Guide to Otago Museum

Most travellers rock up to Tūhura Otago Museum for one reason: it’s fun. Like, proper hands-on, wide-eyed, "did-you-know" kind of fun. The tropical butterfly forest alone is enough to win over the youngest explorers, while the Science Centre Dunedin houses a mega slide, 45 interactive stations, and an indoor cyclone tunnel (yes, you read that right). 

But there’s plenty here for history buffs and cultural wanderers, too. It’s a bicultural museum New Zealand is proud of, home to Māori and Pacific collections that shine a light on the people, stories, and taonga (treasures) of Aotearoa. Add to that the epic Moa skeleton display, ancient artefacts, and the Otago Museum planetarium, and you've got yourself a full-spectrum day out. 

Whether you're road tripping with kids or chasing the best things to do in Dunedin, a visit here is a no-brainer. The Tūhura Otago Museum is all about curiosity—science, history, art, culture, nature—and it delivers hands-on experiences that’ll have everyone from toddlers to grown-ups wide-eyed. 

How long should I spend at Otago Museum?  

If you’re tight on time, 2 to 3 hours will give you a solid taster, leaving you enough time to cruise through the galleries, check out the Science Centre, and maybe catch a planetarium show. But to be honest, it’s easy to lose track of time in here. Add a coffee stop in the café, a deep dive into one of the rotating Otago Museum exhibitions, or let the kids loose in Tūhura, and suddenly it’s late afternoon and you’re still finding new corners to explore. 

Got time to spare? Stick around for half a day or even a full day and take it slow. There’s no rush, and you wont be short on things to do!  

Is Otago Museum free? 

The best part—the entry is free. Yep, you can wander the main galleries without spending a dollar. If you’re keen to take a deep dive, there’s a small fee for access to the Tūhura Science Centre, planetarium shows, and special ticketed exhibits. But the museum’s core collection? 100% accessible. For budget-conscious families, that’s a major win for family activities in Dunedin. 

Whether you’re road-tripping with a couple of curious kids, or just craving something different after a few days of wild coastlines and mountain passes, the museum is a top-tier stop on any South Island itinerary. 

How to get to Otago Museum

You’ll find the museum at 419 Great King Street, right near the University of Otago and only a short walk from the Octagon. 

• Walking: 10–15 minutes from central Dunedin. 
   

• Bussing: Plenty of routes from the Dunedin Bus Hub stop nearby, just look for lines heading toward the uni. 
   

• Cycling: Dunedin’s bike-friendly routes make it a breeze, and there are bike racks out front. 
   

• Driving a campervan: Paid street parking is available out front (more on that below), but spaces are tight. There are bigger public car parks a short stroll away for larger vans. Coming from Dunedin Airport? It’s about a 30-minute drive straight in. 

Best time to visit Otago Museum

The great thing about Otago Museum Dunedin? It’s open all year, and it’s one of those places that you can schedule in, no matter what the weather’s doing. That said, timing your visit right can make it even better. 

• Winter (June–August): Crisp mornings, fewer crowds, and the perfect excuse to linger indoors. Great if you’ve just come in from a windswept Otago Peninsula hike or a chilly penguin-spotting mission. 
   

• Summer school holidays (Dec–Jan): The museum comes alive with family programmes and events, but expect it to be buzzing, especially in the Tūhura Science Centre. 
   

• Spring & Autumn: These shoulder seasons hit the sweet spot. Smaller crowds, mild weather, and plenty of space to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. 

Aim for a weekday morning (10 AM–12 PM) if you can. That way, you’ll beat the school groups and have a more relaxed run of the place. Afternoons from 3 PM onwards are also solid if you're chasing that low golden light for photos around the university precinct. 

Weather at Otago Museum 

Dunedin weather has a bit of a reputation, as it can swing from sunshine to sideways drizzle in the space of a coffee stop. The good news? The museum makes for a perfect plan B (or plan A) when it’s too blustery for the beach or Botanic Gardens. 

Pack a couple of layers, carry a rain jacket just in case, and you’ll be ready for whatever the day throws at you. And if the clouds roll in mid-visit? Just grab a flat white at the museum café and keep exploring inside. 

Best place to park your campervan at Otago Museum

Travelling in a campervan? You’ve got a few decent options for pulling up close to the museum: 

• Great King Street (Museum Frontage) - Right outside the front doors, this stretch of street parking is great for quick visits if you’re in a shorter camper (under 6m). It’s paid, so bring a card or download the parking app. 

• Wilson Parking – Frederick Street Car Park - Just a two-minute wander away, this is the go-to for bigger vans (over 6 metres long). Located at 18 Frederick Street, it’s tucked behind the University of Otago. You’ll find larger spaces, but do check height limits. Paid by the hour or full day, and it’s usually got availability if you roll in before lunch. 

Road trips that pass through

• https://www.britz.com/nz/en/get-inspired/driving-routes-new-zealand/south-island-with-kids