Otago Museum

Otago Museum is a multi-floor building housing collections of natural science specimens, geological artifacts, and Pacific cultural objects within a historic structure. The spaces contain fossils, minerals, and ethnographic items organized for easy exploration.

The institution began with James Hector's geological collections displayed at the 1865 New Zealand Exhibition before relocating to its present location in 1877. The collections expanded significantly after this permanent move to the city.

The galleries display indigenous artifacts and traditional objects that convey Māori heritage and its place in the region. Visitors can understand how this collection connects to the community's identity today.

The building is fully accessible to wheelchairs with stairs and elevators reaching all areas, making it easy to navigate throughout. A café inside provides a place to rest and refresh during your visit.

The collection holds the world's largest number of remains from giant extinct birds that roamed the region millennia ago. These fossils help visitors understand the ancient animal life of the islands.

Location: Dunedin City

Inception: 1865

Founders: James Hector

Official opening: September 12, 1868

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Princes Street

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Website: http://otagomuseum.nz

GPS coordinates: -45.86570,170.51100

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44