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 historical 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.

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