Lakes District Museum

Situated just a 20-minute drive from New Zealand's premiere resort, Queenstown, the award-winning Lakes District Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of early Maori 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 museum is set in the historic village of Arrowtown, which offers a relaxed pace in a setting of overwhelming beauty. 

With its richly preserved heritage, Arrowtown's past is all around you. As well as unique hands-on displays, the museum's gallery shows a changing selection of history or art exhibitions, with an excellent selection of books available in the museum bookshop. Our research facility provides for both the casual family historian and the serious researcher. As an information outlet and booking agent, we are often the first stop for visitors to the town. The museum also offers pre-booking options for tour, education and conference and incentive groups. Open daily 8.30am-5pm.