Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in New Zealand:
1Canterbury Museum
ChristchurchThe Canterbury Museum, situated in Christchurch, New Zealand, is home to a wide range of internationally recognized exhibitions. These include displays on Antarctica, contemporary costumes, New Zealand avifauna (including extinct species), insects, the history of conflicts between the Maori and Europeans in the Canterbury region, ornamental art from Asia, and Canterbury's natural history. These diverse exhibits provide a comprehensive insight into the region's rich cultural and natural history. 2Ferrymead Heritage Park
ChristchurchFerrymead Heritage Park, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is an open-air museum that takes visitors back to the Edwardian era. The park is designed to replicate a small town from this period, providing a unique glimpse into the past. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and want to experience what life was like during the Edwardian era in New Zealand. 3Cable Car Museum
WellingtonEnter freely into the museum which brings alive the old cable cars once driving in the city. Try to image the old elegant days. 4Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
DunedinThe Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, originally known as the Otago Early Settlers' Museum, is a regional museum located in Dunedin, Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The museum focuses on the history of settlement and transportation in the region, providing a comprehensive look into the past of this unique area. 5Warkworth and District Museum
AucklandThe Warkworth & District Museum, also known as the Warkworth Museum, is a local museum situated in the township of Warkworth in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in local history and culture. 6Founders Heritage Park
NelsonFounders Heritage Park is a museum located in Nelson, New Zealand. It is home to a variety of historical themes, one of which includes transport. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of New Zealand through its diverse collections. 7Museum of Transport and Technology
AucklandThe Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is a technology and transport museum located in the Western Springs suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. It was established in 1960 by a group of interest associations that had come together in 1957 to collect and preserve historical tram vehicles and railway locomotives. The museum was opened in 1964 and is home to a wide range of land vehicles and aircraft, many of which are still maintained by volunteers. 8Reserve Bank of New Zealand
WellingtonThe Reserve Bank of New Zealand was established in its current form in 1934 by the then Finance Minister, Gordon Coates. This historical event marked a significant milestone in the financial history of New Zealand. As a tourist, learning about this could provide you with a deeper understanding of the country's economic evolution. 9Pompallier Mission and Printery
RussellPompallier House, located in Russell, New Zealand, is a significant historical site that dates back to the nineteenth century. It once served as the headquarters for the French Catholic mission to the Western Pacific. The building is named after Jean Baptiste Pompallier, the first vicar apostolic to visit New Zealand, who established several missions in the North Island. 10The Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre
PictonThe Edwin Fox is a significant piece of maritime history, being one of the world's oldest surviving merchant sailing ships. It also holds the unique distinction of being the only surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in maritime history and the history of convict transportation. 11Dunedin Gasworks Museum
DunedinThe Dunedin Gasworks Museum is situated in South Dunedin, on the South Island of New Zealand. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of industrial history in a beautiful setting. 12Te Hikoi Southern Journey
RivertonTe Hikoi Southern Journey, is the South's ultimate heritage attraction, just 30 minutes from Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route. The museum features authentic life size displays, adventurous characters and engaging stories. These reveal how our Māori and European ancestors adapted to survive- 13
Old Timers Clock Museum
ChristchurchThis little but rich museum holds out to the visitors the wonderful history of clocks. It is considered as the best clock shop in NZ. 14Wellington Tramway Museum
WellingtonThe Wellington Tramway Museum is situated in the scenic Queen Elizabeth Park on the lower North Island of New Zealand. It is conveniently located near the overbridge at McKay's Crossing, nestled between the towns of Paekākāriki and Paraparaumu. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the museum and enjoy the surrounding parkland. 15Yaldhurst Museum
ChristchurchThe Yaldhurst Museum is conveniently located in the suburb of Yaldhurst in Christchurch, New Zealand. Its proximity to the Christchurch International Airport, Riccarton Race Course, and Ruapuna Speedway makes it easily accessible for tourists. The museum's location offers a great opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history of road transport vehicles in New Zealand. 16Southward Car Museum
ParaparaumuThe Southward Car Museum, located in Otaihanga, New Zealand, is a renowned automobile museum and event centre. It was founded in the 1970s by Len Southward, a passionate car enthusiast, to house his extensive collection of over 450 vehicles. The museum has since grown and is now managed by a charitable trust, continuing to share Southward's love for automobiles with the public. 17Fell Locomotive Museum
FeatherstonThe Fell Locomotive Museum, located in Featherston, New Zealand, is home to the world's only remaining steam-powered Fell railway locomotive. This unique piece of railway history is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the past. Visitors to the museum can view this locomotive and learn about its history and significance in the development of railway technology.- 18
Foxton Flax Stripper Museum
FoxtonThe history of Foxton is closely tied to the processing of New Zealand flax. This versatile plant was used to produce a variety of items, including ropes, baskets, and other goods. The flax industry played a significant role in the town's development and continues to be a part of its cultural heritage. - 19
MAVtech - National Museum of Audio Visual Technology
FoxtonFoxton is a town rich in heritage, which it has preserved through its parks, heritage buildings, and four museums. These museums offer a glimpse into the town's history and culture, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts. The town's parks and heritage buildings also add to its charm and provide plenty of sightseeing opportunities for visitors. - 20
New Zealand Timber Museum
LichfieldThe New Zealand Timber Museum, situated in Putaruru, is a significant institution that was established with the aim of celebrating and preserving the rich history of the timber industry in the South Waikato District. This industry has had a deep-rooted connection with the district dating back to the 1900s. The museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past and gain insights into the timber industry's evolution and its impact on the region.