Otago Museum

Otago Museum

The Otago Museum, located in Dunedin, was established in 1868 and now houses a collection of over two million items. It welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, making it the most visited museum per capita in the South Pacific region and one of New Zealand’s most outstanding museums.

The Otago Museum features an extensive and diverse collection of ancient artifacts and relics from Māori and Pacific cultures, with a particular emphasis on Southern Māori culture. The museum’s exhibition areas are divided into Tāngata Whenua (Māori), Pacific Cultures, People of the World, Maritime, Animal Attic, and Natural History. On display are Māori canoes, war canoes, ship models, wood carvings, jade carvings, whalebone mere weapons, kākahu (cloaks), clothing, ornaments, as well as various birds and animals. The Animal Attic showcases both vertebrates and invertebrates, while the Natural History section provides a comprehensive look at New Zealand’s natural heritage, introducing visitors to species ranging from penguins to the extinct moa, along with various fish, birds, and insects — all accompanied by insights into their habitats and behaviors.

Visitors can even find articles written by renowned scientists on the natural history of southern New Zealand.

Otago Museum

Must-visit reason: The most visited museum per capita in the South Pacific region

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/Region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/State where the attraction is located: Otago Region

City where the attraction is located: Dunedin