Auckland War Memorial Museum
About This Museum
People don't just come to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for history; they come for a profound conversation with the soul of Aotearoa. You can feel it walking beneath the Great Hall's soaring kauri ceiling, then standing in quiet reverence before the names of the fallen. It’s a place that masterfully weaves together the deep threads of Māori and Pacific Island heritage with the more recent, poignant stories of conflict. The overall effect is one of immense gravity and beauty, a landmark that doesn't just sit on the hill but truly anchors the city.
Collection Highlights
The heart-stopping scale of Te Toki a Tapiri, a fully-carved Māori war canoe, is an unforgettable sight. Equally compelling is the beautifully carved Māngungu meeting house and the immersive 'Scars on the Heart' exhibition detailing New Zealand's wartime experiences.
Visitor Information
It's perched right at the top of the Auckland Domain in Parnell, so you get incredible city views even before you step inside. While entry does have a cost for general admission, it's completely free for Auckland residents—a lovely touch that makes it feel like a true public treasure.
Architecture & Building
A grand, neoclassical temple made of gleaming white stone, it commands its position atop a grassy hill with serene authority.
Contact & Location
Address: Parnell, Waitematā, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 9 309 0443
Website: Visit Website
