Overview

The Lakes District Museum is situated in the heart of picturesque Arrowtown. The museum houses a fantastic collection of artifacts and information about the history of this gorgeous district. Suitable for all ages, the museum is fun for all ages as we take a 'hands-on' approach to our displays. Take a wander around and don't forget to peek into all of the nooks and crannies so that you don't miss anything! The museum is also the Information Centre for Arrowtown and we can help you with any advice that you need about the best way to enjoy Arrowtown and its surrounds.

4.5

351 reviews

Excellent68%
Very good27%
Average4%
Poor1%
Terrible0%

Travellers talk about

“great displays” (10 reviews)

“per adult” (6 reviews)

“entry fee” (10 reviews)

Opens in 1 min

Hours

Hours Today: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

LOCATION

49 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand

CONTACT

Website

+64 3-442 1824

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Write a ReviewReviews (351)

1 - 10 of 335 reviews

PatoneyNZ

314

Reviewed yesterday

Awesome

This place was excellent in terms of accessibility, price and knowledge. I loved the character of the place and how much they promoted the Maori and Chinese history particularly, it resonated wonderfully with the whole Arrowtown vibe. Also, a pan and shovel was only $3...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

southlanders262

Tuatapere, New Zealand

3

Reviewed 1 week ago

Average.

Was interesting & good displays. Enjoyed working out the clues with the kids. Price was a bit steep.More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the museum and our kids' code cracking treasure hunt! We aren't a council / government funded museum, we are a Charitable Trust and so without charging and admission fee we simply couldn't operate. Your admission helps us...More

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santo t

Auckland, New Zealand

1033258

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Small but really good museum

Strolling along this small but historical town, we found this Museum in the same building as the Information Centre at the main road of this town. A really good museum with plenty displays of old historical stuff related to people, immigrants coming from 4 different...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Thanks for you review. The museum certainly is a busy place! We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit, J

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Tracy S

111

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

gorgeous

Visited here a couple of times with my husband. Love the artworks that were on display and the Museum is well done.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Thank you! Our Autumn Festival Art Exhibition is always amazing and full of art from the amazing amount of talent in our area. We are pleased you enjoyed it. J

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DarylJ552

Carlsbad, California

728190

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

INTERESTING HISTORY MUSEUM IN ARROWTOWN

The museum is on the main street of Arrowtown. There are several rooms and a basement full of artifacts from the 1860's when Arrowtown was a gold boomtown. It's well worth spending an hour or so there.

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Debbie M

31

Reviewed 5 weeks ago

Amazing museum. A must visit

We were so surprised of what we found in this little museum. So much history etc. everyone on our coach trip said the same. A great little town and the museum is a must visit you won't be diappointed. Just loved it.

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Thank you! We are so pleased you enjoyed our museum. J

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mike49dowler

Tustin, California

137

Reviewed 14 May 2018

Hidden gem.

This museum would be easy to overlook. Each room tells part of the story about the local history. The place is well organized and nicely laid out. The staff was very helpful and seemed happy to have us visit. Make sure to use the downstairs...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Thank you for your lovely review. We are always happy to have lots of visitors! See you next time. J

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BravoNZ

Auckland, New Zealand

9930

Reviewed 13 May 2018

Best regional museum in NZ

This museum is a must-see if you are in the area. It has the best descriptions and displays for the early settlers in the South and for the goldrush. Very well maintained in a nice building.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Thank you so much for this fantastic review! We are really proud of our museum and we love hearing from visitors who have enjoyed it. See you next time. J

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hullson

Auckland Central, New Zealand

7010

Reviewed 12 May 2018 via mobile

Amazing

This is a place that everyone should visit at least once - not just tourists. Amazing displays, excellent information, fabulous staff. Learnt so much - really eye-opening! Will definitely be back!

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Thank you! Our staff are passionate about our area and we love helping visitors and locals alike find out more about our history and stories. J

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Lisa V

Bairnsdale, Australia

133

Reviewed 8 May 2018 via mobile

Very Interesting

Certainly lots to see and need a bit of time o go through it. I really liked all the old period rooms up. Well worth a visit.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Ask a question

Questions & Answers

YauYau

Hi, I visited Arrowtown in early of May and sent two postcards to my home country from the post office opposite to the Museum. There was no postmark on the post cards, may I know why? I asked because understand the "post office" is run by the Lakes District Museum. Thank you.

19 May 2016|

AnswerShow all 2 answers

Hi Yauyau, I apologise for not responding to your question! Yes, we operate the Arrowtown Post Office but just the retail side of things. The mail is collected by a New Zealand Post employee and they take over the logistics... More

vicky_fung

Hi, I am interested in visiting this Museum. Could you kindly advise me how long does it take from Queenstown to Arrowtown by Connectabus? Thanks a lot.

21 February 2015|

Answer

Hi, The Connectabus takes about 25 minutes from Queenstown if you take the route that travels via Arthurs Point. This bus leaves Queenstown at 7.35am, 10.35am, 1.05pm, 5.20pm, 7.05pm and9.35pm. Coma and see us and we will... More