Canterbury Museum

About Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Museum is a things to do venue in Christchurch Central City, South Island.

Located in the city’s Cultural Precinct, the museum has been showcasing the history and culture of Waitaha Canterbury for over 150 years. The building itself is a “Historic Place – Category I” registered by Heritage New Zealand and was established in 1867 with Julius von Haast as its first director.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of historical, cultural, and natural specimen objects. It is also home to the world’s most comprehensive selection of Antarctic objects from the heroic age of exploration and discovery.

Visitors can see a wide range of exhibits, including the Moa Skeleton, South Island Adzebill, Haast’s Eagle, Canoe Bailer – Tiheru, Antarctic Sledges, Maori Pare – Lintel from a Maori Meeting House, and Maori Pataka or Storehouse Panels. The panels originated from the front of a carved Maori Pataka or storehouse, which was used to keep preserved food safe from Pacific rats in winter.

The museum also has a team of researchers who work to preserve and study the collection. Visitors can learn more about the researchers and their work on the museum’s website.

Admission to the museum is free, and it is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors can contact the museum via email or visit the museum’s website for more information.

In summary, Canterbury Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of New Zealand.

Good to know

• Type: Things to Do
• Area: Christchurch Central City, South Island
• Phone: +64 3 366 5000
• Website: visit ↗

Frequently asked questions

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