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New Zealand/Things to Do in Queenstown, with kids

Lakes District Museum & Gallery (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Lakes District Museum & Gallery?

88%Kids-Friendly
View Map

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.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 1,122 reviews)

Positives:

  • Hands-on learning: Interactive gold panning and treasure hunts keep kids engaged.
  • Accessible facilities: Ground floor and lift access make all areas reachable with strollers.
  • Family ticket value: Family pass covers 2 adults and up to 3 children at a lower combined rate.

Challenges:

  • Limited space upstairs: Upper floors have narrow corridors that feel cramped with prams or large groups.
  • Lesson booking needed: Indoor gold panning requires advance booking to guarantee your family’s slot.
  • Variable river flow: High water after rain may restrict outdoor panning by the Arrow River.
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🏖️ Explore Lakes District Museum & Gallery with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Lakes District Museum & Gallery. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Lakes District Museum & Gallery?

  • A museum in Arrowtown near Queenstown dedicated to the Lakes District’s gold-rush history and Chinese miner heritage
  • An art gallery hosting rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists alongside curated social-history collections
  • Located in a restored 19th-century heritage building reflecting Arrowtown’s mining-era architecture

What is so special about Lakes District Museum & Gallery for with kids?

  1. Interactive gold panning keeps kids actively involved.
  2. Treasure-hunt booklets guide families through key displays.
  3. Family pass offers good value for 2 adults and up to 3 children.
  4. Pram and lift access ensure easy movement around all floors.
  5. Art gallery and history exhibits provide varied experiences.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

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.

(View Lakes District Museum & Gallery on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Lakes District Museum & Gallery

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lakes District Museum & Gallery

  1. Arrive early: Get there at opening to avoid queues at the gold-panning station.
  2. Combine with Arrowtown walk: Use free maps to enjoy a short family-friendly riverside loop after your visit.
  3. Pack snacks: No on-site café—bring drinks and light snacks to keep energy up between exhibits.
🏖️ Tour Lakes District Museum & Gallery like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Lakes District Museum & Gallery. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Lakes District Museum & Gallery

Powered by Google
Nikolai

Nikolai

Oct 2025

Museum was the highlight of our visit to Arrowtown. The exhibits were very well done and detailed.

Katie M

Katie M

Sep 2025

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

Teagen Southey-Faoagali-Latu

Aug 2025

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

Em Dee

Jul 2025

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

Mercedes Rakete

Jul 2025

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.

When is the best time to visit Lakes District Museum & Gallery (Queenstown, New Zealand)?

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.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Queenstown on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Family admission passNZD 30
Pan & trowel hire (net)NZD 5
Total EstimatedNZD 35

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Lakes District Museum & Gallery

Address: 49 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Lakes District Museum & Gallery (Queenstown)?

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About Lakes District Museum & Gallery

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+64 3 442 1824

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