Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, located at 31 Queens Gardens in Dunedin, New Zealand, offers visitors an immersive dive into the social history of the region. Nestled in the city’s charming heritage precinct beside the Chinese Garden and near the historic railway station, this museum vividly recounts the stories of people who shaped Dunedin—from Kāi Tahu ancestors and first European settlers to later waves of arrival. It welcomes visitors daily with a friendly, informative atmosphere.

About the Museum

The museum is New Zealand’s oldest history museum, founded in 1898 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Otago Scottish settlement. Over the years, it has expanded from focusing solely on early European pioneers to including stories of Māori, Chinese and more recent arrivals. After a major redevelopment completed in December 2012, it reopened under the name “Toitū Otago Settlers Museum”, with new wings and a modern entrance foyer connecting to the historic Burnside building.

Inside, fourteen themed galleries trace Dunedin’s human history from pre‑European times through the nineteenth‑century gold rush and into the twentieth and twenty‑first centuries. These spaces feature interactive displays, multimedia storytelling, portraits, dioramas, vehicles, early computer technology and creative broadcasting exhibits. Highlights include the Smith Gallery, also known as the Portrait Room, where walls are covered in images of early settlers and visitors can interact digitally to learn more about individuals.

The museum also houses the Josephine Foyer, named for the locomotive “Josephine” (built in 1872), and another wing dedicated to vintage transport machinery including drays, trolley buses and the J^A 1274 steam locomotive—the last steam engine built by New Zealand Railways. A gallery on digital technology features rare artifacts such as an ICT 1301 mainframe, one of only four in existence worldwide, along with displays on radio, television and Dunedin’s music heritage.

Visitors also benefit from a research centre offering access to historical archives, genealogical databases (such as OASES), photographic portraits and early documents—ideal for those tracing local ancestry or exploring Dunedin’s past. On‑site amenities include a café, museum shop, free Wi‑Fi, bag and coat check, accessible facilities, guided visitor hosts, and family‑friendly provisions such as parenting rooms and space for pushchairs. Admission is free for general visitors, though charges may apply for research archival access or special exhibitions.

Interesting Facts

Established in 1898, the museum is New Zealand’s oldest history museum, created to honour the fiftieth anniversary of the Otago settlement
The name “Toitū”, meaning “to remain unchanged” or “to keep safe”, was chosen for the main stream that once ran near the museum site, reflecting its mission to preserve heritage
The locomotive “Josephine”, housed in the museum, is the oldest preserved steam locomotive in New Zealand, built in 1872, and was the first steam engine saved for preservation in the country
Another locomotive on display, J^A 1274, was the last steam locomotive built by New Zealand Railways, entering service in December 1956 and retired in November 1971
The museum’s transport wing retains an Art Deco entrance hall, originally part of the New Zealand Railways bus depot built in 1939, now integrated into the museum’s historic fabric
The ICT 1301 mainframe display is one of only four surviving worldwide, reflecting Dunedin’s role in early computing history.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: 03 477 50 52

Website: toituosm.com/#!undefined

Facebook: facebook.com/ToituOSM

Conclusion

A visit to Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is both educational and inspiring. From immersive interactive galleries and portrait rooms to preserved locomotives and early computers, the museum offers an engaging journey through Dunedin’s rich social history. Its inclusive storytelling honours the experiences of Kāi Tahu, early European settlers, Chinese arrivals and more recent communities, weaving a tapestry of culture, innovation and identity. With free general admission, accessible facilities, a café and shop, and family‑friendly features, it is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast, genealogy researcher or traveller seeking local flavour, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum provides a warm welcome and memorable insights into the people who shaped New Zealand’s first great city.