Lakes District Museum & Gallery
49 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302
Rating: 4.5 ★ (1224 ratings)
Details
Lakes District Museum & Gallery stands as a captivating historical centre nestled in the heart of Arrowtown, a picturesque gold mining town in New Zealand. Housed within three historic buildings on Buckingham Street, including the notable former Bank of New Zealand premises, it offers an authentic glimpse into early life in the Whakatipu District. Recognised as one of New Zealand's leading small museums, it serves as a vibrant story hub and treasure chest for the region, preserving its rich social, cultural, and documentary history in an engaging and interactive setting.
The museum’s comprehensive displays expertly portray Southern Māori history, European settlement, and the exhilarating gold rush era of the mid-1800s. Visitors can explore a collection of over 30,000 objects, with a particular focus on the experiences of European settlers and Chinese gold miners, alongside recreated environments such as a grog shanty, a Victorian schoolhouse, and a blacksmith's workshop. A popular highlight includes hands-on gold panning lessons, where visitors are guaranteed to find a piece of Arrowtown gold to take home. Additionally, the attached art gallery hosts a variety of changing art and history-related exhibitions, often showcasing local artists, and is home to the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival Art Exhibition.
This award-winning museum is ideal for anyone keen to delve into the fascinating history of the Queenstown Lakes District, from its earliest inhabitants to the gold rush days. Families will find it particularly appealing, with interactive exhibits and the memorable gold panning experience designed to engage children and adults alike. Those with an interest in art will appreciate the diverse and evolving exhibitions in the gallery, providing a cultural counterpoint to the historical narratives. Overall, the museum offers an immersive and educational journey into the past, perfectly suited for those seeking a deeper understanding of this unique New Zealand region.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact
+64 3 442 1824 | http://www.museumqueenstown.com/
Comments
The museum is having a beautiful art exhibition so, to me this was amazing to be able to enjoy so many talented artists.
This museum seems small from the outside, but goes on and on within!
Such a rich collection of information and history. We could have spent twice as long here, soaking it all up.
There was a lot to read, and my children loved the displays that demonstrated early life in Arrowtown. They were absolutely delighted with the old toilet 😆
Highly recommend stopping in and taking your time. What an incredible collection!
I would recommend viewing the museum when in town it’s about $14 for adult or $10 as a student.
It is 2 stories with wheelchair access to the bottom - user friendly!
It is self guided and they had a cute little game you can play of spot the odd object in the collection and naming all the Maori constellations hidden around the exhibits.
The entrance fee was also very reasonable and there’s a big free parking lot nearby. But it can be quite full and tricky to find a spot during rush hours.