Dunedin Gasworks Museum | Dunedin

Dunedin Gasworks Museum

The Dunedin Gasworks Museum is one of the only preserved gasworks museums in the world and a rare example of industrial heritage in New Zealand. Located in South Dunedin, it showcases the history of coal gas production and its role in Dunedin’s development. The museum is a Category I Historic Place, meaning it is of national significance.

Key Features of Dunedin Gasworks Museum

1. Historic Significance

• Opened in 1863, Dunedin’s gasworks was New Zealand’s first and one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Provided coal gas for lighting, heating, and industry until it closed in 1987.
• The museum preserves the engineering, machinery, and processes of early gas production.

2. Steam-Powered Machinery

• One of the main attractions is the working steam engines that once powered gas production.
• The exhibits demonstrate the entire gas-making process, from coal to gas storage and distribution.
• Visitors can see original pumps, compressors, and gasometers (gas storage tanks).

3. Interactive Exhibits and Live Demonstrations

• Live steam engine days allow visitors to see the machinery in action.
• Hands-on exhibits let guests learn about Victorian-era engineering and industrial technology.
• The museum offers educational programs for schools.

4. Rare Gasworks Museum

• One of the few surviving gasworks museums in the world.
• Recognized for its historical and engineering significance.
• Preserves an important part of Dunedin’s industrial past.

5. Historic Buildings and Artifacts

• The site includes original buildings, such as the engine house, boiler house, and retort house.
• Features 19th-century engineering tools, gas lamps, and early appliances.
• Restored gas street lamps show how Dunedin was once illuminated.

Why Visit the Dunedin Gasworks Museum?

• One of the last gasworks museums in the world, offering a unique historical experience.
• See live steam engines in action, showcasing Victorian industrial technology.
• Great for history enthusiasts, engineers, and families interested in New Zealand’s past.
• Educational exhibits that explore energy production, engineering, and innovation.
• Part of Dunedin’s rich industrial and technological history.

Conclusion

The Dunedin Gasworks Museum is a hidden gem that provides a fascinating look into New Zealand’s industrial heritage. With its working steam engines, rare machinery, and hands-on exhibits, it offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.