Things to do in Christchurch, South Island: The Best Museums

February 9, 2022 Vivienne Hutton

Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism. It's the gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region, featuring dramatic vistas and adventure sports set against a backdrop of lofty peaks. In the central city, more and more attractions and businesses reopen to the public each day.
Restaurants in Christchurch

1. The Bone Dudes

229B Fitzgerald Ave., Christchurch New Zealand 319 7530 http://www.thebonedude.co.nz/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The Bone Dudes

1/16 Loftus Street Papanui Near Northlands Mall, Christchurch 8053 New Zealand +64 3-352 8940 [email protected] http://www.artboxgallery.info/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Art Box Gallery

Art Gallery/studio offering a large, affordable range of contemporary New Zealand paintings from over 40 artists.

9/199 Cossars Road RD 4 Tai Tapu, Christchurch 7672 New Zealand +64 210 345 955 [email protected] http://waihora-gallery.com
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Waihora Gallery

Is the gallery and studio space for John Maillard. The Waihora has prints, books postcards and original artwork by John Maillard and other artists.

4. New Zealand Museum of Toys & Collectibles

36 Manchester Street Waltham, Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 29 200 9141 [email protected] http://www.nzmuseumoftoys.com
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

New Zealand Museum of Toys & Collectibles

We have moved and expanded. The museum is now NZ Museum of Toys & Collectibles and the Toy Collector operates as the museum shop. The museum display is the result of 50 years of collecting of a broad range of toys as possible. This isn't exactly a museum in that the toys are not all old and they aren't all in pristine condition since toys are meant to be played with. An eclectic collection of toys through the ages designed to put a smile on your face and remind you of childhood days of playing whether recent or very distant. You are sure to find something you had, have or always wanted in the broad range of displays.

Reviewed By magentaunicorn

We had read a little about this place but weren't expecting to find such a gem. Well laid out and a fascinating collection with thousands of Hot Wheels, a room full of diecast cars, a huge lego collection plus Disney and Harry Potter!! The train layout was fantastic. So much to look at we will definitively be back.

5. The Physics Room

301 Montreal Street The Arts Centre Registry Additions Building, Christchurch 8013 New Zealand +64 3-379 5583 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ThePhysicsRoom/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Physics Room

The Physics Room is a contemporary art space dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary art and critical discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand. Based in central Christchurch since 1996, our goal is to actively seek links between the arts and other areas of cultural production and to involve art as a contributing voice in wider intellectual, social and political debate. All of our exhibitions are free to attend.

468 Colombo Street Sydenham, Christchurch 8023 New Zealand +64 3-377 1211 [email protected] http://www.form.co.nz
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Form Gallery

Form Gallery showcases an extensive range of work by leading New Zealand contemporary object artists. Work includes cast and blown glass, ceramics, jewellery, and other media.

7. Air Force Museum of New Zealand

45 Harvard Avenue Wigram, Christchurch 8042 New Zealand +64 3-343 9532 [email protected] http://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/
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4.5 based on 865 reviews

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Free admission* | Discover New Zealand’s military aviation story at the place where it all began. Engage with stories of the men and women who have helped shape New Zealand’s military aviation journey, and reflect on their service and sacrifice through years of war and peace. Explore the diverse collection at your own pace through immersive exhibitions, or join a free, guided ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. View the historic aircraft on display, embark on a Museum Hunt with the kids, or test your flying skills in the ‘Mosquito Mission’ flight simulator! Price: FREE Admission - *activity charges may apply. Opening Hours: Daily (except Christmas Day), 10.00am - 5.00pm.

Reviewed By supergrumps14 - Durham, United Kingdom

Stopped of here for a brief visit while on a tour of NZ I was impressed by the range of Exhibits on display and the knowledge of the guides friendly staff, and a nice little cafe, and its free, (Donations Welcomed)# well worth a stop off

8. Canterbury Museum

11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013 New Zealand +64 3-366 5000 [email protected] http://www.canterburymuseum.com/
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4.5 based on 2,769 reviews

Canterbury Museum

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!

Worcester Blvd & Montreal St, Christchurch 8140 New Zealand +64 3-941 7300 [email protected] http://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/
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4.5 based on 462 reviews

Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)

Reviewed By Champagne552014 - Sydney, Australia

We spent over three hours in this beautifully presented modern Art Gallery, as there was plenty to see, and entry is free. I loved the sailing paintings upstairs, by van der Voorden. He really knew how to portray clouds and waves. The highlight for me was the Ron Mueck silicon sculpture of a man at a table. What brilliant attention to detail (that's real hair). Thank you staff for being so helpful too! If you need a break, there is a lovely restaurant at the entrance, or it is a short stroll to Riverside Markets, which is also well worth a visit. Don't miss this excellent Art Gallery when you next visit Christchurch.

10. Rutherford's Den

2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch 8013 New Zealand +64 3-363 2836 [email protected] http://www.artscentre.org.nz/rutherford-den/about-the-den/
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

Rutherford's Den

Arts Centre's newest attraction, Rutherford's Den - an historic space dedicated to the science of New Zealand's most famous scientist. Ernest, Lord Rutherford, the moustached man on the $100 note, began his education in the very rooms that Rutherford's Den is located. Visitors get to experience not only the historic features of the rooms, but brand new state-of-the-art exhibits as they learn about the science of Rutherford and his peers. The transformation of Rutherford's Den cost $2m and, as an independent charity, the Arts Centre will use some of the money from ticket sales to help pay for this - plus refresh it in future. Online ticketing is now available or you can buy tickets at the on-siteshop.

Reviewed By SRDFrench - Leeds, United Kingdom

This was an informative and well set out exhibit. You don’t need to know the physics to get a lot out of it and use to stand at the front of Rutherford’s lecture theatre (with the benches covered in old student graffiti!) was humbling. And the museum attendant was simply wonderful - hugely friendly and welcoming. At only $10 it’s a bargain!

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