About Us

What is the Wellington Shell Club? 

The Wellington Shell Club is a long-running community and hobbyist group dedicated to the study, collecting, and appreciation of shells and molluscs (conchology and malacology). Established in 1955, it is the second-oldest shell club in the country (just behind the Auckland Shell Club, which started in 1940). The club brings together a wide mix of people, from casual beachcombers and raw beginners to highly experienced amateur collectors and scientific experts.

What the Club Does

• Monthly Meetings: Members gather once a month (except in December). Because the club is small and community-focused, these meetings are usually hosted at members' private home across the greater Wellington region. Meetings generally feature a theme—like focusing on a specific shell family or a particular coastal location—and often include presentations by members or guest scientists.

• Museum Ties: The club has a historical partnership with Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand) dating back to the 1950s. The club occasionally hold meetings at Te Papa’s research facilities on Tory Street, giving members a unique opportunity to view the national shell collection and consult directly with museum experts.

• Field Trips: The club organises field trips around the Wellington coastline and occasionally further afield in New Zealand to look for marine and terrestrial (land) shells.

• Publications: The club publishes a monthly newsletter for members, as well as an annual scientific and general-interest journal called Cookia (named after the distinct New Zealand turban shell, Cookia sulcata), which has been running since 1976.

Scientific Focus

While it welcomes hobbyists, the club puts a strong emphasis on the scientific value of shell collecting. Th club actively seek outs and preserves collections that have strict "scientific data" attached to them—meaning the exact date and location where the shell was found.

Membership Costs

Membership is quite affordable (typically $20 a year for an individual or $25 a year for a family or individuals at the same address). The club welcomes anyone who loves exploring New Zealand's diverse coastline and unique native marine life.

(page last updated June 2026)