Te Papa

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, known as Te Papa, is New Zealand’s national museum located on Wellington’s waterfront. It presents art, history, natural science and Māori and Pacific collections in a single institution.

Permanent displays include extensive Māori taonga and cultural exhibitions alongside natural history galleries that explore New Zealand’s biodiversity, geology and environment. Te Papa is also known for its interactive displays and rotating temporary exhibitions that address history, art and contemporary issues.

The museum building and exhibitions were developed to combine public engagement with research and collection stewardship; it functions as both a national collection and an active community venue. Te Papa opened in 1998 and is one of Wellington’s principal cultural attractions.

Te Papa sits on reclaimed land on the Wellington waterfront, close to the central business district and Wellington Railway Station, with views across the harbour to the Miramar Peninsula.

• Admission: Many of the museum's main long-term galleries have free admission, though some special exhibitions and ticketed events carry a fee.

What to See #

• Māori collections: Galleries and collections covering Te Ao Māori (Māori world), including taonga (treasures) and cultural exhibitions presenting iwi histories and objects.
• Natural history galleries: Natural history and science displays that cover New Zealand's geology, flora and fauna alongside rotating temporary exhibitions and community programmes.