"Stranded" commemorates the plight of a gang of sealers who landed on the Open Bay Islands, near Haast, 200 years ago.
The men endured four years of hardship and hunger before they were rescued.
The exhibition is based on a sea shanty and text from newspapers, seal skulls and drawings which recall the sailors' ordeal.
"Stranded" is on at Heartland World Heritage Hotel, Haast Junction, until January 16.