Otago Museum — Attraction in South Island

This moderately interesting museum is located next to Otago University. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours in there looking at all the exhibits. We did however find the presentation to be a little dated, could be so much better in some parts - for instance the ancient objets, porcelain etc - that was presented on shelves - no context at all. Our favourite area was the maritime exhibit, with the fin whale skeleton and all the model ships. We found the Victorian taxidermy room (AKA The Animal Attic) was super interesting and all the more so for being presented in the old style (funnily enough). Despite a sign warning parents to keep their kids under control (or they’ll be fed to the lions), we had to leave in the end as one dad was trying mightily to get his rambunctious son to pay attention to every single exhibit - at the top of his voice. In this instance it was the adult who should have been using his inside voice. The cafe (which is no cheaper than anywhere else in Dunedin... thus ‘expensive’) was packed at 2 pm and resembled a child care centre - at least 30 under fives spread around the tables. So perfect if you have a young family... Obviously a function of visiting on a weekend - but probably best to head back into town if you fancy a quiet coffee after a stroll around the...

The Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin is an absolute gem that beautifully captures the spirit and history of New Zealand. This museum is not just a place to visit; it's an experience that appeals to all ages with its diverse and interactive exhibits.

One of the standout exhibits is the Tūhura Science Center. This part of the museum is incredibly engaging, with hands-on exhibits that make learning about science and technology fun and exciting. The butterfly enclosure is a particular highlight, offering a tranquil escape where you can walk among these delicate creatures in a lush, tropical setting.

The museum's natural history collection is equally impressive. It offers deep insights into the flora and fauna of the region, with meticulously curated displays that are both educational and visually stunning. The cultural exhibits are thoughtfully presented and pay homage to the rich Māori heritage and the broader history of the Otago region.

The staff at Tūhura Otago Museum are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to enhance your visit with interesting facts and stories. Admission is free, making it an accessible option for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Tūhura Otago Museum is a must-visit destination in Dunedin with something for everyone. Highly...

Otago Museum is a nice welcoming space, bright and open and has a good cafe. There are several floors full of fascinating exhibits and it is worth a long visit. BUT... museums used to be a place of generic exhibition where you could see all kinds of global wonders. Now they, and that includes OM, have become places of woke agenda, where the indigenous and Pacific Islander story has superseded the 'world' story. The wonders of Greek and Egyptian history were consigned to the upper floors and the 'western' history of NZ was given little space at all. What was VERY disappointing was seeing the photos of the wonderful benefactors of the museum placed in a dingy stairwell. Why are they not given due credit by being placed at the entrance. Many of the fascinating exhibits (or even the land or the building?) would not be there except for their generosity. Being woke doesn't mean one has to be disrespectful of those persons who paved the way in NZ society. I enjoyed the museum, but would have more so if my visit wasn't sullied by other people's political and social agendas. Shame on the directors for not celebrating the benefactors! One hopes that they in turn will not suffer a...