Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

Storytelling is the focus of this excellent interactive museum, which traces the history of human settlement on the South Island. Pass through the new albatross waharoa (entranceway) by master carver James York to enter the engrossing Māori section, followed by a large gallery where floor-to-ceiling portraits of Victorian-era settlers stare out from behind their whiskers and lace. Walk through a re-created passenger-ship cabin (you can try out a bunk) and check out the fascinating array of obsolete technology.