. The on-site cafe, in a courtyard with a working community garden, is a perfectly good lunch stop. Open daily except Christmas Day; check the current programme online before you go.