Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  Canterbury Region  /  Christchurch  /  Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Museum, Christchurch

4.6

#1 of 159 in Museums in South Island

History Museum Museum Must See

• ©

Take a journey through the history, cultural heritage, and natural environment of Christchurch and its surrounding regions at Canterbury Museum. Stemming from the personal collection of the 19th-century geologist and explorer Julius von Haast, the museum now houses over two million artifacts. These range from geological treasures and dinosaur bones to Maori artwork and vehicles used for exploring Antarctica. Free guided tours are available on certain days; these are open to all, with no requirement to make reservations. Check the museum's website in advance for the days offered. All onsite facilities are designed to be accessible to visitors with disabilities. Before you head to Christchurch, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Christchurch tour itinerary builder tool , to make sure you see all that Christchurch has to offer, including Canterbury Museum.

more less Improve this listing »

Create an itinerary including Canterbury Museum

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Canterbury Museum Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,372 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

3.9

14,176 likes

• By Jennifer P

  Great location next to the gardens, tick two things off for the day. Gorgeous building housing so many interesting things. Did find the lay out a little confusing at times even with the map but well w...  more »

• By shiraneh

  The museum is very well organised and interesting. It is great and didactic both for adults and children. The temporary exhibitions we saw were beautiful!  more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Brie Liberty

  Great museum and I always love taking my toddler. It has a great collection of materials and gives a good history into NZ. It's small but tells some great stories. I like their exhibition rooms and they always have interesting things on display. The discovery area for children is pretty good but could do with a bit of an update. The cafe is well set up and in a great spot. The toilets are always clean but would benefit from an update too. All of the staff are helpful, kind and knowledgeable. A wonderful place to visit for people of all ages.

  more less
• By Steve Webster

  Really really impressed, particularly given its free (please donate however). So much to see, you will be there for hours Interactive area for kids ($2 to access) but well worth it. Really great museum

  more less

View more on Google »

Places to stay near Canterbury Museum

Plan your trip to Christchurch

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.