Let’s face it, we love exploring museums in New Zealand. It’s like opening doors to different worlds and eras.
With each visit, we gain new insights into diverse cultures and histories. The variety of NZ museums is impressive.
From the stunning exhibits at Te Papa in Wellington to the historical journeys at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and our personal favourite, intricate displays at the Tawhiti Museum in Hawera, there’s always something to capture our imagination.
Obviously, every museum in the country couldn’t be our favourite. So we asked our Explore New Zealand group and added their picks just below ours for both the North and South Island NZ museums.
Join us as we share our list of favourite New Zealand museums that we think you should visit too.
Map of Our favourite museums in New Zealand
The map highlights what we believe are some of the best museums in New Zealand in red, and the added favourite NZ museums from the group in yellow.
Best museums in New Zealand on the North Island
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 3 This Tiger Moth biplane designed by Geoffrey Havilland greeted us as we entered the Aviation Display Hall of MOTAT in Auckland New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/A211904-1-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 4 Colossal squid at Te Papa Tongarewa, one of the best New Zealand museums](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NZ-Museums-140323-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 5 Maori Waka at the Auckland Museum in New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Auckland-Museum-3-800x600.jpg)
1. Auckland Museum
As Auckland residents, we try to bring all our visitors to the Auckland Museum. We rarely see it all on any single visit, but usually include the our highlight: the intricate carvings among the Maori artifacts, the volacno exhibit, and Pacific exhibits.
And if you are bringing kids, you will want to stop at Weird and Wonderful, a discovery centre where they will have some hands-on learning fun.
A regional museum, it’s also great place to discover our oceans, bird life, and dinosaur history. And don’t forget to visit level two, the Auckland War Memorial Museum which offers a poignant look at New Zealand’s military history. If you are not an Auckland resident, you can get a skip the line ticket here.
- Location: The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM weekdays
- Free for Auckland residents; fees apply for others
- We wrote more about this and other great museums in Auckland here.
2. Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
Often simply called Te Papa, this is New Zealand’s national museum. It’s an incredible place where art, history, and the environment come together. We try to visit every time we are in Wellington.
If you don’t have a lot of time, our must-see list includes Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War (this one is quite intense), Māori and Pacific treasures, the only colossal squid on display worldwide, the earthquake simulation, and the national art collection.
And like the Auckland museum, there is an awesome discovery centre for kids up to age 12.
- Location: 55 Cable Street, Wellington
- Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
- Free entry
- We wrote more on Te Papa and other free things to do in Wellington here.
3. Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), Auckland
MOTAT gave us a fun dive into the worlds of science, technology, and transport history. After exploring the main museum, we hop on the vintage tram for a ride to enjoy the second location featuring historic aircraft.
We have been to both many times and think MOTAT is one of the best aviation museums in New Zealand and one of the best museums for kids.
- Main museum location: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
- Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM daily
- Entry price: Adults $19, Children (5-15 years) $10, Under 5s free, Family pass (2 adults + up to 4 children) $45
- We wrote more on MOTAT here
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 6 A diorama exhibit in Tawhiti Museum in Hawera, one of the best museums in New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Taranaki-114614-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 7 Meeting house at Waitangi Treat Grounds, Bay of Islands, New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bay-of-Islands-2020-P1210024-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 8 Polynesian boat at Auckland Maritime Museum](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NZ-Museums-Maritime-3236862-800x600.jpg)
4. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia
This is not just a museum but a national reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, creating New Zealand as a sovereign nation.
Walking through the beautifully preserved grounds and the extensive museum while learning about New Zealand’s foundational document was truly moving. An impressive cultural show is included with the entry.
- Location: Tau Henare Drive, Paihia
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily (open until 6 PM from Boxing Day through the end of February).
- Entry valid for 2 days: $30 for NZ residents with ID, $60 for International visitors, and children up to 18 are free. Get your Waitangi Treaty Grounds entry tickets here.
- We wrote more about Waitangi Treaty Grounds here.
5. Tawhiti Museum, Hawera
Possibly my favourite of the New Zealand museums, Tawhiti is a real treasure with its detailed dioramas and life-size exhibits that bring local history to life.
We were captivated by the realistic scenes depicting early Maori and European settlers’ lives, and then went on to enjoy a boat ride through the Whalers and Traders exhibit. A must-see among the things to do in Taranaki.
- Location: 401 Ohangai Road, Hawera
- Hours: Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10 AM – 4 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults $20, Children under 15 $7
- More on Tawhiti here.
6. New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland
Sailing enthusiasts like us adore this place. It tells the story of New Zealand’s maritime history and its relationship with the sea. What made this museum so fascinating to me, as an American expat living in New Zealand, was the Polynesian boating history that was different from the maritime history I had learned in the past.
You can add heritage sailing trips to your entry. We have been out on the Ted Ashby multiple times and loved it.
- Location: Corner of Quay and Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
- Free for Auckland residents; fees apply for others
- We wrote more about the NZ Maritime Museum here
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 9 Puke Ariki Museum](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Puke-Ariki-Museum-New-Plymouth-124139-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 10 Cobblestones Museum in Greytown](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/things-to-do-in-Wairarapa-131109.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 11 Inside Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, one of the best museums in Auckland New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Navy-Museum-112932.jpg)
7. Puke Ariki, New Plymouth
An integrated museum in the same building as the library and visitor centre, Puke Ariki has a fascinating Maori carvings exhibit, as well as loads of interactive science and history fun aimed at kids but interesting to everyone. It’s located in one of my favourite cities and is probably the best of the things to do in New Plymouth on a rainy day.
- Location: 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
- Free entry
- More about Puke Ariki here.
8. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Auckland
Located in Devonport, this museum gives an in-depth look at New Zealand’s naval history. The stories of naval warfare and peacekeeping missions are impressive and the building itself has some interesting features, as a portion of it is built on an old mine storage base. And if you don’t have a car, it’s a fun and easy ferry ride from Auckland to Devonport.
- Location: 64 King Edward Parade, Devonport, Auckland
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
- Free entry for New Zealand residents, $10 for International visitors
- More about Torpedo Bay here.
9. Cobblestones Museum, Greytown
The village blends authentic artifacts with replicas, offering a hands-on experience that steps us back in time to the early settler days. As we walked through the village, we explored historic buildings seeing how people lived in the 1800s. The old schoolhouse was particularly charming, while the hospital was a bit frightening.
- Location: 169 Main Street, Greytown, Wairarapa
- Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM daily
- Ticket Price: Adults $10, Children 5 and up $4
- We wrote more about Cobblestones here.
Cobblestones is one of several settlers’ museums in New Zealand. A few others we have seen include: Howick Historical Village (Auckland), Pioneer Village (Stratford), Old Cromwell Town (Cromwell), and MOTAT (see #3 on this list)
Group member’s additional favourite North Island New Zealand museums
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 12 Claphams National Clock Museum](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Clapahms-Clock-Museum-6200269.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 13 Inside Waipu Museum](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Waipu-130950-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 14 inside the National Army Museum](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Waiouru-4160154-800x600.jpg)
- The National Clock Museum, Whangarei
“A small museum packed with all sorts of timepieces from years ago.” - The Kauri Museum, Matakohe
“I think the work that is going into creating the history of the Kauri tree and our native forests from our early beginnings to where it may be in another 100 years! Dr Jason Smith is doing an exceptional job.” - National Army Museum, Waiouru
This is the place to delve into New Zealand’s military history and honour soldiers’ sacrifices through powerful memorabilia and engaging exhibits. - Dargaville Museum
“It’s on top of the hill around the graveyard. It is my fav as I grew up going there with my nana. Our family had a piece that we donated to the museum“ - Wellington Museum
Here, in a beautifully restored historic building on the waterfront, we explored the captivating stories of Wellington’s maritime, cultural, and social history. Our favourite section was the eclectic top floor called ‘The Attic’. A reader added, “I like it better than Te Papa.” - Whanganui Museum
“There is a whole gallery of Lindauer paintings in there, plus a huge amount of Maori artifacts.” - Waipu Museum
This one almost made the original list, as it is the country’s only regional museum to receive a UNESCO inscription. We wrote more about Waipu Museum here. - MokoMuseum, Wellington
While we haven’t been there yet, we understand it’s the best place to learn more about the art and tradition of Māori tattooing. - Tainui Museum, Mokau
With an art gallery and museum, its a great spot to discover significant artifacts from the Tainui area.
Our favourite South Island museums in New Zealand
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 15 Otago Museum in Dunedin New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Things-to-do-in-Dunedin-210498-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 16 Little Blue Penguins at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/International-Antarctic-Centre-250616-800x600.jpg)
19. Tūhura Otago Museum, Dunedin
The Otago Museum is a hub of natural science and indigenous culture. The Tropical Forest butterfly house is a must-see, teeming with live butterflies. We loved the Southern Land, Southern People Gallery for its insights into the unique environment of the Southern region.
- Location: 419 Great King Street, Dunedin
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
- Free entry; charges for special exhibitions
- We wrote more here on the Otago Museum.
20. International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch
Located right next to Christchurch Airport, this centre offers a fascinating close-up look at Antarctic life. The indoor snow and ice experience was surprisingly cold, and I was glad they provided jackets before entry. And if all this isn’t enough, it’s one of many places to see penguins in New Zealand.
- Location: 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch (next to Christchurch International Airport)
- Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM daily
- Ticket Price: General Admission – Adults $59, Children (5-15 years) $29, Under 5s free, Family pass (2 adults + 3 children) $159
- Check for discount entry tickets here.
Group member’s additional favourite South Island NZ museums
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 17 Paua shell home of Fred and Myrtle after it was moved to Canterbury Museum in Chch, NZ](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Christchurch-240553-800x600.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 18 Settlers Museum in Dunedin New Zealand](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Settlors-Museum-800x200.jpg)
- Canterbury Museum
We wandered through the diverse collections at Canterbury Museum, from Antarctic explorations to Māori artifacts or the paua shell house of Fred and Myrtle, all set within the museum’s stunning heritage building. - National Transport and Toy Museum, Wanaka
“One of the biggest private collections of toys, vintage cars and anything automobile, have aeroplane as well, a tank, a moving anti-air cannon or guns you can play with. I love the life-size Jar Jar Binks of Star Wars movie as well! Most of all, it’s located in the most scenic part of NZ, the Queenstown Lakes District” - Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin
Here, we traced the lives of Otago’s early settlers, connecting them with personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that highlighted the region’s rich history. - Elvis Presley Museum, Hawera
We missed this one, but our readers didn’t. Here is a celebration of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll featuring rare memorabilia and personal items of Elvis Presley. - The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery
Another one we discovered from a reader, the three rooms of the Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery house feature a private collection of skulls, bones, biological oddities, ethnological art, and unique cultural artifacts.
Bonus: A favourite Stewart Island museum
- Rakiura Museum Te Puka O Te Waka, Oban, Stewart Island
Rakiura Museum is home to an extensive collection of historic items, artifacts, photographs and archival material related to the story of Stewart Island / Rakiura.
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
Save for later
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![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 19 Discover the best museums in New Zealand with our comprehensive travel guide! Explore our favourite museums across the North and South Islands, each offering unique insights into NZ's rich history and vibrant culture. From interactive museums to poignant historical sites, find out why these must-visit destinations are perfect for every traveler. Get ready to experience the best of New Zealand's cultural heritage!](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/New-Zealand-Museums-2.jpg)
![26 Favourite Museums in New Zealand 20 Discover the best museums in New Zealand with our comprehensive travel guide! Explore our favourite museums across the North and South Islands, each offering unique insights into NZ's rich history and vibrant culture. From interactive museums to poignant historical sites, find out why these must-visit destinations are perfect for every traveler. Get ready to experience the best of New Zealand's cultural heritage!](https://www.albomadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/New-Zealand-Museums.jpg)
What are your favourite museums in New Zealand?
Comment credits:
Comments by Explore New Zealand group members are in italics above, and are from Stuart McDonald, Jrgill Mayo, Lisa Amson, Jenni Currie, Clive Rivers, Wendy London, Lisa Amson, Angela Tautz and more to come from the discussion found here.
For more on New Zealand, start here: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures, or you might like …
Meghan
When I think of New Zealand, I usually think of the outdoors, but it looks like there’s a lot of great museums too. I love how so many are free as well!
Susan
All of these museums look great! There’s so much that I missed when I visited New Zealand years ago. Saving this for someday when I make it back.
Megan
We love museums no matter where we travel ☺️
McKenna
I love how many free museums there are in New Zealand! Tawhiti Museum is definitely on the itinerary for my next visit.
Stephanie
I hope I can get to New Zealand sometime! I like visiting museums and this is a great overview.
Sonia
They all look interesting, but the Antarctic and Galipoli ones top the list for me.
Alex+J.+Cavanaugh
Would visit them all!
That first one must be massive if it can’t be seen in a day.