Explore The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, otherwise known as Te Papa, is New Zealand’s national museum, located on the stunning waterfront in the capital city of Wellington.

With a plethora of exhibitions, galleries, tours, fossils, nature zones, the infamous ‘Quake House', and an entire section of interactive activities dedicated to the kiddies, Te Papa really is a must-visit for all ages on any trip to the capital.

Exhibitions & Galleries

The exhibitions at Te Papa really are world-class. With a revolving door of art forms, historic artefacts, installations, the groundbreaking artistic masterpiece of Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibit, and nature exhibitions in all their forms, there are almost too many to choose from at any given time.

Learn about the pioneers of the women fighting for equality in New Zealand or go on journey with Mana Whenua, exploring and celebrating the Māori as tangata whenua - the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colours and patterns of the Pacific or learn about the stories of young refugees in New Zealand. Wherever you choose to go, you can easily spend a whole day learning and admiring the exhibits and galleries alone.

Top tip: while Te Papa itself is free of charge, there are some exhibits (such as Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War) which have an entrance fee.

Discovery Centres for Kids

If you end up in the capital on a rainy day (and let’s be honest - there’s a strong chance that will happen), then Te Papa is the perfect place to take the kids.

Completely free of charge, there are multiple hands-on educational exhibits, games, books, and activities to do throughout the museum to keep them busy (and run them ragged!)

Explore PlaNet Pasifika on level 4 which showcases the diversity of expressions and creativity of the people in the Pacific Island nations. Get creative in the Art Studio: Colour on level 5 and explore your inner artiste, or explore the Te Taiao: Nature zone on level 2 and celebrate New Zealand in her unique natural environment. From dinosaur fossils, to native birds, to whales, to the extinct Moa, to the fiery land of volcanoes, the kids will love exploring the weird and wonderful wildlife and geological forces that shape our shaky land.

For those brave (and old) enough, make sure you visit the famous Quake House in this section; a house with a shaking floor simulating an earthquake. 

Events

Te Papa has an exciting event programme called Ngā kaupapa motuhake which runs year-round. Keep an eye out for song and dance performances, kids activities, cultural days, and so much more. 

Transport

Te Papa has an expansive carpark, where you will be able to find a park any time of the day. However, with the parking rate of $4 per hour, this can add up quickly - especially if you spend half the day there.

To avoid the parking rates, take any bus that goes through Courtney Place and get off there. From Courtney Place, it is about a 5-minute walk directly to the waterfront - you can’t miss it!