Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.
One of the many jewels of Wellington’s waterfront, Wellington Museum resides in a beautifully restored former cargo warehouse. It reflects Wellington’s history and tells the stories of its people. From its maritime history, and Māori and European settlement, to its growth as a region, and its evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.
Wellington’s harbour has served as a vital trade hub throughout its history. The waterfront was a hive of activity in the late 1800s as it helped supply goods to a growing country. Since the museum sits in an 1892 cargo storage building, it’s only fitting that the first experience you have is an immersive one. Reflecting the wharf at the end of the 19th century, sacks, barrels, the sounds of a busy wharf, and a scuttling ‘rat’ or two will greet you as you enter.
One of the first exhibitions you’ll discover is Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Playful and fun, it tells Wellington stories inspired by its natural and cultural landscape. Discover the people, art, and environment of the city through treasures, activities, and play. A large-scale timeline takes you on a journey from creation to today. Works from local artists show the city through their eyes.
Spread over three additional floors, Wellington Museum has many stories to tell. There’s a room that tells 100 Wellington tales, starting from 1900. It features the great waterfront strike of 1913, the death of New Zealand’s famous author Katherine Mansfield in 1923, the saddle of Wellington Zoo’s Kamala the elephant, and a tribute to Kirkcaldie and Stains, New Zealand’s longest-running department store. There’s also an exhibition where you can watch Māori legends come to life through holographic special effects. A room up in the attic holds a time capsule that will take you on a 14-minute journey through Wellington’s history.
The top floor has a moving tribute to New Zealand’s most significant shipping tragedy — the Wahine disaster. In 1968 the ferry that travelled between New Zealand’s North and South Islands floundered in Wellington Harbour during a storm. There were 51 lives lost.
On top of the stories, displays, and curiosities, this museum regularly runs events, lunchtime talks, music gigs, workshops, and temporary exhibitions. All to further reflect Wellington’s history and its people.
Looking for more?
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Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.
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.
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.
New Zealand Police Museum
Telling the stories of how police have dealt with some of the country’s most infamous crimes, disasters, and other events.
Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place
Space Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and interactive galleries and exhibitions.
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.
City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi
Wellington’s contemporary art gallery is a dynamic cultural presence. You’ll find exhibitions that delight and challenge.
Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
You’ll find manicured rose gardens, winding pathways and spectacular views over more than 25 hectares.
Nairn Street Cottage
Step back in time and visit Wellington’s oldest original cottage and heritage garden.