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Things to do in Kaikoura
Kaikoura Museum

Kaikoura Museum: Hours, Address, Kaikoura Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Kaikoura Museum

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Kaikoura Museum
4.5
139
#5 of 14 things to do in Kaikoura
History Museums
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
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 - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
A new state-of-the-art museum experience showcasing Kaikoura’s diverse natural, cultural and social history. We also have research facilities for historians and those interested in family histories of the district.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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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.
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Popular mentions
4.5
139 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
44
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
1
PaulD17230
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand152 contributions
Kaikoura, very nice museum worthy of a visit
Jul 2021
Small compact museum that illustrates a variety of factors relating to the history of Kaikoura and the surrounding area, its peoples and history. Hosts a special section on the recent earthquake that was very interesting.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anwil51
Queenstown, New Zealand471 contributions
Very worthwhile if you re in town
Jul 2021
Great opportunity to learn about the region and to see some of the earthquake impact. The video-visual displays are very good.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sainty1
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA154 contributions
Interesting old Kaikoura experience
May 2021
We went to see info about the earthquake. We would have really liked to see a few before and after photos. However the old museum was excellent. Plenty to interest everyone, very diverse. Thoroughly recommend.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gawoolly
47 contributions
Quite worthwhile
Mar 2021
We enjoyed our visit, there’s certainly a large collection of items, some of which made us realise how old we are!! We don’t regret our visit at all. Discount for Seniors too!
Written 26 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MJC
1 contribution
Woeful
Mar 2021 • Solo
Layout is poor with no logical flow to the history of Kaikoura. Photograph displays of early settlers are hopeless from a visitor perspective, very little information on local Maori , Kaikoura earthquake displays and information woeful it would have great to see some before and after images and more information about the impact on local economy etc. Go to Fyffe House if you want a better, albeit more limited, experience.
Written 8 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Teresa Tooley
6 contributions
Could have been better...
Feb 2021
Disappointing, could have been better. A couple of interesting things in the museum but could have had more information about the unique marine area in Kaikoura. Cost was $30 and our family of 4 were there for 30 mins at most. It certainly didn't capture the attention of our kids.
Written 3 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deanne D
Wellington, New Zealand1,417 contributions
Great collection
Dec 2020 • Couples
There is a wonderful collection of things from the local past and social history. Many things that over 50yr olds will recognise from their youth. The display about the 2016 earthquake is very good. Would recommend watching the video of interviews. Well worth coming. Especially if you have time to kill or it is wet.
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shirl T
Auckland, New Zealand17 contributions
Small museum with lots to see
Dec 2020 • Family
The museum was small but our kids (ages 7 to 11) still enjoyed looking at the old printing machine, old general store and way of life, carriages, and different marine life artefacts. Also has a section showing the earthquake damage, which our kids were very fascinated by (so were the adults!). The museum offered a seek-and-find game which our kids absolutely loved and didn’t let us leave until we found them all.

Overall, a fun way to spend 1-2 hours and learn some history about Kaikoura!
Written 18 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dreamnz1210
Christchurch, New Zealand115 contributions
Great to see Earthquake exhibitions
Dec 2020 • Couples
It was nice to visit to see special Quake museum. Feel good to see Kaikoura well recovered from quake in 2016.
Adult entry fee was $12.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand4,920 contributions
Earthquake in pictures and more
Oct 2020 • Couples
We went for the Earthquake exhibition and stayed for the great collection of Kaikoura’s past. What can only be described as an
eclectic collection of treasures well displayed offering a step back in time. Earth Quake exhibition 4/5
Museum 5/5. Well worth the look.

Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kaikoura Museum
Kaikoura Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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