Independent Travellers
Independent Travellers
Tūhura offers a range of exciting experiences for independent travellers including daily tours showcasing the best of Otago's natural and cultural heritage, entry to our science centre and a range of planetarium shows. We also have an ever changing range of special exhibitions and events.
Check out our main webpage, to find out more click here
Treasures of the Museum Tour
Find out what makes this Museum a must-see!
Step back in time in our internationally known Victorian-styled Animal Attic, hear about the history of our Museum and how collection and display practices have changed. Discover the skeletons in our cupboard like the enormous fin whale suspended in our Maritime Gallery and the most comprehensive collection of articulated moa skeletons in the world.
Experience the unique culture and history of Southern Māori in Tangata Whenua Gallery with an array of taoka (treasures) that includes a 17-metre waka taua (war canoe), amazing pounamu (greenstone) artefacts and two of the three complete moa eggs in existence. Journey further into the Pacific and check out Australasia’s most impressive Pacific collection in our Pacific Cultures gallery. See the wealth of culture from communities there, including a suit of armour worn by a Kiribati warrior and red feather currency from Santa Cruz.
A guided tour is the best way to experience the icons of Tūhura Otago Museum.
11am daily
Meet at Information Desk
$30 per person
Book here
SPOTLIGHT ON COLLECTIONS MINI-TOUR
Guided Mini-tour
Want to know more?
Tūhura Otago Museum is full of hidden gems. In a 20-minute deep dive, one of our passionate guides will give you some fascinating insights into their favourite overlooked objects.
Topics change regularly and depend on the guide.
2pm daily
Meet at Information Desk
Free – Koha Appreciated
More info here
Tūhura Otago Museum is more than a Museum
We are also home to New Zealand’s largest science centre, with an indoor Tropical Forest teeming with live rainforest butterflies, and the only 3D planetarium in Australasia. There is something here to intrigue and entertain every visitor.
Our café and Museum Shop are the perfect place to refuel and find some treasures of your own.
With guided tours, hands-on interactives, live shows, theatre productions, immersive environments and behind-the-scenes opportunities, we cater to every age, interest and ability.
Get tickets here