The best museums in Christchurch in March 2023

These are the top 20 best museums in Christchurch, New Zealand, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Christchurch, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Christchurch.

These are the best museums in Christchurch:

  1. International Antarctic Centre1

    International Antarctic Centre

    Christchurch
    The International Antarctic Centre is a research centre and public science discovery centre in the suburb of Harewood , Christchurch , New Zealand, near Christchurch International Airport .
  2. Air Force Museum of New Zealand2

    Air Force Museum of New Zealand

    Christchurch
    The Air Force Museum of New Zealand , formerly called The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum , is located at Wigram , the RNZAF's first operational base, in Christchurch , in the South Island of New Zealand. It opened on 1 April 1987 as part of the celebrations for the RNZAF's 50th anniversary, and
  3. Orana Wildlife Park3

    Orana Wildlife Park

    Christchurch
    Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand 's only open-range zoo , sitting on 80 hectares of land, located on the outskirts of Christchurch . It opened in 1976, and is owned and operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity. The aims of the Trust are to provide quality recreational opportuniti
  4. Canterbury Museum4

    Canterbury Museum

    Christchurch
    The Canterbury Museum is a museum located in the central city of Christchurch , New Zealand, in the city's Cultural Precinct. The museum was established in 1867 with Julius von Haast – whose collection formed its core – as its first director. The building is registered as a "Historic Place – Catego
  5. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve5

    Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

    Christchurch
    Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park and nature reserve in Christchurch , New Zealand. As well as having public displays of various animal species it also carries out conservation of native species including tuatara , kiwi , brown teal , and duvaucel's gecko . Willowbank also holds the on
  6. Ferrymead Heritage Park6

    Ferrymead Heritage Park

    Christchurch
    Ferrymead Heritage Park is a museum in Christchurch , New Zealand , housing groups with historical themes, mainly transport related. Formerly known as Ferrymead Historic Park, it was founded in 1964 by groups, local government bodies and other interested parties. It is in the Heathcote Valley , at t
  7. Christchurch Arts Centre7

    Christchurch Arts Centre

    Christchurch
    The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is a hub for arts, culture, education, creativity and entrepreneurship in Christchurch , New Zealand. It is located in the Gothic Revival former Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) , Christchurch Boys' High School and Christchurch Girls' High Sc
  8. Riccarton House and Bush8

    Riccarton House and Bush

    Christchurch
    Riccarton is a suburb of Christchurch . It is due west of the city centre , separated from it by Hagley Park . Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton.
  9. Our City O-Tautahi9

    Our City O-Tautahi

    Christchurch
    Our City , more formally Our City O-Tautahi , also known as the Old Municipal Chambers , is a Queen Anne style building on the corner of Worcester Street and Oxford Terrace in the Christchurch Central City . It is a Category I heritage building registered with Heritage New Zealand . From 1887 to 192
  10. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Restaurant10

    Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Restaurant

    Christchurch
    Architecture Award winning restaurant in the core of Willowbank Wildlife reserve has a magic atmosphere and luxurious cuisine.
  11. 11

    Quake City

    Christchurch
  12. The Physics Room12

    The Physics Room

    Christchurch
  13. The Central Art Gallery13

    The Central Art Gallery

    Christchurch
  14. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū14

    Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

    Christchurch
  15. 15

    Rutherford's Den

    Christchurch
  16. 16

    Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery

    Christchurch
  17. 17

    Old Timers Clock Museum

    Christchurch
    This little but rich museum holds out to the visitors the wonderful history of clocks. It is considered as the best clock shop in NZ.
  18. 18

    Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre

    Christchurch
  19. Yaldhurst Museum19

    Yaldhurst Museum

    Christchurch
  20. 20

    Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

    Christchurch

All museums in Christchurch