What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: School-age kids get a family pass, treasure-hunt sheets, indoor gold-panning lessons, and interactive rooms; flat floors and toilets keep a 1-2-hour visit easy and lively.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore exhibits, join gold panning, and browse the gallery at a relaxed pace.
Interactive Gold Panning Lesson:
Join a 20-minute indoor trough session and keep the real gold you find.
Tip: Book your slot at reception or call ahead to secure family space.
Pan & Trowel River Hire:
Borrow panning gear for outdoor fun by the Arrow River and try your luck.
Tip: Wear waterproof shoes and bring a change of socks; deposit is fully refundable.
Treasure Hunt Activity:
Pick up a self-guided booklet to lead kids through key exhibits.
Tip: Collect the booklet at the front desk and follow clues room by room.
Explore Chinese Miners’ Memorial:
See artefacts and plaques honoring early Chinese workers in Arrowtown.
Tip: Discuss the stories with your kids at each display to bring history alive.
Browse the Local Art Gallery:
View rotating exhibitions of regional artists in the adjoining gallery.
Tip: Focus on bright, colourful pieces to keep children engaged.

Nikolai
Museum was the highlight of our visit to Arrowtown. The exhibits were very well done and detailed.
Katie M
This museum is well worth the visit. I popped in as it was a rainy day and was looking for a little reprieve from the weather. This is by far one of my favourite historical museums. The exhibits were well set up and purposeful, not simply displaying artefacts or cramming things in. The information was interesting and there were fun activities to get the kids involved. Every corner I turned, I was ...
Teagen Southey-Faoagali-Latu
What an experience! This museum seems small from the outside, but goes on and on within! Such a rich collection of information and history. We could have spent twice as long here, soaking it all up. There was a lot to read, and my children loved the displays that demonstrated early life in Arrowtown. They were absolutely delighted with the old toilet 😆 Highly recommend stopping in and taking your...
Em Dee
Best (little) museum I’ve been to. Far better than some bigger museums. It was very revealing on how medical was conducted back in history and how they churned butter etc. there was so many elements to the museum which was eye opening. I would recommend viewing the museum when in town it’s about $14 for adult or $10 as a student. It is 2 stories with wheelchair access to the bottom - user friendly...
Mercedes Rakete
We arrived fairly early and it was almost empty. The staff were helpful and let us leave our pram behind their counter. It’s a beautiful museum with quite interesting areas to explore. If you’re ever in Arrowtown definitely check it out for yourself.
In summer, combine museum visit with riverbank panning in warmer weather. In cooler months, dress in layers for outdoor activities and book indoor lessons early.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family admission pass | NZD 30 |
| Pan & trowel hire (net) | NZD 5 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 35 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 49 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand
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