Museums

Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Since 1987 it has been our mission to preserve and present the history of New Zealand Military Aviation for commemoration, inspiration, learning and enjoyment. Our collection items number in the millions – from aircraft, engines and assorted parts to medals, weapons, pin-ups and parachute-silk wedding dresses. At the Air Force Museum you can marvel at our collection of 28 classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, experience life in the Air Force and step back in time into a replica 1940’s home.

Akaroa Museum
This museum reflects the varied and colourful history of Akaroa, Banks Peninsula and New Zealand.
The museum includes three historic buildings, two of which the Langlois-Eteveneaux House and the Court House are incorporated into the museum complex. The third historic building is the Custom House (1852) situated within walking distance of the museum.

Canterbury Museum

The Canterbury Museum has closed for redevelopment. A pop-up Museum will open at 66 Gloucester Street from mid 2023. The website remains active, with resources and updates at:

https://www.canterburymuseum.com/redevelopment

Cust Museum
The Cust Museum is a place that portrays the heritage and history of the area bounded by Bennetts, Fernside, the Ashley River, and the Waimakariri River. Also material available for family research.
Cust and Districts Historical Records Society Inc administers the Cust Museum, which is housed in the building once the offices of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board.

Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum
On display are over 1400 exhibits. These include 101 tractors from 1912 onwards, including the oldest working tractor in New Zealand and thirty vintage cars from 1905. There are many items of farm equipment including hot air engines, stationary motors and a Threshing Mill. Also on display is a 1929 Spartan Biplane, household items, agricultural equipment and much much more.

Kaiapoi Museum
Administered by the Kaiapoi District Historical Society and housed in Kaiapoi Historic Court House. As well as an interesting collection of objects from Kaiapoi’s yesteryears, it holds an extensive pictorial, collection plus early newsprint, Kaiapoi Lodges and Kaiapoi Woollen Mills collections of days gone by.

Kaiapoi Museum was demolished after the earthquake and was closed.
On 5 September 2015 the Kaiapoi Museum reopened in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre.

The Museum is located at Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre, 176 Williams Street, Kaiapoi.
Opening hours are:

• Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
• Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm
• Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm
• Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm

The museum is open for viewing at these times, but museum volunteers aren’t always available.

Enquiries can be made to kaiapoimuseum@kaiapoi.co.nz  or PO Box 341, Kaiapoi 7644.

Nurses Memorial Chapel Museum

This boutique museum is located in the Christchurch Nurses’ Memorial Chapel and includes archives, photos and memorabilia and an exhibition space. The chapel was built during 1927 and 1928 and is located on the Christchurch Hospital site fronting Riccarton Avenue. It is the only purpose-built, hospital chapel which commemorates nurses who died in the Great War, in the world.

The Chapel is open for visits by the public – full details on their website. They also have an active Facebook page and an ehive site.

Rangiora  & Districts Early Records Society & Museum
This museum’s extensive photographic collection comprises many photos, taken at the turn of the century and before, of the town of Rangiora, surrounding districts and of the people who lived there. Highlights are a 3,000-strong glass negative collection and photographic gallery. A 1905 sitting room, c.1900 bedroom and early kitchen also feature. The aim is to collect and preserve the history of Rangiora and districts.
Enquiries: rangioraearlyrecords@xtra.co.nz

Selwyn Museums
Groups with heritage and/or history collections in the Selwyn District. The community of museums also shared stories via Kā Kōrero o Waikirikiri Selwyn Stories

South Canterbury Museum
The South Canterbury Museum has a focus on the natural heritage and history of the South Canterbury region of New Zealand – land, life and people. They collect specimens, artifacts, images, documents and information that can be used to explore the region’s heritage. The South Canterbury Museum has a wealth of resources and materials for historical and genealogical research available in the Research Reading Room and online. Opening hours for the galleries and Research Room, our online catalogue, and links to services and news can be found on their website.

Teece Museum
The Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities is the place to go to satisfy your interest in ancient Greek and Roman art, culture and mythology. Part of the University of Canterbury, it is located on Level 1 of the UC Arts City Location (Old Chemistry) at 3 Hereford Street, in the historic Christchurch Arts Centre. Access to the Museum is via the door in the Arts Centre South Quadrangle. Usual open hours are Wed-Sun, 11am-3pm.

Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House

Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House is based at number 83 Clyde Rd which was the family home of Kate Sheppard between 1888 and 1902. It is where the pioneering suffragist and her fellow campaigners organised their movement to secure the vote for women, and it is now open for the public to visit, enjoy and to seek inspiration from. Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm. Entry fees apply.

Waimate Museum and Archives
The Waimate Historical Society was formed in 1954, when the district was celebrating its 100th year, to preserve the history of the Waimate District. The Museum complex is rated as a historical reserve, hosting justice buildings (1879 Courthouse, Police Station, Jail and Stable), a pioneer cottage, old country school and several purpose built buildings. The climate controlled Archive facility stores the primary information sources for the history of the Waimate District. The accompanying research room enables people to carry out self directed research.

Our collections comprises of objects, documentary historical records and archives that relate to Waimate’s natural history, its people and their activities. The collections include:
– over 150,000 photographs
– Local government archives dating from 1864
– Waimate newspapers & publications
– Local group and business records
– Textiles & costumes, militaria, machinery
– Māori taonga – kete and toki

The catalogue is also available to view online.

Yaldhurst Museum
For over 40 years the museum has been committed to offering visitors a full and rich experience of New Zealands technological past. In addition to over 400 vehicles the museum collects other material relating to transport.