Top 10 Museums in Canterbury Region, South Island

Kiwi Observatory is a private observatory. Our observatory has a dome on a sliding roof, allowing us the ability to use different telescopes. Home to a 12 inch and 11 inch telescopes on computer controlled mounts. we also have other telescopes which we use outside depending on the number of visitors. Solar observing of the sun during the day can also be arranged on request, using special H-Alpha solar telescope. We ask for a donation only (details on our website and when booking) which goes to the up keep of the equipment. We look forward to showing you the night sky and providing informative tour.

Geraldine Observatory is one of New Zealands best private observatories. Operated by Peter and Wyn Aldous, the observatory has a 14 inch, six inch refractor, four inch triplit refractor, all mounted on a Paramont ME mount in a large roll on roll off observatory, a 11 inch HD Edge telescope in a domed observatory as well as others. Peters main interest is super nova hunting (exploding stars)and sharing the joys of the night sky with members of the public. Peter has over 40 years experience as a amateur astronomer.Donations go to promoting outreach astronomy in South Canterbury.

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

Located in Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand. This unique gallery is owned by established sculpture artist 'Debbie Templeton-Page'. The gallery is home to an ever changing collection of works by renowned New Zealand artists. The unique style and atmosphere of York Street Gallery of Fine Art is enhanced by the experience and flair of it's owner. The gallery holds a selection of high quality artwork to view and to purchase.

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.

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.

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.

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.