Dinosaur House
Dinosaur House
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Dinosaur House is a small museum which is run by dinosaur enthusiasts Ian & Sarah Moore. Opened in September 2019, it contains an amazing collection of dinosaur displays and fossils. Housed in a beautiful 1922 heritage building in the centre of the historic town of Raetihi. It is a traditional museum using the beauty and majesty of more than 100 specimens to show the public the exciting and wonderful world of fossils and dinosaurs. You’ll be transported back to prehistoric times to explore our carefully curated exhibits which will expand your mind.
Duration: < 1 hour
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5.0
37 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
John V
Wellington, New Zealand63 contributions
Jun 2020
One of the highlights of our trip.
This surprise find in the main street
of Raetihi is a must to visit.
You can see how much passion, love
and energy has gone into this endeavour.
We were treated to a monologue from the
museum curator on the history of the
scientists who were in this field.
The displays were stunning.
Maybe a bit scary for young kids.
Some were moving exhibits.
A picture show was very informative
& entertaining.
Well worthwhile and a must to see.
This surprise find in the main street
of Raetihi is a must to visit.
You can see how much passion, love
and energy has gone into this endeavour.
We were treated to a monologue from the
museum curator on the history of the
scientists who were in this field.
The displays were stunning.
Maybe a bit scary for young kids.
Some were moving exhibits.
A picture show was very informative
& entertaining.
Well worthwhile and a must to see.
Written 26 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the fantastic review John V! Yes, our moving dinosaur can be a little scary but we're so happy you all enjoyed your visit! Thanks for taking the time to post this review. Much appreciated!
Written 5 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lewis
1 contribution
Jul 2021
As we drove through Raetihi to get that cheaper petrol, We stumbled upon the greatest thing in the central north island.
legit big dinosaurs in raetihi.
It's so much fun but it makes you question how they got the dinosaurs inside.
Ian was really enthusiastic and really made it an awesome visit. The price is also really good and made me want to pay more after I realized how much love has been put into the Dinosaur House,
Its existence is really something special and ill always go there anytime I'm nearby.
legit big dinosaurs in raetihi.
It's so much fun but it makes you question how they got the dinosaurs inside.
Ian was really enthusiastic and really made it an awesome visit. The price is also really good and made me want to pay more after I realized how much love has been put into the Dinosaur House,
Its existence is really something special and ill always go there anytime I'm nearby.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely recommendation, thanks very much Lewis. We're really glad that you enjoyed your visit and thanks for the 5 stars. Much appreciated! :)
Written 23 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave
12 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This museum would suit quite specific tastes. It's an unusual eclectic mix of posters, models, TV screens and other random dinosaur related paraphernalia. We paid $44 for 2 adults and 2 kids and I consider it to be poor value for money. I really can't understand how this has a 5 star average.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh dear, we're sorry you didn't enjoy our dinosaur house, what do you think we could do to make it better?
Written 23 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah B
Wellington6 contributions
Mar 2020
What a cool place! Clearly a passion – nay obsession – for the owners, this lovely old commercial building houses a pretty impressive personal collection of dinosaur memorabilia: stuff from films, huge models, interesting videos, well written display boards, and more. I'm 49 and I can honestly say I learned a LOT I didn't know. It genuinely opened a world to me. Loved it. Highly recommended for all ages.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely review Sarah, thanks so much! We're so glad you enjoyed your visit and yes you can call it our obsession! Cheers!
Written 18 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen S
Napier, New Zealand12 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Our family really enjoyed visiting this fascinating museum. There are plenty of interesting exhibits, dramatic displays and realistic models to see as you make your way through this beautiful old building. A must-do activity for visitors to the area.
Written 25 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the 5 stars X5902PDjens! Great recommendation, we're really happy that you enjoyed your visit, thanks very much!
Written 7 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scribblerz
Wellington, New Zealand169 contributions
Jun 2020
We stumbled upon this treasure in Ratahi and were really impressed. It was so interesting and mesmerizing. The owners were very imformative and we were told a lot about the numerous exhibits. I loved the model dinosaurs especially the mechanised one, so realistic.
I would recommend everyone to go and see the Dinosaur House. You won't be disappointed...the children will love it. There is a little shop there too.
I would recommend everyone to go and see the Dinosaur House. You won't be disappointed...the children will love it. There is a little shop there too.
Written 26 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review scribblerz! We're so happy you all enjoyed your visit! Brilliant!
Written 5 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaycee8
Wellington, New Zealand84 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
A mix of kitsch, real memorabilia, fossils and models that move - we spent a good hour looking through the various rooms. We learnt a lot and had a lot of fun. Highly recommended for kids and the young at heart.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the 5 stars and lovely review Kaycee8, much appreciated, we're really glad you all enjoyed our dinosaurs! :)
Written 7 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda T
1 contribution
Sept 2020 • Family
Rooms crammed full of exhibits and facts, lots of variety and something for everyone. If you have a bad weather day and can't go biking or skiing, definitely worth a visit. We loved it!
Best value in New Zealand.
The staff are very friendly and helpful. Hope they continue to develop it.
Some more dino videos to watch or more seating would be good as a family sat on the couch for at least 2 whole viewings of the one playing, so others missed out.
Best value in New Zealand.
The staff are very friendly and helpful. Hope they continue to develop it.
Some more dino videos to watch or more seating would be good as a family sat on the couch for at least 2 whole viewings of the one playing, so others missed out.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for great review Ranga03 we're glad you liked our museum and thanks for the advise about the seating, much appreciated!
Written 29 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stopticklingmeplease
Whanganui, New Zealand173 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I absolutely adored this museum! If you’re a big kid or an enthusiastic adult, then this is the place for you! You can see the passion in this place and it’s worth every cent of admission. The animatronic dinosaurs are brilliant and all the Jurassic Park memorabilia is great to see.
Love the door bell!!
Love the door bell!!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the 5 stars and great review, much appreciated, we're really glad you enjoyed your visit to our Dinosaur House! :)
Written 7 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Strphen
Porirua, New Zealand28 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We had never heard of the Dinosaur House until 15 mins before, so decided to visit. So much fun. The proprietor was extremely excited about his collection, knowledgeable, and was warmly welcoming. We enjoyed it as an adult couple, and talked about how taking kids would be great.
Written 6 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review stephen1962nz, we're glad you enjoyed your visit and thanks for the 5 stars!
Written 7 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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