On Wellington’s waterfront, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa tells the country’s stories through art, history, Māori and Pacific cultures, and the natural world. Interactive displays make it engaging for adults and children, while the collections range from Māori taonga and contemporary New Zealand art to fossils and wildlife. Look for the colossal squid, the Gallipoli exhibition and Rongomaraeroa, the marae on Level 4. The museum spans six floors, so set aside several hours and pause at the café if you need a break.
A national museum on the waterfront
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa opened in 1998, bringing together the National Art Gallery and the National Museum. Its Māori name is commonly translated as “container of treasures”; Te Papa is also known as “Our Place.” The museum occupies a six-storey building at 55 Cable Street, beside Wellington Harbour.
The collections cover art, history, Māori and Pacific cultures, and the natural environment. Rather than focusing on a single period or subject, the exhibitions connect stories about the land and its wildlife with the people who have shaped New Zealand. Interactive displays and multimedia features are used throughout the museum.
Māori and Pacific cultures
Māori taonga and cultural displays are central to Te Papa’s collections. Rongomaraeroa, a contemporary marae, is on Level 4. The museum also presents stories and objects connected with Pacific cultures, giving visitors more context for the people and communities of the region.
Take time with the exhibits that interpret the Treaty of Waitangi and the country’s social history. Their themes sit alongside displays on settlement, migration and changing communities. The Passport exhibition, for example, explores migration stories.
Art, history and Gallipoli
The museum’s art collections include works by New Zealand artists, with contemporary art displayed on the upper floors. Temporary exhibitions change over time, so the selection you see depends on when you visit.
Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War tells the story of New Zealanders in the First World War campaign through large, highly detailed figures and exhibition displays. It is a substantial, solemn presentation of wartime experience. Give it time, and approach the subject with the same care you would bring to other memorial exhibitions.
New Zealand’s natural world
Te Papa’s natural history displays range from fossils and preserved specimens to stories about native plants and animals. The colossal squid is one of the collection’s most distinctive displays. Other exhibits explore New Zealand’s wildlife and geology, including the forces that have shaped the country.
Interactive elements help explain natural processes and make the displays accessible to younger visitors. The museum also presents life-sized models of native species. Check the exhibition information on the day if a particular display is the main reason for your visit, since some exhibits can change or close.
Planning your visit
The museum is large, and seeing several areas takes hours. If you have limited time, choose a few priorities, such as Māori culture, Gallipoli, contemporary art or natural history, rather than trying to cover every floor. A guided tour can add context to the collections; tours and workshops are offered through the year.
There is a café inside for a break, as well as a gift shop. Lifts connect the floors, and the museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating and restrooms. Admission is listed as free, though some temporary exhibitions may have an additional charge. Check current ticket details before you go.
FAQ
Where is Te Papa in Wellington?
The museum is at 55 Cable Street on Wellington’s waterfront.
How long should I spend at Te Papa?
Plan for several hours. The museum has six floors and collections covering art, history, Māori and Pacific cultures, and natural history.
Is admission to Te Papa free?
Admission is listed as free. Some temporary exhibitions may have an additional charge, so check current ticket details before visiting.
Is Te Papa accessible for wheelchair users?
The museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances, lifts, seating and restrooms.
