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Discover the Biggest Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, is home to an array of museums that offer a diverse range of exhibits and experiences. These museums showcase the city’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations for both locals and tourists.

From exploring the vast collection of artifacts at the Canterbury Museum to delving into the stories of Antarctic exploration at the International Antarctic Centre, there’s something for everyone to discover in Christchurch’s museums. These institutions offer an unforgettable journey through time, art, science, and culture, making them valuable assets to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Top Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Canterbury Museum is a museum located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, in the city's Cultural Precinct. The museum was established in 1867 with Julius von Haast – whose collection formed its core – as its first director. The building is registered as a "Historic Place  – Category I" by Heritage New Zealand.

Top Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

Canterbury Museum

  • Address: 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (4925)
  • Phone: +64 3 366 5000
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand
The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Museum in cities like Wellington, Auckland and Wodonga across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

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The 10 Best Museum near Christchurch, New Zealand

The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand
The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

  • Address: 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (3119)
  • Phone: +64 3 941 7300
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Amrutha Venkata✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    My experience at Christchurch Art Gallery was lovely. I’m a novice when it comes to art appreciation but it was enjoyable to see the different exhibits. The entry is free and you can comfortably spend an hour or two here. The place also offers free WiFi and washroom facilities. Revenue is donation based and you can choose to donate as you wish.
    M Hoogerheide✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    My visit to the Christchurch Art Gallery was a mixed experience, and I would rate it three stars. Art is incredibly subjective, and while I appreciated some aspects, others left me feeling a bit disconnected. The art in the rooms upstairs was challenging for me to understand and perhaps a bit too old-fashioned for my taste.

    On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the works by Robin; her art was captivating, and I found myself drawn into her creative process as I watched her set up. While the gallery may not have been a perfect fit for me, it’s important to remember that art is a deeply personal journey, and others may find different aspects more appealing.

    Rhonda S✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Highly recommended for anyone who enjoy arts and paintings. free entries. The entire building are well structured. Filled with eye catching artwork.
    Roman Battaglia✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Really amazing gallery. It’s free so definitely worth a visit there. Lots of local New Zealand art which I loved!
    Jonas Guevarra✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    My 3rd time here and always a pleasure visiting. They showcase good art collections and keeps on changing every time so there’s always something to see

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

  • Address: 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (1865)
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Quake City

  • Address: 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (1714)

Ferrymead Heritage Park

  • Address: 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (1126)

The Arts Centre

  • Address: Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (642)

Ashburton Aviation Museum

  • Address: 470 Seafield Road, Elgin, Ashburton 7772, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (330)

Pleasant Point Railway And Historical Society

  • Address: Railway Station, Pleasant Point 7903, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (208)
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Okains Bay Museum

  • Address: 1146 Okains Bay Road, Okains Bay 7583, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (188)

Mike Pero’s Motorcycle Gallery

  • Address: 1 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (145)

Ashburton Art Gallery

  • Address: Ashburton Art Gallery 327 West Street, Ashburton 7700, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (122)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

5 Replies to Discover the Biggest Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

  1. Firstly I have to emphasize how friendly and helpful the staff are. They’re so excited about explaining all the items and the book called 150 Items in Canterbury Museum. I love the “Six Extinction” theme held with some casts from Botswana Studio. They’re doing a great job casting the original fossils for the other part of the world to see. Especially Scotty the T-rex.

  2. The main museum was undergoing renovations when I visited but based on what was open for display I would definitely come back once renovations are finished. The Six Extinctions gallery is a wonderful exploration of the mass extinctions our planet has undergone, and the fossil casts are astounding, especially Scotty the Tyrannosaurus.

  3. Great exhibition!! They are rebuilding the museum so this “little” exhibition are what they have until the “real” museum are ready again. Great for me, that love fossils.

  4. Wish I was aware the original musuem was under renovations. As a musuem lover I was disappointed to be diverted to a smaller space. However, the staff are so welcoming and the space they have is used so well. I still learnt thing just not in the way I was expecting.

    Especially loved that they remembered me the next day at quake city, felt very much like someone of importance rather than just me.

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