New Zealand Police Museum: Telling Police stories

Located on the campus of the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua, the New Zealand Police Museum tells the real-life stories of policing in Aotearoa.

Established in 1908, the museum collection was originally modelled on Scotland Yard’s Black Museum. Today the Museum exhibits a large collection of New Zealand Police cultural property and criminal case artefacts. It tells the stories of some of the country’s most infamous crimes along with disasters, and other events. The education programmes are suitable for all ages. Take a self-guided tour at your own pace, or a guided tour or workshops are available.

A young child playing with an interactive photo booth in the New Zealand Police Museum.

A person looking at weapons on display at the New Zealand Police Museum.

The orange brick exterior of the New Zealand Police Museum.

Two young children do a fact-finding activity using clipboards and pens at the New Zealand Police Museum.

Explore the exhibitions

The New Zealand Police Museum tells stories of policing excellence and outstanding feats of detection. Learn about major historic events such as the Rainbow Warrior bombing, the 1981 Springbok Tour, and the Canterbury earthquakes. You’ll get the chance to inspect weapons used by criminals, evidence from murder investigations, and police tools and objects.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. There are detective activities to be solved, a large collection of New Zealand Police uniforms to try on (great for a photo opportunity), and a police motorbike.

Situated outside the museum, ‘He matapihi o nehe rā: A window into the past’ is a must-see for any visitor. Housed in the original Hastings Police Station building, the exhibition describes policing in Aotearoa in the 19th century.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the gift shop. You can buy police souvenirs, history books, and toys for the kids.

The Museum is open 10am to 5pm, seven days a week (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day). General admission is free. Charges apply for guided tours and programmes and you must book in advance.

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

A short walk from the centre of the city lies Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. It is a place to reﬂect on New Zealand’s experience of war, military conﬂict, and peacekeeping, and how it shapes the national identity.

Wellington Museum

Experience the stories of Wellington and its people. From maritime history, early Māori settlement, and the city’s evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.

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

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.

Looking up to the stands and roof of the St James Theatre, the red seats and gold fixtures can be seen, as well as the very large light on the roof.

Wellington Historic Theatre Tours

Discover hidden stories, architectural splendour, and rich theatrical history on a behind-the-scenes tour of two of Wellington’s iconic venues.

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

He Tohu at National Library of New Zealand

Home to a declaration, a treaty, and a petition — New Zealand’s founding documents are at the National Library of New Zealand.

The interior of Seashor Cabaret, a diner located on The Esplanade and Sidney Street in Petone, with four vintage arcade games, two taxidermy deer heads on the wall, two large tables with eight chairs each and three wood booths with eight customers seated.

Seashore Cabaret

Eclectic and quirky, Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore.

The exterior of the New Zealand Parliament building at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea in Wellington at sunset with pink-coloured clouds in the sky above.

New Zealand Parliament Tours

Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.

Inside the dining room of the Katherine Mansfield House on Tinakori Road. Blue walls are covered in decor from the 19th century, including a wall of china plates. The table is set with candleabra and pink china.

Katherine Mansfield House & Garden

Take a step into 19th-century colonial Wellington and the life of Katherine Mansfield. One of the world’s most acclaimed writers and proud Wellingtonian.