Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
10 History Museums in Canterbury Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the countrys third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region
1. The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
The Plains Railway & Historical Museum was founded by the Ashburton Railway & Preservation Society in 1971 to preserve the Mid-Canterbury regions past. This is home to Historic Steam Loco's: Ja1260, K88 and A64 plus a collection of shunters. A 2.5 kilometre vintage railway features amongst a recreated village, complete with replica and authentic buildings and a vast rural history display ranging from horse drawn gigs and wagons to tractors. Open days commence from September to May, check our Website or Facebook page for operating days/hours and prices. Entry to the Complex is via Donation. Working Voluntary Members are onsite 6 days a week, and will show you through the complex if its not an official operating day. Also onsite is The Ashburton Fire Museum which has the largest Private Collection of Vintage Fire Vehicles/Equipment and more in NZ. Find us on Facebook: The Plains Railway & Historical Museum
Reviewed By MrBubbles07 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Great little heritage railway with beautiful locomotives, lots of other machinery and displays to see
2. Geraldine Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Geraldine Historical Museum is based around the historical town Board office building. We record and display the history of the Geraldine area, with an emphasis on personalising the area’s history through life-sized photographs and feature boards highlighting the deeds of pioneers and those who made history in the area. We also undertake family research and record oral histories.
3. Canterbury Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,769 reviews
Free entry (donations appreciated) where you can experience New Zealand's rich cultural and natural history. See rare Maori artefacts and more than 1,000 paua shells adorning the walls of the famous Paua Shell House. Walk down the Christchurch Street and be transported back in time with the sights and sounds of the city's pioneering days. Discover one of the world's most significant collections from the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and discovery. Regular temporary exhibitions.
Reviewed By pancj2018 - Lima, Peru
This is a terrific local/regional museum. It has one of the best Maori exhibits in all of New Zealand, which in itself is enough to justify a visit. They have an excellent discussion of jade/nephrite, which can be very helpful for future shopping, as well as wonderful presentations of Maori art and material culture. They also have traditional natural history exhibitions of NZ birds and wildlife which we found highly informative. I spent my career working in a natural history museum and found the Canterbury Museum a good representative of the type. Admission is free!
4. Fairlie Heritage Museum
5. Kurow Museum and Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By jonhenryDuntroon - Whangarei, New Zealand
Knowing Kurow well back during the building of the Benmor Dam, decided to take a drive up there. Very friendly staff, and the museum is well worth a look.
6. Kaikoura Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
A new state-of-the-art museum experience showcasing Kaikoura’s diverse natural, cultural and social history. We also have research facilities for historians and those interested in family histories of the district.
Reviewed By Nomes00 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Well worth a visit to see the earthquake exhibition as well as lots of other fascinating Kaikoura treasures. Very reasonably priced at $12/ adult. The lady at the front desk went out of her way to make sure my 3 year old had a great time with an i-spy activity.
7. Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
I didn't even know of the existence of this little museum which houses exhibits from the Logie Collection held by the University of Canterbury. It just takes up one room in the Old Chemistry Building at the Arts Centre but is really worth visiting as the classical exhibits are first class and quite exciting. The host on duty this morning was pleasant and well versed in her field and there is a free activity station or visiting children. AND - one final attraction always very dear to my heart when travelling - a very salubrious public toilet just across the hallway. I parked in the free car park off Armagh St in the Botanical Gardens and walked through. It takes minutes and is a very pretty walk. Entrance is by koha or donation and you can even donate by eftpos so there's no dodging it!
8. Ferrymead Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
Ferrymead Park features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township and the park has a variety of restored cottages plus a school house, church and businesses which reflect the period and allow visitors to experience life for the early residents of Christchurch including the smell of a coal range and the sounds of a tram rattling past the door.
Reviewed By craigieb16 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Haven’t been to ferrymead for a few years, always a great afternoon exploring the park, be sure to visit curragh House!.
9. Akaroa Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By cybersuezee - Mangawhai, New Zealand
Well worth a visit. A donation is required for entry. Included is the old courthouse building (where you can watch an informative doco on Banks Peninsula) and an original settler's cottage (unrestored). Museum is well laid out with lots of interesting exhibits and information.
10. Little River Rail Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By MelbourneKaz
I bought some beautiful coriedale wool in the shop and would recommend getting your gifts there to support local artisans and bring some dollars into the community. It's a nice place to visit.
