Museum visitor numbers up by 70%

Since re-opening in October 2024, the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum has welcomed more than 14,800 people through its doors in the eight months to 30 June 2025. The single busiest day was 482 visitors on 19 November, when the Pacific Adventure was in port.

Shirley Jack is President of the Port Chalmers Historical Society, which operates the museum. She says overall visitor numbers are up about 70% since the refurbishment, and non-cruise-ship days are much busier than previously.

The Wall of Ships is a favourite and the public viewing gallery on the first floor of the Port Otago Annex is also a popular distraction for visitors on their way in or out of the museum.

The Museum team is considered part of the wider Port Otago team, which brings a wonderful energy to the shared building. At an operational level, the museum has access to the IT team and help with technology needs (such as digital displays) and recording oral histories. They also have a much-needed off-site archive storage space in one of our nearby buildings.