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Things to do in Dunedin
Otago Museum

Otago Museum, Dunedin: Hours, Address, Otago Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Otago Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Otago Museum
4.5
1,124
#7 of 100 things to do in Dunedin
Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Tours and Tickets

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Address
Best nearby
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,124 reviews
Excellent
804
Very good
280
Average
35
Poor
4
Terrible
1
StaceyCheer
Arapuni, New Zealand122 contributions
Lovely museum, fabulous butterfly house
Jun 2021
The Otago Museum is fabulous. Interesting, modern, and easy to navigate. I particularly enjoyed the fossils and the "People of the World" exhibits. While entrance to the museum is free, we paid to see the science and butterfly exhibits. The butterfly house was magical! I would definately recommend paying to do these extra activities.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bex I
Silverdale, New Zealand112 contributions
Loved the light show and butterflies !
Apr 2021 • Family
We spent a couple of hours and only saw the Planetarium Show - Our night Sky and the Science exhibition - Tuhura . We got a combo pass for family of 5 for $68 and really enjoyed it. One teen not that keen on the planetarium while other 2 enjoyed it. All enjoyed the interactive science exhibition - my favourite was the light show. Loved the butterflies - note it is incredibly hot in there so make sure you take your jumper off. Butterflies fly around and land in you, very special. Could have seen more if the museum however ran out of time so maybe another day.
Written 6 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lambertc887
Hamilton, New Zealand44 contributions
Worth a Look
Apr 2021 • Couples
Great little museum. Well set out with plenty of easy to read information. Covers a wide variety of interests presented with flare.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoff W
Wellington, New Zealand229 contributions
Great for kids
Feb 2021 • Solo
I visited while on a work trip and found many of the exhibits much the same as those in other NZ museums. The point of difference is the kids discovery section and butterfly enclosure which provide both an interactive and fun way to engage in science.
Would definitely take my daughter here if we were in Dunedin.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CollRr
Auckland, New Zealand312 contributions
Interesting for children and adults
Feb 2021 • Couples
We caught the bus from the central city to the Otago Museum. It is an easy walk from the bus stop. The museum includes the history of the people of the region, as well as an interactive technology display for children, although adults can learn a lot as well! The Discovery World Tropical Forest is great fun and would be a wonderful place to go on a cold day, as it is a lovely tropical temperature. The butterflies fly around freely, amidst a tropical rainforest and waterfall. The Tangata Whenua gallery exhibits Southern Maori life and mythology. The museum is open every day (except Xmas Day) from 10-5pm.
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyn C
21 contributions
Great organisation
Dec 2020 • Business
I went there as part of a group to look around and to see the dinosaur exhibition. Everything was very well organized and the tour went well. I was surprised by the casual nature of one staff member's shirt.
Written 4 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happy Travels at Felicity 888
Auckland, New Zealand55 contributions
Nice and Neat Museum
Jan 2021
A good-sized museum with incredible collections to entertain tourists. It's for FREE except for some paid exhibitions and activities. I liked that it is so neat and tidy and has a shop and cafe as well.
Written 2 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JedAfterthought
Levin, New Zealand184 contributions
When did they start charging?
Jan 2021 • Family
We love museums in general and especially the butterfly area inside the science zone in this museum: but had not remembered there was an entry fee: sad, as we would love this to be available to all young kiwis. Great place and worth the admission but it will be a barrier for some. Lots of interactive fun too.
Written 7 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johanna H
Christchurch, New Zealand28 contributions
Really interesting
Dec 2020 • Couples
What a wonderful museum. We enjoyed The People of the World exhibition. We didn't go into any of the paid entry exhibitions as we didn't have time but wish we did. They looked really good and were well priced for entry. You need a minimum of two hours to visit.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eelkins
Devonport, New Zealand137 contributions
Great museum
Jan 2021 • Family
Great trip to the museum. Lots and lots of information. Worth a few visits. The grown ups learnt a lot today too!
Written 1 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Otago Museum
Otago Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM