WellingtonNZ.com,
New Zealand 

Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum. Since opening, it has had record visitor numbers and worldwide acclaim for its exciting approach. Its exhibitions are carefully researched and highly interactive, making Te Papa an ideal resource for both teachers and students.

You can book an education programme with the Te Papa educators or explore the museum as a self-guided group. There is plenty to do and see!

Te Papa’s permanent art and heritage exhibitions cover the story of Maori as New Zealand’s tangata whenua (first people); an exploration of the Treaty of Waitangi as New Zealand’s founding document; the stories of those who migrated to New Zealand over the past 200 years; Pacific cultures; and iconic New Zealand art.

The long-term exhibitions listed below offer a fantastic way for students of all ages to learn about New Zealand’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Awesome Forces: The story of New Zealand’s dramatic landscape and the part that earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the weather play in its shaping.
Bush City: A taste of New Zealand’s diverse natural environment through a living outdoor display of forest and other plants set in typical landforms.
Mountains to Sea: Explore New Zealand’s diverse range of plants and animals and their living places – mountains, fresh waters, forests, coasts, and the surrounding seas.
The Colossal Squid: Come face-to-face with a colossal squid, the only complete specimen on display in the world! Build a squid, and explore the life of one through computer interactives and a 3-D animated movie.
Blood Earth Fire: How was this land turned from forests and wetlands to farms and settlements? Why were thousands of ‘alien’ plants and animals introduced and why did others become extinct? Experience the transformation with Blood, Earth, Fire!

Bookings are essential. This will ensure the best possible experience for you and your students. For the latest information on Te Papa’s education programmes, education resources, and exhibitions, go to
www.tepapa.govt.nz/education

For teachers who wish to guide their school groups themselves, the teacher resources for self-guided visits can be found at:
www.tepapa.govt.nz/selfguidedvisits
These resources are based on a range of exhibitions and objects. Suggestions for talking points, links to related objects, background information, curriculum links, maps and RAMs forms are provided.

Also, Te Papa’s four Discovery Centres offer games, activities, books, and study areas perfect for school groups. Students are encouraged to explore, touch, play, ask questions, research, and learn. Check out Inspiration Station for art and history, Te Huka a Tai for Maori heritage, PlaNet Pasifika for Pacific cultures, and NatureSpace to learn about our natural environment.

Admission: 
General admission is free. School programmes cost $6.50 per student, prices may vary for school programmes in a charged-for exhibition.

Open:
Monday to Sunday 10am - 6pm, late night Thursday until 9pm.

Te Papa also has a cafe on-site, open daily from 9am - 5pm. ph: 04 381 7110 for cafe enquiries.