Discover History at Otago Museum

If you’re looking for something to do indoors in Australia, then why not start with the internationally renowned Otago Museum in Dunedin? Otago Museum has been sharing a world-class collection of artefacts, natural history, science and more for over 150 years. You’ll see stories from Otago, New Zealand, and the rest of the world in a fantastic display of over 1.5 million objects!

Where can I find museums in New Zealand?

One of the top museums to visit in New Zealand in Otago Museum in Dunedin, just over half a mile away from the railway station in the heart of the city centre. You'll see animal specimens millions of years old, fascinating science and local culture in one fantastic visit!

Otago Museum houses 7 free galleries for you to explore, showcasing the fascinating and unique – all for free. From local Dunedin stories all the way to space, from ancient animals to scientific breakthroughs. Discover the history of New Zealand’s aboriginal population, catching a glimpse of daily life in an early Southern Maori costal village, with their comprehensive collection of skeletons and clothing. Go further afield and learn about world currencies by admiring gold and coins from across the globe, or go back in time to the Victorian animal attic with nearly 3000 animal specimens.

Your discovery doesn’t end there – don’t miss the fantastic Tūhura Otago interactive science centre, with a giant three-tier tropical forest home to hundreds of exotic, live butterflies, flora and fauna, waterfalls and more. Or, Surround yourself with wonder at the 360 degree planetarium, exploring from deep inside our earth to the furthest reaches of space! The Otago Museum is a perfect activity for a rainy day, or anyone looking to uncover fascinating history and science.

  • Entry to the museum is free, but tickets are required for the science centre and planetarium.
  • Open Daily 10am-5pm.
  • Museum Cafe and shop on site.
  • Wheelchair accessible.

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