Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
About This Museum
You have to see this place—it's not your typical quiet, stuffy museum. Te Papa feels more like a massive, beautiful playground of stories, all dedicated to Aotearoa New Zealand. What's incredible is how it weaves together the deep history of the Māori people with the wild, sometimes bizarre, natural world of the islands. One minute you're looking at a colossal squid, the next you're walking through a full-scale Māori meeting house. It’s completely immersive and so much fun to explore.
Collection Highlights
You can't miss the Gallipoli exhibit, where huge, hyper-realistic figures tell incredibly moving stories from WWI. Then there's the earthquake house that actually shakes, and of course, Te Hau ki Tūranga, the oldest surviving Māori meeting house in the country.
Visitor Information
Best part? General admission is free, so you can pop in without any fuss. It’s right on the Wellington waterfront, making it a perfect spot to duck into after a walk along the sea.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a modern giant on the waterfront, with these fantastic sweeping curves and a grand entrance that somehow feels both imposing and welcoming.
Contact & Location
Address: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55, Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington City, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 4 381 7000
Website: Visit Website
