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Canterbury Museum

Overview

"Located in the central city next to the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum is one of Christchurch's most popular attractions. Entry is free and donations are appreciated. The Māori galleries display treasures and tools from our region's first people. The Christchurch Street and Victorian Museum recreate the nineteenth-century city. Learn about the heroic explorers of the icy continent and see objects from the Museum's internationally significant Antarctic collection. Other highlights include the gold-plated motorcycle that belonged to world speedway champion, Ivan Mauger and displays of the now-extinct giant bird, the moa. Children will love learning about the natural world in their own area, Discovery. The Museum hosts regular special New Zealand and international exhibitions. The Museum regularly hosts individuals and groups with disabilities and staff are well-versed in helping you make the most of your visit. Session Information The Museum is open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (April – September) and 9.00 am – 5.30 pm (October – March). There are no specified time slots for your entry. Entry to the Museum is free; donations are appreciated. Some exhibits have specific timeframes they are open so be attentive to these sessions. You are free to take whatever route you want to explore the Museum. We do ask that you don't touch the majority of the displays - signs are present for this."

Contact details

66 Gloucester Street Christchurch Central City Christchurch Canterbury 8013 New Zealand

https://www.canterburymuseum.com/visit/canterbury-museum-at-coca

info@canterburymuseum.com

+6433 665000

Access guidance

• There is no queuing in the facility, except occasionally at the cafe till. Seats are scattered throughout the Museum but we suggest you don't count on these to get around.
• Wheelchair access into the building in a wheelchair is simple – just come in the front door. The walkways and spaces surrounding the exhibits are generally large and easily accessed by wheelchair users. Access to the third floor is via a lift, accessible from the end of the Christchurch Street. The gift shop is a more crowded space than the rest of the Museum and may pose problems for larger chairs. Museum staff are used to helping those with a disability get the most out of their visit but if you have any more concerns, please call in.
• There is no parking available specifically for the Museum. If you struggle with short distances we suggest you organise to be dropped off.The nearest bus stop is the Christchurch Hospital Main Stop and it is a 650m walk from there to the Museum. The Museum is a large space and most visits involve a moderate amount of walking. Wheelchairs are available at reception for use in the museum for those with this icon on their card.
• There are wheelchair accessible toilets available throughout the Museum, along with a lift if you wish to access a toilet on the first floor. If you need a toilet urgently please alert one of our staff who will take you to the nearest one.
• Certified assistance dogs are permitted at the Museum. The card with this icon is proof that you need that assistance.
• There is no charge for an essential companion to Discovery, or for the cardholder.
• We do not have audible information access throughout the Museum so those that struggle to access visual information may find this is a roadblock. There are a few videos that play across the Museum, but not enough to give you the full experience.
• The exhibits and displays are mostly visual with written citations . These can be used in the case of audible impairment.
• We will do our best to help you if you have other disabilities, and we are keen to learn, so help us if you can do better by telling us what might help you have a better experience at the Canterbury Museum.