Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery, Arrowtown: Hours, Address, Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery Reviews: 4.5/5
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 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.
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4.5
443 reviews
Excellent
296
Very good
129
Average
17
Poor
1
Terrible
0
MissTinkerbelle
Christchurch, New Zealand169 contributions
May 2022
Amazing to be in a museum where you can get up close and personal with so many of the exhibits. Make sure to open the lavatory door downstairs!
The renovations going on will be worth the short term disruption and the workmen were lovely
The renovations going on will be worth the short term disruption and the workmen were lovely
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kathy W
Auckland, New Zealand345 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This small museum is a must do when in Arrowtown. Doesn’t cost a lot to enter and it informs about the influence of gold panning in the history of this area. It carefully illustrates how life was in the days when Chinese workers came to seeking work to support their families at home. Or the story of pioneer women like Julia Eichardt who hijacked the towns electricity supply (see photo) What a hard life it was and how extraordinary people lived in those times. Not just another museum…
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cherie S
Nelson, New Zealand200 contributions
Nov 2021
Enjoyed seeing and reading about the history of Arrowtown.
Plenty to read and the staff were helpful
Plenty to read and the staff were helpful
Written 20 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barry M
Wellington, New Zealand121 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
It was raining so we went in mainly to get dry & warm. So glad we did. It's a little gem, covering the areas history, gold mining, farming, with old butchers, saddlemakers, blacksmith, baker etc shop etc. Also the Chinese miners and settlers. Lots of other old artifacts also with a short video covering history of region. Thoroughly enjoyed the hour or so there. The lavatory among the exhibits is a must, not for those with a weak heart!!!
Interesting, good quality art exhibition too.
Interesting, good quality art exhibition too.
Written 21 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sheryl H
New Plymouth, New Zealand91 contributions
Mar 2021
Local history display at the time we were there was interesting, reflecting the development of the township back in the day. Friendly & welcoming staff
Written 28 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.
adsnome
Auckland Central, New Zealand65 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Brilliant small museum focussed on Arrowtown in the gold mining era.
Unlike other similar museums I’ve been to with kids they seem to recognise their value proposition and didn’t try and rip us off with a very reasonable family entry fee.
You don’t need more than an hour or so to get round.
Kids really enjoyed the interactive quiz as they went round. Thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a rainy morning
Unlike other similar museums I’ve been to with kids they seem to recognise their value proposition and didn’t try and rip us off with a very reasonable family entry fee.
You don’t need more than an hour or so to get round.
Kids really enjoyed the interactive quiz as they went round. Thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a rainy morning
Written 21 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thushari K
26 contributions
Dec 2020
Small museum but gives you an idea of Arrow town and what life was like for early settlers. Also you visit will keep this place going for the future. Entrance fee charged at front desk.
Written 7 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vicki-Lee T
Palmerston North, New Zealand54 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
One of the best museums I’ve ever been too. Fantastic presentation of local history. Well worth the entry fee.
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brynkoru
Blenheim, New Zealand212 contributions
Nov 2020
Small but very well presented view of the local history. and easy to find right in the Main Street in Arrowtown.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KellyAKK
Bangkok, Thailand7 contributions
What is the approximate time it takes to visit the museum?
Bi-coaster
Bradenton, FL1,182 contributions
I’d say an hour would do nicely. And do go downstairs!
YauYau
Hong Kong, China14 contributions
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.
LakesDistrictMuseum
Arrowtown, New Zealand1 contribution
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.
Vicky
Hong Kong, China99 contributions
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.
LakesDistrictMuseum
Arrowtown, New Zealand1 contribution
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
- Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery:
- (0.16 km) Shades Of Arrowtown
- (0.18 km) Arrowtown Lodge
- (0.11 km) New Orleans Hotel
- (0.32 km) Settlers Cottage Motel
- (0.24 km) The Old Villa
- Restaurants near Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery:
- (0.03 km) La Rumbla
- (0.04 km) Postmasters
- (0.04 km) Vinifera Cafe & Bar
- (0.04 km) The Fork and Tap
- (0.05 km) Slow Cuts