Museums

If you are interested in history, there are several museums in the Waimakariri District worth checking out. 

Rangiora Museum

The Rangiora Museum at 29 Good Street, Rangiora, is administered by the Rangiora and Districts Early Records Society. They hold an extensive collection of historic photographs of the town of Rangiora, surrounding districts and the people who lived there. 

The museum features a 1905 sitting room, c.1900 bedroom and early kitchen.

The museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 1.30 pm to 4 pm, or by appointment. Admission is $2 for adults and 50 cents for children.

Kaiapoi Museum

The Kaiapoi Museum is in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre at 176 Williams Street, Kaiapoi, and is administered by the Kaiapoi District Historical Society.

As well as an interesting collection of objects from Kaiapoi's past, the Kaiapoi Museum holds an extensive collection of early photographs, local school photographs, cemetery records and family histories. 

The museum is open for viewing Monday to Wednesday and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursdays from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, but museum volunteers aren't always available. Entry is by donation.

Cust Museum

The Cust Museum is at 1725 Main Road, Cust and is open Sundays from 2 pm to 4 pm or by arrangement. It is administered by the Cust and Districts Historical Records Society, and is housed in the building that was once the offices of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board. 

The Cust Museum is a place that portrays the heritage and history of the area bounded by Bennetts, Fernside, the Ashley River and the Waimakariri River. There is material available in the museum for family research.

Oxford Museum

The Oxford Museum is at 70 Main Street, Oxford. It is open Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm, and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 pm to 3.30 pm. Entry is by gold coin donation. 

Northbrook Colonial Museum

Northbrook Colonial Museum is at Rossburn, Spark Lane, Rangiora. It is open year-round - phone 03 313 7427 to make an appointment to visit. 

Go back in time and experience some of our fascinating history including an early street with butcher, chemist and hardware shops. An extensive range of New Zealand's colonial history.

National Scout Museum

The National Scout Museum is situated in the Conference Wing at the Blue Skies Conference and Training Centre at 12 Williams Street, Kaiapoi and is open Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm or by arrangement. 

The National Scout Museum has a permanent display detailing the history of scouting in New Zealand, starting from Baden Powell's story and his founding of the scouting movement.