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Museums

Tuhura Otago Museum

📍 Dunedin, Otago South

4.7(4,054 Google reviews)👶All ages

Tuhura Otago Museum spans three floors of natural history, Māori culture, maritime heritage, and a hands-on science centre. The live butterfly house is a ticketed highlight; permanent collections are free for Dunedin residents.

Butterfly houseScience centreMāori cultureNatural historyPram accessible
★★★★★Featured review by Mitchell Hostiadi

Went as an international visitor and I think I paid $35 for the whole experience. They have so many exhibit including NZ/Dunedin early history, Maori, "Animal Attic" (mostly animal taxidermy), Maritime (ship models) and People of the World (random assortment of cultures - they even have a mummy). The Planetarium was alright but I went to the Night Sky one which was rather boring to be honest. The science/kids section was fun but a lot of the exhibit needs to be refreshed as they have seen a lot of use. The butterfly garden was very interesting as it is something you don't see often. They also have a cafe onsite but I did not try it. I spent around 3hrs trying to see everything but this place definitely need a few visits if you want to experience everything. My only complaint is that the gift shop does not have many Otago Museum branded things -only magnets and postcard - I was ready to buy more souvenirs, had they had more!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

The combination of the live butterfly house, the hands-on science centre, and the Māori and natural history galleries gives children and adults genuinely different things to engage with across the same visit. Allow at least four hours to cover the main floors.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Main galleries free for Dunedin residents — butterfly house and science centre ticketed separately
Live butterfly house is a standout for young children
🎟️Discovery World science centre built for hands-on engagement
🚗Café on site for a break between floors

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7

4,054 Google reviews

Butterfly house35%
Hands-on science centre35%
Natural history and Māori collections30%
M

Mitchell Hostiadi

4 months ago

Went as an international visitor and I think I paid $35 for the whole experience. They have so many exhibit including NZ/Dunedin early history, Maori, "Animal Attic" (mostly animal taxidermy), Maritime (ship models) and People of the World (random assortment of cultures - they even have a mummy). The Planetarium was alright but I went to the Night Sky one which was rather boring to be honest. The science/kids section was fun but a lot of the exhibit needs to be refreshed as they have seen a lot of use. The butterfly garden was very interesting as it is something you don't see often. They also have a cafe onsite but I did not try it. I spent around 3hrs trying to see everything but this place definitely need a few visits if you want to experience everything. My only complaint is that the gift shop does not have many Otago Museum branded things -only magnets and postcard - I was ready to buy more souvenirs, had they had more!

A

Amber Pharrell

a month ago

I always have an absolute blast at Otago Museum. All of the exhibits are super interesting, you learn something new almost every time you go there. For a cheap price you can even go to the science learning centre, where you can try out some cool things, including a lights room, pac man game, etc. Butterfly part is humid (people who straighten their hair should beware) but so beautiful. Staff are down to earth and helpful. I haven't been to the planetarium in a few years, but when I did, it was pretty cool and interesting. I 100 percent recommend coming here if you're visiting Dunedin.

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Ian Blue

a month ago

One of the best museums I have ever visited. There are three levels crammed with Māori culture, European settlers, native plants & wildlife, a mini science hands on interactive experience for kids and adults of all ages, a two level Butterfly House and a Planetarium showing movies. It has a large Cafe and gift shop on the ground floor.

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Gabriela

a month ago

We've been here before. This time was brief, but very meaningful for our little one, who really enjoyed the butterflies, animals and boats! Beautiful place! Allow at least four hours to tour the museum, but it will probably take longer if you stop at everything that catches your eye. We'll be back.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Tuhura Otago Museum fills three floors of a historic Dunedin building with Māori culture, European settlement, natural history, maritime artefacts, and the Animal Attic taxidermy gallery. The Discovery World science centre is hands-on and built for children; the tropical butterfly house hosts live butterflies in a warm, immersive setting. Main galleries are free for Dunedin residents; butterfly house and science centre carry a separate entry fee. Café on site, pram-accessible.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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