Wellington's Te Papa Museum
Te Papa is
New Zealand’s national museum, where you can explore the great stories of this fascinating land and the people who live here. But this is no ordinary museum! Te Papa is recognised as a world leader in the new wave of innovative and interactive museum experiences, and has achieved an international reputation for excellence. Since opening in 1998, Te Papa has attracted over 14 million visitors and been a huge success with international visitors as well as Kiwis. Located centrally on
Wellington’s beautiful waterfront, the museum has quickly become a ‘must see’ on any visitor’s itinerary.
Experience an exquisitely carved marae (Ma-ori meeting place), walk through living native bush, and be shaken in the Earthquake House as it simulates a real aftershock. Families can get hands-on in the four themed interactive children’s Discovery Centres. This is serious fun! Take an informative one-hour guided tour of Te Papa – ask at the information desk for departure times (Adults $11, Children $5.50).
General admission is free.
Location: Cable Street.
Phone 381 7000.
Email mail@tepapa.govt.nz
www.tepapa.govt.nz
What To Do
- Guided Tours of Te Papa
Take the 'Introducing Te Papa' tour for an orientation of the building and exhibitions (takes 45 minutes, departs 10.15am and 2pm, $9 adults).
- Natural New Zealand
Watch New Zealand's geology and natural environment come to life in the Awesome Forces and Mountains to Sea exhibits.
- Bush City
Walk on a swing bridge above native bush in the Bush City exhibit.
- Maori Discoveries
Learn the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori. Discover beautiful taonga (treasures) in Mana Whenua, and see the beautiful carved modern marae (meeting house).
- Our Space
Te Papa's spectacular new multimedia adventure, where you create the action. Discover The Hall, The Wall and enjoy the motion simulator rides The Deep and The Rides. Level 2. Free entry. Charges for rides.
- Discovery Centres
Visit Te Papa's interactive Discovery Centres for some family fun including storytelling, cartoons, computer puppets and weaving.
- Toi Te Papa - Art of the Nation
More than 300 artworks - both historical and contemporary - from Te Papa's collections.
Getting There
- Te Papa is situated on Cable Street, on Wellington's waterfront, and is open every day of the year from 10am – 6pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays. Entry is free, though charges apply to some exhibitions and the rides.