Lakes District Museum & Gallery
Lakes District Museum & Gallery
The Lakes District Museum is set in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and presents an authentic picture of early life in the Whakatipu District.
Displays portray Southern Māori, European settlement and the exciting goldrush era of the mid 1800's. With a focus on social history, the museum's collection includes artefacts from the region’s pioneering days, with a particular focus on the experiences of European settlers and Chinese gold miners.
The museum has an attached book shop and attached special exhibitions gallery showing a changing display of art and history related exhibitions. The museum is Arrowtown's information and booking centre - knowledagable and helpful staff will help with directions, recommendations and are a wealth information about the walking and cycling trails.
Gold panning lessons and gold pans are available for hire from the Lakes District Museum.
Allow 1–2 hours for a thorough visit. Open daily.
Situated on Buckingham Street in Arrowtown, the Lakes District Museum is just a few minutes walking or riding from the Arrow River Bridges Trail. The centre of Arrowtown has plenty of bike racks on offer (bring your own lock).
Museum
This award-winning Lakes District Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of early Māori in the area, moa hunters and greenstone gatherers, the exciting goldrush era, the Chinese settlement and the harsh pioneering days of the European settlers
The Art Gallery
The Lakes District Museum and Gallery's special exhibition gallery hosts a variety of excellent quality art and historical exhibitions. Space in the gallery can be booked and is highly sought after.
Info Centre
We are able to assist with booking all your activities while you are in the Wakatipu. Just ask at reception and leave the planning up to us. The only thing you need to worry about is enjoying your holiday.
Retail / Bookshop
Whether you are looking for the perfect present or the ideal souvenir to remember your time in Arrowtown, the Lakes District Museum bookstore has the solution. We stock only the best natural and social history publications, historical fiction, local history, tramping guide books & maps, postcards, gift cards, calendars and an array of tasteful souvenirs.
Post Office
Situated opposite the Lakes District Museum & Gallery, Arrowtown’s iconic Post and Telegraph Office was built in 1915 after the original building was destroyed by fire. The site has been the communication hub of Arrowtown since the discovery of gold in 1862.
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