Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
456 reviews
Excellent
303
Very good
132
Average
20
Poor
1
Terrible
0
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,816 contributions
Jun 2020
We always stop by this museum when we visit Arrowtown. We like the shop, where we always find some interesting books or other material.
There is also an art gallery, which had some gorgeous photos on display, unfortunately the one we really liked was already sold!
The museum itself (entry fee) is also worth a visit - lots of history here.
There is also an art gallery, which had some gorgeous photos on display, unfortunately the one we really liked was already sold!
The museum itself (entry fee) is also worth a visit - lots of history here.
Written 28 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.
SuzieXIII
Auckland, New Zealand11 contributions
Aug 2020
This was one of my favourite stops while visiting the region. What an incredible job they have done of restoring these amazing buildings, and history really comes to life in this museum. . The place is much bigger than it appears from the outside, and despite being jump-scared by literally every mannequin, I thoroughly enjoyed looking at all of the historic items, relics from the past that have been cared for so lovingly, so that we may now look at them and learn about where we came from.
The museum also makes it fun for children, with activities along the way!
You can also ask for a key to the old Gaol, about a 5-10minute walk from the museum, and explore it at your own leisure. I also highly recommend, if you are able, to donate to the museum, so that they may remain open for many years to come
The museum also makes it fun for children, with activities along the way!
You can also ask for a key to the old Gaol, about a 5-10minute walk from the museum, and explore it at your own leisure. I also highly recommend, if you are able, to donate to the museum, so that they may remain open for many years to come
Written 17 August 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.
Paul G
1 contribution
Dec 2019
The Lake Museum was just like living in Arrowtown in the last century. The effect of some exhibits was just like being in the place and time depicted.The style presentation and information of all exhibits was of the highest calibre, It is a must for any visit to Arrowtown if you wish to know the place and history of fantastic location.
Written 12 January 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.
Thank you so much for this great review. A lot of effort has gone into creating our museum by many volunteers, staff and community members. We are so pleased you enjoyed our displays.
J
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carole E
London, UK67 contributions
Jan 2020
The Lakes District Museum and Art Gallery is full of fascinating exhibits, setting out what it was like to live in the area in the 19th century. Good for visitors of all ages, with fun modern items to spot among the museum exhibits in a “spot the odd one out” theme. Don’t miss opening the door of the dunny - and get a surprise!
On our tour of New Zealand, we found that the museums and galleries were thoughtfully and imaginatively arranged.
On our tour of New Zealand, we found that the museums and galleries were thoughtfully and imaginatively arranged.
Written 26 January 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.
Fantastic. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the little surprise downstairs!
J
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin B
Auckland, New Zealand145 contributions
Oct 2020
A truly interesting and faithful recollection of Arrowtown's past especially that mid-late 19th century gold rush period that put the town on the world map. There is much to see and the collection of items from that period is staggering. Allow for 1-2 hours though to do your visit justice. Make sure you are there before 3pm as the museum closes at 4 o'çlock. Highly recommended.
Written 9 October 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.
anneh
11 contributions
Dec 2019
On a rainy day we dived in here - for 3 hours...! It was fascinating. MIning history, peoples' lives, artefacts and minerals, animals, everything as informatively covered with excellent displays.
Highly recommended - even if sunny!
Highly recommended - even if sunny!
Written 10 January 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.
Thank you for this lovely review. You are right... museums aren't just for rainy days!
J
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karolina
Ireland87 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Great museum. Lots of artifacts. Much better than I expected. Learned a lot about the area and it's history. There is an exhibitio at present by the wonderful talented Kate and Luigi Agnelli, go and check their beautiful art out. Each drawing has a story to tell. Highly recommended for every age group!
Written 6 January 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 so much! Luigi & Kate's work is amazing isn't it! We have loved having them in our gallery for the summer.
J
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand7,835 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Other than the historical story that the museum captures with its treasures from the past and the stories it tells is that it is itself in the historic BNZ building. The basement floor has been wonderfully set out to represent the old street of Arrowtown. Easily missed but well worth the time and entry cost.
Written 27 July 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.
Teo L
Auckland, New Zealand24 contributions
Feb 2021
Firstly, we visited the museum before heading out to the river to try our luck panning for gold. Loved the museum. Very informative and great history about the area. Gold panning was also lots of fun. Didn't find anything but the experience was thoroughly enjoyable and we got to explore the river at the same time.
Written 6 February 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.
Tee E
43 contributions
Oct 2020
Well worth the visit. Great exhibits and (obviously) a wealth of information on Arrowtown's history as well as that of gold mining in the area.
Nice section on the Chinese settlers, and plenty of artefacts etc from homesteads.
Nice section on the Chinese settlers, and plenty of artefacts etc from homesteads.
Written 27 October 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.
What is the approximate time it takes to visit the museum?
Written 22 October 2018
I’d say an hour would do nicely. And do go downstairs!
Written 23 October 2018
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.
Written 19 May 2016
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 of the postal service from there. Our mail is processed in a large New Zealand Post centre in Christchurch.
There should have been a postmark on your cards - they must have just unfortunately been missed by the machine somehow.
I hope you enjoyed your time in Arrowtown and New Zealand.
Written 21 August 2016
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.
Written 20 February 2015
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 help you with the best time for your return trip.
We look forward to seeing you.
Written 20 February 2015
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