WellingtonSee & Do
The exterior of Te Papa Tongarewa, half glass and half concrete.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

  • Location

    55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

  • Website
    Te Papa

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture. It takes pride of place on Wellington’s waterfront.

Any visitor to Wellington should have the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa at the top of their to-do list. At 36,000 square metres and six storeys high, Te Papa is the country’s largest museum and contains a vast repository of collections. It’s home to more than two million artworks, objects, and specimens. Te Papa is a museum experience that’s accessible to all. Entry is free for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand.

On 14 February 1998, Te Papa opened its doors for the first time. Since then, the museum has welcomed roughly 38 million visitors.

Two people walking through native bush on a bridge at Te Papa museum
Tour guide in a green shirt showing museum visitors the colossal squid
Four people meeting with a Te Papa guide in a green shirt, at the main foyer area.
Four people on a tour at the marae at Te Papa.

Long-term exhibitions

Te Papa curates cutting-edge interactive exhibitions with a contemporary and bicultural approach. Alongside this, there are four long-term exhibitions. These are ‘Te Taiao Nature’, ‘Toi Art’, ‘Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War’, and ‘He Toi Whakairo: The Art of Māori Carving’. 

An employee helps a shopper choose a piece of potery to buy at the Te Papa Store.

Bring home more than memories

The Te Papa Store on the museum’s ground floor is a treasure trove of gifts, art, and keepsakes. The merchandise showcases the incredible talent of New Zealand artists and makers. It exemplifies Kiwi ingenuity and pays homage to the country’s diverse cultural landscape.

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Two people are standing on Kumutoto Wharf near Lambton Quay on a sunny day. The water behind them is green and the sky is blue.

By the seaside: Where to eat and drink on the waterfront

If you’re wandering along Wellington’s waterfront, here’s where you can eat and drink along the way.

Two people stand in the middle of a bird themed exhibition in Te Papa Museum in Wellington with bird skeletons visible in the background.

Fun activities for the whole family

Whether you’re a family that likes to get outdoors or prefers art and culture, these are fun family activities in Wellington that kids will love.

Two people sit in the grass with their bicycles lying nearby at Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington, New Zealand with a view of the city centre, the bay and rolling hills in the distance.

Trail and a treat: Outdoor combos in Wellington

The city’s hills, beaches, and trails offer much opportunity to experience nature. Fuel your adventure with a stop-off at one of the excellent eateries offers nearby.

Two people dining at Volco on Egmont Street being served their food

Wellington city brunch: Start your morning sunny side up

Wondering where to get brunch in Wellington? Whether you’re craving something savoury or sweet, here’s your go-to guide for mid-morning eats.

People seated at a bar, holding drinks and talking with a bartender, with records displayed on the wall behind.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your tastebuds and find a new place to eat at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

Two people browse through books outside Pegasus Books in Left Bank off Cuba Street. Pegasus Books is an older wooden building with shelves of eclectic books outside.

Wellington’s independent bookstores

Welcome to bookworm heaven. From secondhand treasures to the newest releases, there’s a book for everyone at these boutique bookshops in Wellington.

Two people enjoy a flight of coffee at The Hangar.

Your essential guide to coffee

Wellington takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black, or something in between, there are plenty of places to keep you caffeinated.

Interior of Hummingbird restaurant in Wellington, with guests seated at a green-tiled bar while a staff member prepares drinks behind the counter, shelves of bottles and glassware illuminated by warm, ambient lighting.

Capital classics: Long-lasting restaurants

Wellington is fortunate to have fantastic restaurants that have stood the test of time. These restaurants and cafés are some of the oldest in Wellington.

Entrance to He Tohu at The National Library of New Zealand.

He Tohu at National Library of New Zealand

Located at the National Library of New Zealand, He Tohu displays the Treaty of Waitangi, the Women’s Suffrage Petition, and the Declaration of Independence.

The monument at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park is located in, Te Aro, Wellington.

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

A short walk from the centre of Wellington lies Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. It is a place to reflect on and remember New Zealand’s experience of war.