A wide variety of displays. Something for everyone. I would rate this as one of the best medium size museums in NZ.

I recently revisited the Museum while showing a couple of young UK tourists around. We all enjoyed it and I found it easy to give my visitors a quick history of New Zealand and Canterbury. Of course the iconic Paua House was a highlight, as were the birds and the Maori history.

I was a bit wary of what a provincial museum might offer but was pleasantly surprised. This is a good place to spend a few hours – a good wet weather option when you are in Christchurch. It is also free entry (donations only). I liked the old Christchurch street, the Antarctic exhibition, and the gallery of historical costumes. It... More

The museum is housed in a nice building with reception as you enter. Grab a map and there are lots of displays on current and extinct animals, Maori history, a stroll down historic Christchurch streets, a large Antarctic display with actual vehicles used there, dinosaurs, a kids discovery center and more! We only had about an hour to look around... More

I've been coming to Canterbury Museum for many years, and every time I visit, there's something new to explore, as well as revisiting old favourites. The combination of new and old make a trip to the museum a great day out - especially when it's a rainy day on the school holidays and you can't think what else to do.... More

The dispaly on antartica is brilliant. There is a comprehensive display describing the Maori history of the area and the arrival of European settlers

Thank goodness the Christchurch Museum survived the earthquake of 2011. It has interesting displays on Maori culture and Christchurch history as well as an esoteric donated collection of pieces from China and Japan. More interpretation would make a difference. Look out for the Museum's outreach exhibition in the Re:start container mall on Quake City. It is very good and shows... More

The building itself is worth seeing but inside are some great displays about Moari life and also early settlers. Its not huge but there is enough for an hour or two. Also has a cafe with great views (if you can get a table)

Definitely check out this museum. It gives a great overview of the Cantebury plain, the indiginous peoples, andsettlement by the Europeans.The diaramas are very well done. Best of all its free!