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

Get ready for a whirlwind tour through history and around the globe…

Our knowledgeable guides will tell you the stories of Tūhura’s most fascinating artefacts—and make sure you don’t miss its hidden gems.

See local native wildlife and the preserved remains of giants past, including the largest fossil ever found in New Zealand and the world’s most extensive articulated moa collection.

Visit the Victorian era in our beloved Animal Attic, complete with nineteenth-century taxidermy and display cases. (There’s nothing else like it in New Zealand!)

See some of the beautiful southern Māori and Pasifika artefacts housed at Tūhura and marvel at the voyaging feats that first brought people across the Pacific Ocean to Aotearoa New Zealand.

You’ll hear stories of daring deeds, deep time, diverse cultures, and the awe-inspiring natural world—all in just 45 minutes.  

11am Daily
Duration: 45 Minutes
Adults $30, Children Free
Otago Residents free—Koha Appreciated

Book here

SPOTLIGHT MINI-TOUR

Great experiences don’t need to take hours. Have some fun on the run with a Spotlight Mini Tour!

Just 20 minutes long, these tours change every day and depend on our guides’ diverse research interests.  

You could learn about the biggest shark that ever lived, the trials and tribulations of life in Ancient Egypt, the myths and mysteries behind the moai of Rapa Nui, or something else entirely.

Just show up on the day to find out what incredible stories our guides have in store for you!

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