2010 Edition
Costal Otago & Southland
Costal Otago & Southland
Dunedin - Character and Culture Close to Nature

Listings for: Dunedin > Attractions and Tours > Galleries/Museums and Studios
Otago Settlers Museum
One of New Zealand’s finest social history museums; telling the stories of Dunedin and Otago’s people. Discover what makes Otago different at the Otago Settlers Museum, one of New Zealand’s finest social history museums established in 1898. Like the people who settled here, the Museum has a colourful and interesting history. Open 10am-5pm daily. Admission is free. 

Heritage

The Maori explorers began arriving in the bays to the north and south of Dunedin from about 1100 AD. They fished the rich coastal waters and travelled inland in pursuit of the giant flightless moa as well as duck and freshwater fish.

These people also initiated trade with Northerners in the precious greenstone or pounamu. The oldest known tribe was the Waitaha.  By the time the Scottish settlers arrived at Otepoti in 1848, they found the site of modern day Dunedin rich in Maori history.

The rough, tough and enterprising whalers added an element of diversity and intermarried with local Otakau Maori from the 1820s. Race relations in the area were thereby shaped before Captain Cargill and the Reverend Thomas Burns arrived to establish a Free Church settlement. This cultural mix of Maori, whaler and Presbyterian Scot gave early Dunedin a character all of its own. 

The Scottish influence bequeathed fine churches like First Church and Knox but also contributed much more to the developing city.… including a passionate enthusiasm for education.

The wealth generated by the nearby goldfields was instrumental in establishing Otago Boys’ High School, Otago Girls’ High School and the University of Otago (the first in New Zealand).

The Otago Settlers Museum provides a window to the past glory and struggles of Dunedin’s early stalwarts. Just a short stroll from the Octagon, the visitor can be transported back in time through the many displays of artifacts, photographs and memorabilia. The age of steam is also recalled in the form of one of New Zealand’s earliest locomotives. In contrast, Dunedin’s most famous stately home, Olveston, is a perfect example of the prosperous past. The private home of the Theomin family, it has been beautifully preserved and reflects Dunedin lifestyle in the Edwardian era. Similarly, Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula offers a taste of ostentatious grace amidst a more rugged setting.


The Otago Museum houses a magnificent collection of Polynesian and Maori artifacts. There are also significant displays of native birds and mammals. The Southern Land, Southern People Gallery offers a gateway to the region and an insight into the southern soul. The Hocken Library boasts a vast collection of books, paintings, written and recorded material covering the whole of European history in New Zealand. The Dunedin Public Library is also a substantial reference resource with a fine collection of rare books and manuscripts, and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery houses one of the nation’s finest collections including a magnificent Monet and a number of Frances Hodgkins paintings. Everywhere in Dunedin the rich legacy of times past is remembered and preserved for future generations to enjoy. 

...Dunedin is becoming increasingly popular as a mellow city nurturing a strong artsy side. If you can unglue yourself from the city’s cafe scene, the raggedly shaped Otago Peninsula lies practically in Dunedin’s backyard and is teeming with wildlife and outdoor activities. Lonely Planet 2006


Address: 31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 477 5052
Email: osmmail@dcc.govt.nz
Website: www.otago.settlers.museum
Map Reference: L12

Back to Index
Bob Wyber Contemporary Jewellery
Individual hand crafted contemporary jewellery.  Designs inspired from the New Zealand environment.

Address: 91 Stuart Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 474 9984
Email: bwyber@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.comtemporaryjewellery.co.nz
Map Reference: K12

Back to Index
de Beer Gallery
The University of Otago Library's Special Collections reflect predominantly European culture and have a wealth of unique holdings that are quite remarkable in New Zealand.
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm
(Central Library, Information Services Building)

Address: 65 Albany Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 479 8330
Fax: +64 3 479 8327
Email: special.collections@otago.ac.nz
Website: www.library.otago.ac.nz/SpecialCollections/index.html
Map Reference: M8

Back to Index
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Open 10am - 5pm daily.
Located in the heart of the city, Dunedin Public Art Gallery has an impressive collection of historical and contemporary works.  Its broad variety of exhibitions and stunning architecture make it a 'must see' for any visitor to the city.
A department of the Dunedin City Council - ADMISSION IS FREE.

Address: 30 The Octagon, Dunedin
Postal Address: PO Box 566, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 474 3240
Fax: +64 3 474 3250
Email: dpagmail@dcc.govt.nz
Website: www.dunedin.art.museum
Map Reference: J12

Back to Index
Gallery De Novo
Situated midway between The Octagon and Dunedin's Historic Railway Station, Gallery De Novo specialises in exhibiting excellent quality original works of art by New Zealand artists in the following mediums; photography, print making, mixed media, pencil drawing, painting and sculpture. Exhibitions and rotating art programme. Antique Reproduction prints. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm,Sat-Sun 10.00am-2.00pm.

Address: 101 Stuart Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 474 9200
Fax: +64 3 474 9206
Email: art@gallerydenovo.co.nz
Website: www.gallerydenovo.co.nz
Map Reference: K12

Back to Index
Hocken Collections
Uare Taoka o Hakena
A library, an archive and an art museum.

Founded on the collection donated by Dr T. M. Hocken in 1910 and entrusted to the University of Otago for the people of New Zealand, the Hocken is a highly regarded research facility with specialist reference services. Its collections focus on the history, development, cultures and natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific and Antarctica, with special emphasis on southern New Zealand. 

The Hocken Gallery showcases contemporary and historical material from the collection through a regularly changing programme of exhibitions.

A vast research repository of artworks, photographs, manuscripts, maps and published material relating to New Zealand and the South Pacific, with an exhibition gallery.

Hours of Opening: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.00; Sat 9.00-12.00; Tuesday night 6.00-9.00 (library only)

Address: cnr Anzac Avenue and Parry Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 479 8868
Fax: +64 3 479 5078
Email: hocken@otago.ac.nz
Website: www.library.otago.ac.nz/hocken
Map Reference: P10

Back to Index
Koru New Zealand Art & Jade

Offering a wide range of local art and clothing including traditional and contemporary New Zealand designs. Opposite Dunedin’s Historic Railway Station




Address: cnr Castle and Lower Stuart Streets, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 477 2138
Email: sandie.dd@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.nzartandjade.co.nz
Map Reference: L12

Back to Index
Marshall Seifert Gallery
We exhibit the best of New Zealand art plus historic items from around the Pacific and Asia. 19th and 20th Century New Zealand photography and British, Japanese and New Zealand ceramics are specialties. Monday - Friday 11.00 - 5.30pm, Saturday 12.00 - 2.00pm.

Address: 5 Dowling Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 477 5260
Fax: +64 3 477 5262
Email: msgallery@xtra.co.nz
Map Reference: I14

Back to Index
Moray Gallery
Moray Gallery is a boutique art gallery proudly supporting New Zealand (Aotearoa) artists and crafts people. Showcasing not only one off original pieces for that special occasion, Moray Gallery is also a popular destination for a wide range of affordable gifts including: Studio Ceramics, Studio Glass, Printmaking, Painting, Sculpture, Contemporary Craft and Gift Cards. 
Open Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat 11am - 3pm

Address: 55 Princes Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 477 8060
Email: info@moraygallery.com
Website: www.moraygallery.com

Back to Index
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
Relive New Zealand's great sporting moments ...  Learn about the great New Zealand sports achievers.  Spend a couple of hours for a century of sporting excellence.  Housed in the historic Dunedin Railway Station.  Open 7 days 10:00am - 4:00pm
The only one of its kind in New Zealand

Address: First Floor, Railway Station, Anzac Avenue, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 477 7775
Fax: +64 3 477 7762
Email: ron.p@clear.net.nz
Website: www.nzhalloffame.co.nz
Map Reference: L13

Back to Index
Port Chalmers Museum
Situated in the historic stone post office the Port Chalmers Museum has a strong collection based on Otago’s maritime history. Featuring the Union Steam Ship Company and Otago Harbour Board. Ship models, maritime art and artefacts create a salty atmosphere. Open 9.00-3.00 weekdays, 1.30-4.30 weekends and public holidays.

Address: Beach Street, Port Chalmers
Phone: +64 3 472 8233
Email: pcmuseum@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.pcmuseum.co.nz

Back to Index
Quadrant Gallery
Contemporary New Zealand Jewellery, Glass, Ceramics and Sculpture. Featuring work by local and national artists.
Hours: Mon to Fri 12 noon - 5:30pm. Sat 10 am - 2 pm.

Address: Bracken Court, 480 Moray Place, Dunedin
Email: info@quadrantgallery.co.nz
Website: www.quadrantgallery.co.nz
Map Reference: J13

Back to Index
Rockbourne
Dunedin’s Best Kept Secret... 
A Unique Gallery of Costume Jewellery & Gifts. 
The Victorian library in this gracious two story residence built in 1906 showcases an extensive array of fabulous costume and designer jewellery. A beautiful retail experience would be hard to find elsewhere.
Open: Thurs, Fri, Sat, 11am - 4pm, or anytime by appointment.

Address: 298 York Place, City Rise, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 474 5511
Mobile/After Hours: 021 023 69473

Back to Index
South Seas Gallery
The Home of Lindsay Crooks and Janet Weir
Art of Lindsay Crooks, Janet Crooks, Ollie Crooks, Gael Weir and Jeanie Robertson.
Paintings, pastels, fine art reproductions and postcards. 
All visitors welcome. Open Sat & Sun 1.00pm-5.00pm or weekdays by appointment.
Brighton is approximately 25 minutes south of Dunedin.
(Refer to regional map, page 40 of Dunedin A to Z Visitor Guide)

Address: 1088 Brighton Road, Brighton
Phone: +64 3 481 1805
Email: janet@southseasgallery.com
Website: www.southseasgallery.com
Map Reference: U26

Back to Index
Southern Land, Southern People
Otago Museum
Nau mai, haere mai
The Tangata Whenua Gallery awaits you
Enrich your understanding of Maori culture and heritage through this precious collection of taoka (treasures).  Discover stories of local Kai Tahu.
Admission is free.

Begin your journey in Southern New Zealand at the outstanding Otago Museum. Discover the treasures and special stories of this amazing region when you visit the new Southern Land, Southern People Gallery - a gateway to the region and a true celebration of the southern soul!
Open 7 days 10am - 5pm.
Guided tours daily at 3:30pm, $10 per person.

Address: 419 Great King Steet, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 474 7474
Website: www.otagomuseum.govt.nz
Map Reference: L8

Back to Index
The Artist's Room
A wide selection of local & national artists; 
art consultants and fine art gallery. 
Mon-Fri 10.00am-5.00pm Sat 12.00-2.00pm or by appointment.

Address: Level 1, 2 Dowling Street, Dunedin
Phone: +64 3 474 1111
Fax: +64 3 474 1222
Email: michelle@theartistsroom.co.nz
Website: www.theartistsroom.co.nz

Back to Index
back to top