Christchurch Museums

(Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ)

The plentiful museums of Christchurch provide an additional draw for tourists looking to find out more about the city. Founded in 1870, the Canterbury Museum is the city's premier cultural attraction and is housed in a historic building, with neo-Gothic architecture and many original period features.

Further museums in Christchurch concentrate on subject matters such as archaeology, aviation, natural history, science and transport. The Maori and Colonial Museum is a great place to come if you fancy learning about indigenous cultures and civilisations, and is located in Okains Bay, on the Banks Peninsula. In particular, look out for the 'totara' slab cottage and the Maori meeting house (wharenui).

Canterbury Museum

Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 366 5000
Featuring a number of buildings, vast exhibition spaces and many interactive displays, specific attractions the Canterbury Museum include fossils and geology displays, Maori treasures and various artefacts, as well as the 'Exploration of Antarctica' exhibits, where detailed displays document the many expeditions to the Antarctic that have started on New Zealand's South Island. The museum is easy to find and is situated in the city centre, at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

Air Force World Museum

Address: 45 Harvard Avenue, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 343 9532
The Air Force World Museum is home to an impressive collection of aircraft which have been used by the New Zealand Air Force. Highlights include fighter jets, bomber planes and archive footage of some of the actual planes in action. The exhibits can be found at the former Wigram air base, to the south of the city and just off the Main South Road, between Warren Park and the Riccarton Racecourse.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Maori and Colonial Museum

Address: Main Road, Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 304 8611
The Maori and Colonial Museum is home to many impressive Maori artefacts and items of historical importance, expect to find exhibits showcasing the best of New Zealand's rich colonial past. In total, there are more than 20,000 objects within this collection, meaning that there is plenty to see and enjoy.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Akaroa Museum

Address: Rue Lavaud, Akaroa, Canterbury, South Island, 8161, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 304 7614
Akaroa Museum is situated in the nearby village of Akaroa, next to French Bay and approximately 80 km / 50 miles to the south-east, and is within easy driving distance. Featuring a wealth of historic items and local artefacts, highlights at the Akaroa include a natural history section, important collections, displays about whaling in New Zealand and a large gallery of old photographs.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Rutherford's Den Museum

Address: Arts Centre, 1 Hereford Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 363 2836
Rutherford's Den Museum, in the heart of the city centre, celebrates the life of world-famous New Zealand scientist Ernest Rutherford. Containing many of his most precious items and historic documents, Rutherford's Den features a host of interesting displays and scientific exhibits relating to his work. Close by, you may also like to visit the Botanic Gardens in North Hagley Park, or Christ's College off Rolleston Avenue.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science

Address: School Road, Yaldhurst, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8004, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 342 7914
Situated on the western side of the city, the Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science is full of many historic vehicles, including a large number of vintage cars, motorcycles and farming equipment. Other attractions include a penny arcade, a café area and a well-stocked gift shop.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children