Set in one of Christchurch's most historic buildings, the Canterbury Museum of natural and human history highlights the region's past with fascinating exhibits, interactive displays and cultural events. Due to Canterbury's proximity to the Southern Pole, the museum also focuses on Antarctica. Canterbury Museum possesses the greatest collection of Antarctic artefacts of any museum in the world, highlighting the exciting history of Antarctic exploration.
Opened in 1870, this beautiful Gothic style building sits in the centre of beautiful Christchurch and its cultural district, between the winding path of the Avon River and along the city's lush botanical gardens. Established to preserve the regions settlement past and Maori culture, the museum has grown to include important exhibits on Antarctic exploration, Ancient Asian artefacts and interesting items detailing New Zealand style and design.
The museum's natural exhibits include a fascinating look at Canterbury's unique geological and biological history including a look at the area's wildlife. Bird Hall showcases rare and extinct bird species of New Zealand. Today, this world renowned cultural site holds over 2.1 million objects relating to human and natural history.
Getting to the museum is easy. From the city centre, it is only a 10 minute walk from Cathedral Square. Regular bus service is available from points throughout the city to Cathedral Square while some bus routes make stops at or near the museum itself.
