The 10 Must-Visit Museums In New Zealand

The interesting thing about New Zealand museums is that each has their own story to tell. Some do this by showcasing the finest artworks, others bring Maori heritage to the forefront, and a few have their own specialist topics to share. Add these 10 must-visit museums to your itinerary to get familiar with the country’s historic treasures.

1. Te Papa Museum

Museum

Wellington’s Te Papa Museum is globally renowned for its innovative displays and comprehensive collections. It’s a place that documents and celebrates Maori heritage, New Zealand nature, and various historical events. One of the best interactive displays at Te Papa is the Earthquake House — a simulation that gives visitors a real-life insight into the aftershocks that occurred during the 1987 Edgecumbe Earthquake.

2. Auckland War Memorial Museum

Memorial, Museum

Along with being housed in one of the city’s oldest parks, the Auckland War Memorial Museum hosts an incredible collection of historic relics and pieces that aptly showcase New Zealand’s culture and tradition. It was built in 1929, in response to Aucklanders’ demands for a site that pays homage to the lives lost during the First World War. To this day, the museum’s ANZAC Day memorial dawn service is one of its highest regarded traditions.

3. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Museum

Blenheim’s Omaka Aviation Centre is a must-visit for plane buffs and war history enthusiasts. In fact, this specialist museum, along with Te Papa, topped TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Museums in the South Pacific in 2015. It’s the attention to the finest details that attract people to this aviation powerhouse: among the various items on display you’ll find vintage planes from both World Wars, a trove of memorabilia, cars, military uniforms and portraits.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, 79 Aerodrome Rd, Omaka, Blenheim 7272, New Zealand, +64 3-579 1305

Pfalz D3 Replica on Display at the Omaka Aviation and Heritage Centre | © Phillip Capper/Flickr

5. Canterbury Museum

Museum

The Canterbury Museum has an excellent collection of ongoing and temporary displays. Quake City is one of the museum’s most recent permanent additions — it uses storytelling and interactive exhibits to educate visitors about the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquakes. Another collection worth delving into is the Iwi Tawhito – whenua hou (Ancient Peoples – new lands), which combines Maori taonga (treasures) and life-size dioramas to explore New Zealand’s history.

6. The New Zealand Maritime Museum

Museum, Shop

A real treat for maritime enthusiasts visiting the City of Sails (for those who aren’t aware, that’s the local nickname for Auckland), The New Zealand Maritime Museum is home to a trove of nautical exhibits from the past and the present, from ancient Maori vessels, to vintage warships and even America’s Cup racing yachts. The museum also holds regular sailings around the Waitemata Harbour, giving its visitors a unique perspective of the area’s heritage vessels and nautical history.

7. The International Antarctic Centre

There’s a reason the International Antarctic Centre is one of Christchurch’s prized attractions. It’s located quite close to the airport and is well-suited for kids and adults alike. The centre’s Antarctic Gallery explains everything there is to know about the continent and its international significance, while penguin encounters and the Husky Zone are guaranteed to put a smile on all animal and wildlife lovers’ faces.

International Antarctic Centre, 38 Orchard Rd, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand, +64 3-357 0519

Taxidermied Emperor Penguins at the International Antarctic Centre | © _somaholiday/Flickr

8. Waikato Museum

Museum

Located on the banks of the Waikato River in Hamilton, the Waikato Museum comprises 13 different galleries that host more than 25 new displays and hundreds of events each year. Compared to many museums on our list, this a small venue, but it’s one that really packs a punch when it comes to teaching about New Zealand history and Maori culture. The museum is known for interactive scientific displays as well as an impressive collection of Maori artifacts and carvings.

9. Southland Museum

Art Gallery, Museum, Park

Famous for its unique Tuatara enclosure, the Southland Museum is a great place to verse yourself on New Zealand’s compelling wildlife. The oldest member of the museum’s Tuatarium (as they’ve dubbed it) is Henry, a 110-year-old reptile that holds the world record for living more than 46 years years in captivity. Other ongoing exhibitions worth checking out include the Natural History Gallery, which goes beyond the tuatara exhibits, and the World’s Fastest Indian section, which celebrates Invercargill’s most famous export.

Southland Museum and Art Gallery, 108 Gala St, Queens Park, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand, +64 3-219 9069

Tuatara Statue Outside the Southland Museum | © ItravelNZ/Flickr

10. Steampunk HQ

Building, Museum

In recent years, the small coastal town of Oamaru earned international fame for its celebration of all things steampunk. First there was the annual Steampunk Festival; then, the quirky Steampunk HQ museum came into being. A culmination of retro-futuristic art and sculpture fills the Victorian-style building that hosts each exhibition. The gallery opened its doors in 2011 and is well-known for having a full-scale, fire-spitting train engine among its compelling displays.

Steampunk HQ, Tyne St, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand, +64 27 778 6547

Steampunk HQ | © Bryce Edwards/Flickr

11. World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum

Museum, Shop

Nelson’s flagship museum definitely puts the ‘wow’ factor into its famous World of Wearable Arts show. More than that, it showcases a remarkable collection of classic cars alongside the internationally-acclaimed garments. Even the museum’s gift shop is worth exploring for its cool relics — from jewellery to books and locally-produced ceramics. All in all, this is a place of wondrous contrasts that’s bound to pique everyone’s interests.

National WOW Museum & Nelson Classic Cars Gallery, Cadillac Way, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011, New Zealand, +64 3-547 4573

World of Wearable Art Displays | © Tony Hisgett/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.