Auckland Museums & Galleries
Museums
For an overview of Pacific culture and history, the best place to go is Auckland War Memorial Museum in the grounds of Auckland Domain. This impressive neo-classical building is internationally renowned for its collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts. He Taonga Maori (Maori Treasures) has more than 2000 rare Maori artefacts on display.
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain
Check out the natural history galleries at Auckland Museum, where special habitats include glow worm caves, a rock-pool with crabs and a giant, three-storey high Kauri tree. Or take the kids to the excellent Children's Discovery Centres - Weird and Wonderful and Treasure Tales. Other highlights include Scars on the Heart, a permanent exhibition which revisits New Zealand at war.
- New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Viaduct Harbour Browse around the interactive exhibits and displays at National Maritime Museum or take a harbour cruise aboard one the museum's historic vessels.
- Museum of Transport & Technology, Western Springs
See the fascinating range of vintage transport, including cars, carriages, buses, aeroplanes, fire engines and trains, or discover Auckland's early history at the museum's colonial village. There are also interactive science exhibits for the children.
- Howick Historical Village, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Howick
Enjoy a glimpse of Auckland's colonial past at this restored fencible military settlement from the mid-to-late 1800s, featuring a forge and school. There are regular live 'theme' days on the third Sunday of each month when staff wear period costume.
- Devonport Naval Museum
Recreates New Zealand's naval history through paintings, photographs, maps, naval dispatches and a collection of sailors' belongings, including uniforms, caps, badges, medals and clay pipes.
- Devonport Museum
Showcases the history of Devonport, the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland's maritime heritage, along with a photographic archive of the ferries that have plied the Waitemata Harbour since the 1850s. Open weekends 2-4pm.
- Whittakers Musical Museum, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
A collection of antique musical instruments, including an old Wurlitzer. Live demonstrations are given from time to time.
Public GalleriesThe excellent Auckland Art Gallery (corner of Wellesley & Kitchener Streets) contains the country's largest collection of art, and with free entry (apart from special exhibitions), it's the perfect place to spend a morning browsing.
- Auckland Art Gallery, Cnr Wellesley & Kitchener Streets
New Zealand's largest collection of art, including early masters such as Lindauer and Goldie, a changing programme of local and international exhibitions, and a permanent exhibition of European masters.
- The New Gallery, Cnr Wellesley & Lorne Streets
The Auckland Art Gallery's contemporary collections including the McCahon room, with changing works from leading New Zealand artist Colin McCahon.
- Aotea Centre, The Edge, Queen Street
Several gallery spaces are used to host free exhibitions throughout the year.
Independent Galleries - CityGo exploring down O'Connell, Lorne, Kitchener and Queen Streets and discover the numerous private galleries in the central city, which include:
- Gallery Pacific (105 Queen Street)
Specialising in south Sea pearl jewerllery and opals, glass art works and modern NZ artefacts.
- Opal & Jade World (58 Queen Street)
A comprehensive range of artefacts, including greenstone and Maori wood carvings.
- Edmiston Gallery, New Zealand National Maritime Museum (American Express Viaduct Harbour)
The gallery hosts some of the world's finest maritime art collections.
Independent Galleries - Parnell Catch a bus to artistic Parnell Village and explore the many galleries along Parnell Road - all within walking distance. You'll find plenty of options for quality souvenirs including:
- Elephant House (237 Parnell Road)
New Zealand's largest craft gallery.
- Fishers Fine Arts (66 Parnell Road)
Contemporary and traditional works from NZ and international artists.
- Hoglund Art Glass Gallery (285 Parnell Road)
Specialises in handblown crystal art glass, jewellery and design objects.
- Textures Gallery (241 Parnell Road)
Specialising in contemporary NZ paintings, as well as art in wood, fibre, stone, metal and glass.
Tourism Auckland PO Box 5561
Auckland
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