Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

The basics

At Toitῡ Otago Settlers Museum, 14 themed galleries focus on different aspects of Otago’s settlement, including the Gold Rush period, the Scottish Presbyterian settlement, and more recent arrivals. Many exhibits are interactive, and lots of artifacts will interest kids. The museum is in an original Edwardian structure, an Art Deco building that formerly belonged to New Zealand Railways, and also has a contemporary wing. Travelers typically visit the museum independently while spending time in central Dunedin.

Things to know before you go

• General admission to the museum is free, although there may be a charge for special exhibitions.

• There’s a free bag and coat check in the foyer and Wi-Fi is free throughout the museum.

• You can take a guided tour of the museum if you request it in advance, but Visitor Hosts are available throughout the museum to answer questions and provide information about the collections.

• Food and drinks are served in the Toitῡ Café in the museum’s foyer.

How to get there

The museum is in the Queen's Gardens in central Dunedin, not far from the Railway Station. It’s easy to reach on foot from the Octagon and there are paid parking spaces available in the area.

When to get there

The museum is open daily from mid-morning until early evening. The Toitῡ Cafe is open from mid-morning until mid-afternoon on weekdays, and until late afternoon on weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays.

The best museums in Dunedin

Dunedin’s museums pay testament to its rich history and culture. In the heart of the Octagon is the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, an excellent collection of local and international art. Opposite the University of Otago campus in North Dunedin is the Tūhura Otago Museum, one of New Zealand’s largest museums. And the popular Olveston Historic Home, in a hilly suburb of central Dunedin, provides a glimpse into early-20th-century life in the city.