Otago is a region rich in cultural and natural heritage and as you explore you will find an amazing array of museums, galleries and historic sites that celebrate our past and inspire our future.

An excellent place to start is the Otago Museum’s Southern Land, Southern People Gallery – a comprehensive gateway to the natural and human history of the region. This is the place to obtain a wonderful overview and determine the essence of this magnificent part of New Zealand. From there you will be encouraged and inspired to spend time in the many other quality cultural experiences Otago has to offer.

In the city of Dunedin alone there a wide variety of ‘public collections’ easily accessible – from the internationally reputed collections of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, to the fascinating social history of Dunedin at the Otago Settlers Museum. Plus there are rare books to enjoy at the Dunedin Public Library and the University of Otago Charles Brasch Gallery in the Central Library, and an exceptional collection of New Zealand’s written and pictorial heritage at the Hocken Library.

In North Otago you will witness a strong commitment to preservation, from Totara Estate as you near Oamaru, to the superbly redeveloped Historic Precinct near the town centre. Be sure to enjoy the North Otago Museum and take in the Forrester Gallery in this gorgeous township. Head inland to Kurow where a surprising collection of treasures awaits.

Central Otago offers a wealth of culture. Rich in heritage from the goldmining era, truly engaging experiences await at the Lakes District Museum in Arrrowtown, at the Goldfields Mining Centre near Cromwell and at the Lawrence Area Museum. A delightful selection of small museums and heritage sites can be found as you pass through this beautiful countryside. [Soon enough there will be a new museum to enjoy in Alexandra].

South Otago is well endowed with museums and historic sites worth your time. Follow the Southern Scenic Route and alongside you will find a variety of galleries which can add to your understanding and provide a true sense of how New Zealand came to be as it is. In the heart of the Catlins you will find the Owaka Museum with incredible stories of pioneering kiwis creating a new life.

As you travel around our place, pick up one of the many heritage trail brochures to delve even further into the stories of our region. We welcome you here and hope during your stay you will find a piece of us to take home in your heart.