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Lakes District Museum & Gallery

Museum Bank
Lakes District Museum
Lakes District Museum interior
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Museum Collection Textiles
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The Lakes District Museum & Gallery showcases the history of the Queenstown Lakes District which spans 8,719 km2 from Makarora to Kingston. Set within three historical buildings on Buckingham Street, the museum is packed with an abundance of artefacts, displays and local stories.

Open every day (except Christmas Day), the museum artfully displays stories of tangata whenua, tough gold miners, and the hard-working settlers who paved the way for the thriving district we have today. Explore the recreated grog shanty, Victorian schoolhouse and blacksmith’s workshop, and learn about the social and cultural history of the Queenstown Lakes District.

In the summer months, join our expert gold panning tutors for a hands-on lesson in our troughs and take home a souvenir of real Arrowtown gold!

AccessibleAccessible Baby-friendlyBaby-friendly

Location

49 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown

Hours

Every day from 9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Christmas Day

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Gold panning lessons - guaranteed gold!

Strike it rich in Arrowtown! Join the Lakes District Museum’s hands-on gold panning experience and learn the tricks of the old-time prospectors. Fun for all ages, with a friendly guide and a taste of gold rush history 20 minute lesson with a guarantee that you will find gold to take home! Call us or come in and enquire at museum reception.
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art gallery

More than a museum

In addition to the historical displays, the Lakes District Museum has an art gallery space that features rolling exhibitions of artworks for sale by local artists. There is also a gift shop and information desk where our team can help you with the best local recommendations.
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