Welcome to the Southland Museum & Art Gallery Niho o te Taniwha, Southland's largest cultural and heritage institution, containing a wide variety of the region's art, history and natural history collections.

Tuatara

Ongoing

Our Tuatarium (as we call it) is proclaimed to be one of the world’s best enclosures, where you can see live tuatara thriving in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Being a much warmer environment than other outdoor enclosures, especially in the winter months, you are more likely to see a live tuatara here. Tuatara are cold-blooded and more active in warmer habitats.

The Southland Museum cares for over 100 tuatara, all at different stages of development; from new born babies to teenagers, to our world famous Henry, who is over 110 years old. Incidentally, Henry holds the world record for living in captivity for over 46 years.

Tuatara can also be viewed outside museum hours through the windows on the north side of the pyramid.

For public tours and hands on experiences please enquire.