Museums and galleries in Christchurch

Museums and galleries in Christchurch

1. See

   Air Force Museum

   Opened in 1987 before the closure of the Christchurch RNZAF base, this museum has full-size replicas of fighting planes and dramatizes the history of New Zealand's Air Force from World War I to Vietnam and beyond.

   Daily 10AM–5PM·Free

2. See

   Arts Centre

   Gothic Revival stonework of former University campus. This area was damaged during the 22 Feb 2011 earthquake. By late 2022 reconstruction work was mostly complete, with two buildings still to be restored. The beauty and historical significance of these building can be appreciated by viewing them from surrounding streets such as Worcester Blvd and Hereford St, or from the internal courtyard. Four art galleries, the Great Hall (and the courtyard outside) and Rutherford's Den (donation requested), an exhibition on physics, are open. If you want to stay, the Observatory Hotel has 33 upmarket rooms. There is also a cinema (Lumière Cinemas) located here showing art-house films. To access spaces not accessible to the public, join the 90 minutes guided walk tour from Wednesday to Sunday (summer hours: 11AM–12:30PM & 1-2:30PM, $30 per adult and $15 per child (12–18 years)).

   Centre entry free

3. Buy

   Ashe Gallery

   Ashe Art & Design

   A boutique art gallery and design store showcasing contemporary New Zealand art, homeware, and unique gifts. They also offer interior design services and feature works from local New Zealand artists.

   Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-3PM

4. See

   Canterbury Museum

   Includes colonial, Māori and natural history sections, Antarctic exploration display, and visiting exhibitions. Closed until mid-2029 for rebuilding. A small selection of exhibits is on shown in the CoCA gallery at 66 Gloucester Street (daily 9AM-5PM), near the Art Gallery.

   free

5. See

   Christchurch Art Gallery

   Spectacular $47-million facility opened in 2003, the largest in the South Island, with over 5000 items and visiting exhibitions. The gallery reopened in Dec 2015, after 5 years of being a Civil Defence Centre and then repairs. You can store your suitcase at the reception, so it is a nice place to go in the morning if you are leaving in the afternoon.

   Thu-Tue 10AM-5PM, Wed 10AM-9PM·Usually free

6. See

   Ferrymead Heritage Park

   Ferrymead History Park

   A recreated Edwardian township and museum with horse and carriage (daily), tram (weekends and school/public holidays) and train (first and third Sunday) rides. Not all attractions run at all times, due to the voluntary nature of the historical societies managing the park. Special events are often held and the park has been used to film the TV One reality show Colonial House. Admission price is based on whether trams/trains are operating or not, and include unlimited rides if available.

   10AM–4:30PM daily·Train & tram days, adult $30, student $25, child $15; tram, no train, days, adult $20, student $15, child $10

7. See

   Quake City

   Coordinated by Canterbury Museum, it has exhibits about earthquakes in Christchurch, particularly the quakes of 2010–11.

   Daily 10AM–5PM·Adult $20; free for children under 16

8. See

   Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

   A collection of artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern cultures.

   Wed–Sun 11AM–3PM·Free (suggested donation of $5 per adult)

9. See

   Yaldhurst Museum

   Mostly interesting for its collection of over 150 classic and vintage vehicles. Closed since Covid and it is estimated to reopen in 2025.

   daily 10AM–5PM (5–9PM by arrangement for groups of 10 or more)·$20 adult, $5 child

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Christchurch (CC BY-SA 4.0).