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Dunedin
Things to do in Dunedin
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
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Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
5
#2 of 105 things to do in Dunedin
Speciality Museums
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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About
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a museum of social history dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area, whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion and transport shaped New Zealand’s first great city. Its fourteen themed galleries feature interactive displays and powerful narratives tracing the human history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the most recent arrivals.Captivating exhibitions are complemented by an on site shop and café. A well-equipped research centre and archive is available for those interested in genealogy and other aspects of local history.
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303 within 5 kms
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Attractions
69 within 10 kms
First Church of Otago
290
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0.1 kmParks • Gardens
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0.3 kmPublic Transportation Systems
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0.2 kmScenic Railroads
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See what travellers are saying
  • Aussie_2012
    Melbourne, Australia827 contributions
    Extremely good museum not just about Otago
    This museum is FREE and absolutely well worth the visit. Stay for at least an hour or two. There are many displays about Dunedin and Otago especially about its early settlers, some of which are very interactive. There are also fantastic displays on histories of transport, technology and everyday life which was quite a blast from the past. The displays are done so well I really appreciated what was being shown and learnt so much. I can't express any more than to visit as it was a highlight of our stay in Dunedin.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 7 January 2023
  • Rustic1997
    London, United Kingdom27 contributions
    Amazing museum - we could have stayed here all day!
    We left it too large in the day to visit so we had to rush our visit. We really could have spent much longer here. The cafe was also excellent, good quality coffee at a reasonable price.;
    Visited March 2023
    Written 15 March 2023
  • Stephen M
    41 contributions
    The best local museum that I have ever seen
    I came here 8 years ago and am just as enthused as I was then, It is a fabulous museum about the history and people of the local region. I am again totally surprised at how large and how good it was. It is a credit to all those involved in the creation and maintenance of this most interesting place. It is very close to the heritage Railway station and some interesting shops and cafes nearby.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 22 April 2023
  • happykoabug
    Honolulu, Hawaii169 contributions
    interesting museum to spend an hour or 2
    Interesting museum and that fact at it was free was just fabulous. I loved all of the early 1900.s vehicles The toys and household appliances were cool to look at. the gift shop has some wonderful gifts for sale.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 5 July 2023
  • H&P
    Manchester, United Kingdom22 contributions
    Interesting and well laid out.
    Very interesting and well organised museum. We found it easy to follow the story of Dunedin as the rooms are chronological and nicely spaced. It’s free to enter but definitely worth a donation. A good attraction in its own right but perfect when it’s stormy and wet.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
2,086 reviews
Excellent
1,627
Very good
421
Average
27
Poor
8
Terrible
3
H&P
Manchester, UK22 contributions
Interesting and well laid out.
Nov 2023 • Couples
Very interesting and well organised museum. We found it easy to follow the story of Dunedin as the rooms are chronological and nicely spaced.

It’s free to enter but definitely worth a donation.

A good attraction in its own right but perfect when it’s stormy and wet.
Written 4 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.
happykoabug
Honolulu, HI169 contributions
interesting museum to spend an hour or 2
Apr 2023 • Solo
Interesting museum and that fact at it was free was just fabulous. I loved all of the early 1900.s vehicles The toys and household appliances were cool to look at. the gift shop has some wonderful gifts for sale.
Written 5 July 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.
Phil R
Hamilton, New Zealand162 contributions
Very Interesting
May 2023
Like all museum there is always soemething to learn. Unfortunately some parts were closed but as it was free entry didn't matter. Must be getting old as there were household items I remember as a kid
Written 1 June 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.
Jan Sila
11 contributions
Great place, lots to learn from!
Apr 2023 • Couples
Great exhibitions, good balance between interactive and static parts, we actually came twice in two days. Pounamu at entrance is super cool!
Written 28 April 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.
Stephen M
Canberra41 contributions
The best local museum that I have ever seen
Apr 2023
I came here 8 years ago and am just as enthused as I was then, It is a fabulous museum about the history and people of the local region. I am again totally surprised at how large and how good it was. It is a credit to all those involved in the creation and maintenance of this most interesting place. It is very close to the heritage Railway station and some interesting shops and cafes nearby.
Written 22 April 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.
Rustic1997
London, UK27 contributions
Amazing museum - we could have stayed here all day!
Mar 2023
We left it too large in the day to visit so we had to rush our visit. We really could have spent much longer here. The cafe was also excellent, good quality coffee at a reasonable price.;
Written 16 March 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.
Stephen E
Palmview, Australia297 contributions
Great museum
Dec 2022
Wasnt sure what to expect here, but this was way better than I could have imagined. It was so much bigger that i thought it would be and so well laid out. Great experience, really enjoyed it.
Written 7 March 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.
Katelyn R
San Bernardino, CA66 contributions
Loved it!
Feb 2023 • Solo
I loved the ship hull you could walk through and listen to all the stories people had. The old items from the past. Great experience
Written 23 February 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.
travelbob1
New Windsor, NY1,135 contributions
Don't Leave Town without Visiting this Museum
Jan 2023
What a GEM! The collections are well organized, informative and gave all of us an education of the people's culture and the history. Plan on at least two hours to absorb it all.
Written 18 February 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.
sneezydownunder
Auckland Central, New Zealand541 contributions
A very good museum
Jan 2023
What a wonderful museum, thoroughly enjoyed our time here. It is well layer out with many many interesting exhibits .
Written 5 February 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.
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TOITŪ OTAGO SETTLERS MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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