All industrial & heritage museums to visit in New Zealand

Explore the impact of industry on society at 20 industrial heritage museums in New Zealand. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in New Zealand:

  1. Canterbury Museum1

    Canterbury Museum

     Christchurch
    The 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.
  2. Ferrymead Heritage Park2

    Ferrymead Heritage Park

     Christchurch
    Ferrymead 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.
  3. Cable Car Museum3

    Cable Car Museum

     Wellington
    Enter freely into the museum which brings alive the old cable cars once driving in the city. Try to image the old elegant days.
  4. Toitū Otago Settlers Museum4

    Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

     Dunedin
    The 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.
  5. Warkworth and District Museum5

    Warkworth and District Museum

     Auckland
    The 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.
  6. Founders Heritage Park6

    Founders Heritage Park

     Nelson
    Founders 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.
  7. Museum of Transport and Technology7

    Museum of Transport and Technology

     Auckland
    The 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.
  8. Reserve Bank of New Zealand8

    Reserve Bank of New Zealand

     Wellington
    The 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.
  9. Pompallier Mission and Printery9

    Pompallier Mission and Printery

     Russell
    Pompallier 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.
  10. The Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre10

    The Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre

     Picton
    The 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.
  11. Dunedin Gasworks Museum11

    Dunedin Gasworks Museum

     Dunedin
    The 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.
  12. Te Hikoi Southern Journey12

    Te Hikoi Southern Journey

     Riverton
    Te 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. 13

    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.
  14. Wellington Tramway Museum14

    Wellington Tramway Museum

     Wellington
    The 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.
  15. Yaldhurst Museum15

    Yaldhurst Museum

     Christchurch
    The 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.
  16. Southward Car Museum16

    Southward Car Museum

     Paraparaumu
    The 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.
  17. Fell Locomotive Museum17

    Fell Locomotive Museum

     Featherston
    The 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. 18

    Foxton Flax Stripper Museum

     Foxton
    The 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. 19

    MAVtech - National Museum of Audio Visual Technology

     Foxton
    Foxton 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. 20

    New Zealand Timber Museum

     Lichfield
    The 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.