Visiting the Air Force Museum
All you need to know to plan your visit
Suitable for all ages
45 Harvard Ave, Wigram
Suitable for all abilities
Free - Koha (donations) are appreciated
(03) 371 9600
Haere Mai
Welcome
The Air Force Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day, 25 December) from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
Getting here and parking
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is located in the suburb of Wigram in Christchurch, New Zealand, just a short 15 minute drive from either the CBD or the airport.
For driving directions to 45 Harvard Avenue, click here to view our location on Google Maps.
Plenty of free parking is available at the front of the Museum.
Buses
The 80, 100 and Yellowline buses travel down Main South or Springs Road. On Main South Road, get off when you see the orange and silver Harvard aircraft on a pole, then walk for 200m down Harvard Avenue. If you get off at the bus stop on Springs Road around the corner, walk down Henry Wigram Drive, past Wigram Base (former RNZAF Officers’ Mess), until you get to Harvard Avenue. The Museum is straight across the road. For more information about planning your journey to the Museum, head to the Metro Bus website or contact us directly.
Know before you go
Hei mua i tō haerenga mai
If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, our staff at the Welcome Desk are on hand to help. The Welcome Desk is located in the Atrium, next to the main entrance. Alternatively, you can chat to our friendly volunteer guides, who you will see around the Museum wearing branded vests and lanyards.
Please help us protect our treasures by not taking food and drink into the galleries.
Some of our galleries have reduced lighting and potential hazards such as staircases. For your own safety and the safety of other visitors, we advise no running around the Museum.
All our staff are first aid trained and authorised to operate the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) which is located next to the sliding doors opposite the Welcome Desk at the main entrance of the Museum.
Baby changing facilities are located in the wheelchair accessible bathroom in the main entrance foyer. You are most welcome to breastfeed in any of our spaces, but a private room is available if you prefer, simply ask at the Welcome Desk.
Access for all
Āheinga Hunga Hauā
We are on a journey towards ensuring our Museum is accessible for everyone. We welcome feedback and suggestions – please contact us to discuss further.
Parking
Our large outdoor carpark includes accessible parking spaces close to the entrance of the Museum. Drivers are also welcome to drop off visitors near the front doors before parking in an available space.
Wheelchairs
We have a small number of wheelchairs available for use in the Museum, free of charge. Please ask at the Welcome Desk when you arrive.
Physical Access
The Museum has large, open areas to explore, with ramps or elevator access to all display areas, as well as a spacious Café.
The elevator is located in the Atrium, next to the Museum Store.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets can be found in two ground floor locations:
- Main entrance foyer
- Aircraft Hall
Assistance and Mobility Animals
Certified service animals are welcome in our Museum. Please ensure your animal wears the appropriate coat and you can provide a valid ID card.
Autism Friendly Museum
The Air Force Museum is an autism friendly museum, and we are developing resources to support this community.
Quiet times: The Air Force Museum tends to be quieter on weekday afternoons during school term time, as most school visits occur in the morning. At weekends, the Museum is usually quietest between 3pm and 4.30pm (closing time), after birthday parties have finished.
We aim to incorporate quiet sessions in our large public events – please keep an eye on event details here on our website, or on our Facebook page for further information.
Our Museum does include some high sensory spaces, which incorporate sound effects and changing light levels. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like more information about these areas.
Click here to download a social story for a family visit with young children.
Guided Tours
Our education and public programmes, including guided tours, can all be tailored to different needs or requirements. Please contact our friendly team more information:
- Phone: 03 371 9600
- Email: programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz
Get in touch
If you have a group with particular access requirements, or you’d like more information about accessibility at the Air Force Museum, please contact us:
- Phone: 03 371 9600
- Email: info@airforcemuseum.co.nz
Bring a group
Haere ā-rōpū mai
Bring your special interest or social club group to the Museum, and enjoy a unique experience from our many group activities (minimum group size of eight applies).
Read about group activity options
Bookings are essential
- Phone: 03 337 8720
- Email: programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz
More to explore
