We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa)

55 Cable St, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
64 4 381 7000
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #1 of 134 attractions in Wellington
Type: Museums
Fee: No
Owner description: Experience the whole of New Zealand in one building! Te Papa is New Zealand's bold, innovative and interactive national museum. Explore the great... more » Owner description: Experience the whole of New Zealand in one building! Te Papa is New Zealand's bold, innovative and interactive national museum. Explore the great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Mori culture and taonga (treasures), dynamic art heritage, and its fascinating history. Te Papa is located on Wellington's spectacular waterfront. Open every day from 10am to 6pm and until 9pm on Thursdays. General admission is free. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
Write a Review

1,539 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    1,155
    299
    72
    9
    4
Date Rating
Wellington, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

A great place to spend a rainy day in Wellington. It has 6 floors and a wide variety of themes to keep you busy for hours. The collosal squid and geology sections were particularly good with great coffee in the Espresso cafe. Nice views from the 6th floor.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by TravellingBurgs for Wellington
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

Learn all about New Zealand and its Maori traditions and history. Lovely museum to take the whole family and enjoy a nice day out.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Audra E for Wellington
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

Recent comments have said that Te Papa was a "dumbed-down" museum, and after our second visit in 4 years, I agree. There are more wide flights of stairs, and vast open spaces than are necessary and the exhibits seem secondary thoughts. The exhibit on Uniforms was interesting, but too brief.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Robin C for Wellington
Redruth, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

Well set out with lots to see. We visited when it was raining (not unusual in Wellngton) and were pleased to be able to leave our wet clothes and bags in the coats room while we walked around.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW via mobile

This has got to be the main attraction in Wellington. Everything from the ancient Maori lore of New Zealand to the present is represented here in a unique and interesting way. Two or three hours go very quickly. The Colossal Squid is unique in the world as is New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance against the Americans in the 1980's. Something for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

This very modern musuem gives you an excellent overview of the New Zealand, its history and its peoples. Definitely a "can't miss" if you are in Wellington and have any interest in the city and country.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Wellington, New Zealand
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

I have lived in Wellington for 13 years and keep coming back to Te Papa. I have probably spent more than a week in there and I am still not finished. A fantastic place to wonder around and there is always something new in there. Great place for children to learn (for adults too). If you are visiting Wellington this... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by Knutus for Wellington
england
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Te Papa is a must see if you are in Wellington. It's donation only so excellent value and full of interesting and interactive displays. We spent half a day but you could easily spend several more. Cafe is not bad either when you need a rest! Best to visit by public transport as parking is very expensive.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Interesting place to walk around. Saw heaps of awesome displays, loved the Maori area especially the TAINUI part

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sparks, Nevada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

This is the best museum that I have ever visited! Excellent interactive displays, featuring a very good selection of biological, geological and cultural components of New Zealand. The venue seems well designed and especially well laid out. Subjects were very well presented, in a modern manner, with some very well done interactive displays.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa) also viewed

Wellington, North Island
Wellington, North Island
 

Been to Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing