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Kahere Pārūrū

Tūhura Tropical Forest

A lush, living forest filled with hundreds of tropical butterflies

Tūhura’s Tropical Forest is the only three-tier live butterfly experience in Australasia. At around 28 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity year-round, it’s the hottest spot in Dunedin!

Our butterflies come from South America and Southeast Asia. Still in their pupae when they arrive, they hatch at the Museum, and we release them into the Forest. You’ll see them swooping through the air, enjoying some fruit at our feeding stations, and even landing on a shoulder now and again. If you’re lucky, they might choose to perch on you!

The Forest is also home to terrapins, a carp pond, and enclosures with tarantulas, giant African millipedes, and other exotic animals—it’s a world away, but right here in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

Admission is included with your ticket to the Science Centre.

Tūhura Otago Museum supports the Tiaki Promise

Tūhura Science Centre Pricing

Explore Aotearoa’s largest science centre including a tropical butterfly forest, a three-storey slide and 43 other hands-on interactives. Why not combine your experience and add-on a film screening in our 360° Planetarium. For those interested inenjoying our Science Centre at a discounted rate.

Local

International

  • Adult

    $20

    $30

  • Senior or Student with ID

    $15

    $30

  • Child or Community Services Card Holder

    $13

    $13

  • Family Pass of 4 (Max 2 Adults)

    $50

    $80

Science Centre Annual Pass

With an annual pass you have unlimited access to the Science Centre and Tropical Forest for a year, plus a 20% discount on Planetarium tickets and 10% off at the Museum Shop. It is the perfect way to explore the science centre time and time again for 365 days. Join us for a year of exploration and discovery at the Tūhura Science Centre.
  • Adult

    $80

  • Senior or Student with ID

    $60

  • Child or Community Services Card Holder

    $50

  • Companion Pass (Child & Caregiver)

    $100

Me mōhio, ka haere mai

Know before you go:

  • The Tropical Forest is located on Level 1, at the back of the Science Centre

  • All tickets can be purchased from the Information Desk on the Ground Floor or online