Christchurch Museum: was established in 1867 and was able to quickly expand its exhibits, trading with international museums in moa bones. The Jurassic era moa birds lived on the Canterbury Plains, but were hunted to extinction by early Maori. The museum has a large collection of moa period artefacts, as well as a significant section dedicated to Antarctica, celebrating great explorers such as Admundsen and Scott.
Rolleston Avenue. Open: 09:00 to 17:00. Air Force Museum: is one of the city’s most popular attractions with displays of 28 classic aircrafts. There are also a number of hands-on and interactive displays, including exhibits on aviation history and a flight simulator.
Main South Road, Wigram. Open: Daily 10:00 to 17:00. International Antarctic Centre: Christchurch has always had a close link with Antarctica, dating back to 1912 when Captain Scott kept his dogs nearby at Quail Island in preparation for his trip. This museum has a number of excellent interactive displays, including the opportunity to experience a simulated storm or take a ride on the Hagglund vehicle used to explore on the ice. There is also an aquarium here. The centre is the base for Antarctic research and has a focus on modern day expeditions.
Orchard Road, Harewood. Open: October to March 09:00 to 19:00; April to September 09:00 to 17:30. South Canterbury Museum: this small museum contains some interesting collections covering the history of South Canterbury. The exhibits include Maori artefacts and 19th century shipwrecks. The local history section is of particular interest to students, historians and genealogists.
Perth Street, Timaru. Open: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 16:30; weekends 13:30 to 16:30. Timeball Station: in the days before modern naval technology, ships would make sure their chronometers were accurate by checking when a large white ball was lowered at Timeball Station. The station is still maintained and the ball is lifted above the tower at 12:55 each day before being dropped on the hour. There is also a small maritime museum.
Reserve Terrace, Lyttelton. Open: Daily 10:00 to 17:00. | 
