Last updated July 2026
At the Dunedin Gasworks Museum in Dunedin, New Zealand, visitors can explore the country’s first gasworks, which opened in 1863. The site operated until 1987 and now preserves industrial heritage through historic buildings and machinery. It stands as one of the few preserved gasworks museums worldwide and holds Category 1 status on the New Zealand Heritage List. The museum operates on Sundays with opportunities for guided tours and hands-on experiences. Its location in South Dunedin provides a tangible connection to the city’s industrial past.
Practical Information
| Address | 20 Braemar Street, South Dunedin |
| Opening Hours | Sundays, 12 pm to 4 pm (closed Easter Sunday) |
| Admission | By koha; suggested donation $5 per adult |
| Heritage Status | Category 1 Historic Place (Heritage New Zealand) |
| Guided Tours | Often available on request |
| Contact | in**@****************rg.nz or +64 3 455 5063 |
About Dunedin Gasworks Museum
The Dunedin Gasworks Museum occupies the site of New Zealand’s first gasworks, established in 1863 by the Dunedin Gas Light and Coke Company. It supplied gas initially for street lighting and later supported the city’s growth during the gold rush era and beyond. The Dunedin City Council acquired the works in 1876, and the facility expanded over subsequent decades to meet increasing demand.
Production of coal gas continued until the plant closed in 1987. The site now functions as a museum that preserves key structures, including the Engine House and associated buildings. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to see original industrial equipment in its historic setting.
The museum is managed by volunteers and the Dunedin Gasworks Museum Trust. It provides an educational experience focused on the technology and social history of gas production in New Zealand.
History of the Gasworks
The gasworks opened in 1863 as the first facility of its kind in New Zealand. It played a central role in lighting Dunedin’s streets and powering early industry. Ownership transferred to the Dunedin City Corporation in 1876, after which the works remained under municipal control.
Expansion occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to accommodate population growth. The facility supplied gas to thousands of customers at its peak before natural gas and other energy sources rendered coal gas production obsolete.
Closure came in 1987. Volunteer efforts soon began to preserve the site, leading to its current role as a museum dedicated to industrial heritage.
Heritage Status and Architecture
The Dunedin Gasworks Exhauster and Boiler House is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. The listing recognises the site’s rarity as an early twentieth-century industrial complex with relatively unmodified brick buildings and original machinery.
Notable features include the gasholder frame from 1881, the Engine House with its landmark chimney, and the Brick Fitting Shop dating from around 1900. These structures demonstrate the engineering practices of the period and remain visible landmarks in South Dunedin.
Visiting and Guided Tours
The museum welcomes visitors every Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Guided tours are often available on request and provide insights into the gas production process and historic machinery. Group visits can be arranged in advance by contacting the museum.
Basic amenities are available on site. The industrial setting offers an immersive experience suitable for history enthusiasts and families interested in New Zealand’s industrial development.
Blacksmithing Classes and Events
Beginner blacksmithing classes run in the historic Victorian forge. Sessions last from 10 am to 3 pm, cost $150 per person (materials included), and require no prior experience. Participants typically complete a project such as a fire poker.
Classes continue throughout 2026, with new dates released periodically. Enquiries should be directed to the listed contact for future sessions. The museum also hosts occasional steaming days and other heritage events.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the museum as a fascinating and well-preserved slice of industrial history, praising the knowledgeable volunteer guides who bring the machinery and stories to life.
Many appreciate the hands-on blacksmithing classes and the authentic atmosphere of the site, noting it as an engaging experience for those interested in heritage and engineering.
Where to Learn More
Dunedin Gasworks Museum official website: Current opening hours, event details, and contact information.
Heritage New Zealand listing: Detailed heritage assessment and historical significance of the site.
DunedinNZ tourism site: Visitor information and context for attractions in Dunedin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the museum open every day?
No, the museum is open only on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm and is closed on Easter Sunday.
What is the admission fee?
Admission is by koha with a suggested donation of $5 per adult.
Are guided tours available?
Guided tours are often available on request during opening hours.
Can I take a blacksmithing class?
Yes, beginner classes are offered periodically in the historic forge; bookings are required and new dates are released throughout the year.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility details are not specified on the official site; visitors with mobility needs should contact the museum in advance.
Are pets allowed?
No pet policy is published; service animals are typically permitted at heritage sites, but confirmation with the museum is recommended.
Can groups visit outside regular hours?
Group visits can be booked by arrangement through the museum contact.
Where is the museum located?
The museum is at 20 Braemar Street, South Dunedin.
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