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Museum · Dunedin, Otago
Otago Museum
Museum opened in 1868, near the University of Otago, with collections of natural history, Māori and Pacific cultures, and a science centre with a tropical butterfly conservatory.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Otago Museum
The Otago Museum opened in 1868 and is on Great King Street, beside the University of Otago campus. It is one of New Zealand’s leading museums, with collections of natural history, Māori and Pacific cultures, archaeology and art from around the world.
The permanent galleries display animals and landscapes of the country’s south, including moa skeletons, the large extinct birds, marine life and the wildlife of the subantarctic islands. The Tangata Whenua gallery brings together objects of the southern Māori, and another area is dedicated to Pacific peoples.
The Tūhura science centre, in the same building, has interactive exhibits, a planetarium and a three‑storey heated tropical conservatory with free‑flying butterflies among the plants, a contrast to Dunedin’s cold climate. The museum usually hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
Any time of year, especially on rainy days. Check opening hours and planetarium session times.
How to get there
It’s on Great King Street, next to the University of Otago, about a 15‑minute walk from the Octagon.
Tip
The main galleries are usually free; the butterfly conservatory, the planetarium and some exhibitions have separate charges. Allow about half an hour for the conservatory.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Otago Museum
What is in the Otago Museum?
Collections of natural history, Māori and Pacific cultures, moa skeletons, a science centre, a planetarium and a tropical butterfly house.
Is there an admission fee for the Otago Museum?
The main galleries are usually free; the butterfly house, planetarium and some exhibitions charge separately.
Where is the Otago Museum?
On Great King Street, beside the University of Otago, about a 15-minute walk from the Octagon.