Where is Dinosaur House located?

Dinosaur House is located in a 1922 heritage building at 102 Seddon Street in the centre of historic Raetihi.

What are the standard opening hours?

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Is the museum suitable for wheelchair users?

The ground floor is fully accessible, and a temporary ramp is available at the front entrance to navigate the 3 exterior steps. Because of the heritage structure, the second floor is reachable only via a 22-step staircase; visitors unable to access the upper floor receive half-price admission.

Are there restroom facilities on-site?

There are no accessible toilets inside the museum building, but public accessible toilets are situated directly across the street, just a few metres away.

Are assistance dogs allowed inside?

Yes, certified assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum at all times.

What age restrictions apply for children visiting the museum?

All children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit.

Dinosaur House

tourist attraction — Raetihi · Raetihi

About Dinosaur House

Housed within a distinctive 1922 heritage building in the historic heart of Raetihi, Dinosaur House is an independent museum created and run by dinosaur enthusiasts Ian and Sarah Moore alongside their family. Known as 'small but mighty', the venue brings the prehistoric world into focus through an impressive display of over one hundred authentic specimens, life-sized dinosaur replicas, and fossil showcases designed to engage visitors of all generations.

The museum spans two floors of immersive exhibits, pairing physical displays with interactive elements, dinosaur documentaries running throughout the galleries, and a retro dinosaur video game arcade. Thoughtfully arranged low-level showcases make the exhibits welcoming and accessible for young learners, school groups, and fossil fans exploring the Central Plateau and Ruapehu district. A curated gift shop on-site offers a range of dinosaur books, toys, mugs, and apparel to round out the visit.

Step Back in Prehistoric Time at Raetihi's Dinosaur House

Set inside an elegant 1922 heritage building on Seddon Street in the historic town of Raetihi, Dinosaur House proves that world-class palaeontological fascination does not require a sprawling metropolitan institution. Run by passionate dinosaur enthusiasts Ian and Sarah Moore together with their children, this family-operated destination has earned a reputation across the Ruapehu region as a genuinely 'small but mighty' museum.

From the moment visitors step through the front doors, the space opens into a rich journey spanning hundreds of millions of years. Unlike modern digital-only experiences, Dinosaur House embraces traditional museum curation, putting the majesty of more than 100 genuine fossil specimens and life-sized dinosaur replicas directly in front of the viewer.

Authentic Fossils and Immersive Displays

The heart of the museum is its expansive fossil and replica collection, structured to educate and inspire budding palaeontologists and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Detailed exhibit cases are purposely set at lower heights so that children and visitors with diverse accessibility needs can examine intricate bones, teeth, and prehistoric relics up close.

Alongside the stationary displays, the museum integrates dynamic educational media. Several captivating dinosaur documentaries play in dedicated screening spaces throughout the building, combining scientific discoveries with vivid storytelling that reconstructs ancient environments and prehistoric ecosystems.

Play, Heritage, and the Museum Experience

Beyond traditional viewing galleries, Dinosaur House features interactive corners including a retro dinosaur video game arcade where younger guests and nostalgic parents can enjoy themed vintage games. The two-story experience takes advantage of its historic architecture, maintaining the warmth and distinct character of its 1920s setting.

Before heading back out into town, guests can browse the dedicated museum shop, stocked with a curated selection of dinosaur books, educational toys, souvenir mugs, and apparel. Whether stopping through on a tour of the central North Island or making a dedicated day trip with the family, Dinosaur House offers an engaging, personal window into Earth's ancient past.

Signature items

Fossil Collection
Life-Sized Replicas
Dinosaur Arcade
Dinosaur Documentaries
Museum Shop Merchandise

Life-Sized Dinosaur Replicas — Detailed models bringing prehistoric creatures to life across two floors of galleries.
Fossil Collection — Traditional museum collection featuring more than 100 genuine fossil specimens.
Dinosaur Documentaries — Educational films combining science, storytelling, and visuals screened throughout the museum.
Retro Dinosaur Arcade — Classic-style video game arcade stations themed around dinosaurs for visitors to play.
Interactive Exhibits — Hands-on learning displays focused on prehistoric history and palaeontology.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dinosaur House located?: Dinosaur House is located in a 1922 heritage building at 102 Seddon Street in the centre of historic Raetihi.
What are the standard opening hours?: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Is the museum suitable for wheelchair users?: The ground floor is fully accessible, and a temporary ramp is available at the front entrance to navigate the 3 exterior steps. Because of the heritage structure, the second floor is reachable only via a 22-step staircase; visitors unable to access the upper floor receive half-price admission.
Are there restroom facilities on-site?: There are no accessible toilets inside the museum building, but public accessible toilets are situated directly across the street, just a few metres away.
Are assistance dogs allowed inside?: Yes, certified assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum at all times.
What age restrictions apply for children visiting the museum?: All children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit.

Tips

{"body":"There are three steps leading into the front entrance, but staff have a temporary wheelchair ramp available right at the door.","title":"Ask for the Entry Ramp if Needed"}
{"body":"Displays are arranged over two levels. The second floor requires climbing 22 steps in the heritage building, and visitors unable to head upstairs receive half-price admission.","title":"Note the Staircase for the Second Floor"}
{"body":"Beyond the fossil displays, take time to watch the short educational films playing around the museum and try out the vintage dinosaur games in the arcade.","title":"Allow Time for Documentaries and Arcade Games"}
{"body":"If you require accessible restroom facilities, they are located straight across the street just a short walk from the front doors.","title":"Check Across the Street for Accessible Toilets"}

Good to know

{"family":"Family-friendly with low-height showcases, interactive displays, retro arcade, and documentaries; children 15 and under require adult supervision.","parking":"Several car parks are available right in front of the museum on Seddon Street.","accessibility":"Ground floor accessible with temporary front entrance ramp; second floor accessible only by stairs (half-price admission applies if unable to access upstairs). Assistance dogs welcome."}