Visitors viewing portrait gallery at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.
Visitors viewing colorful art installation at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.
Visitors interacting with digital displays at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa exterior with waterfront view.
Visitors engaging with bird exhibits at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.
Guide explaining exhibit to visitors at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Tickets, Wellington

Wellington
Museums
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Duration: 2 hours

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Deep dive into New Zealand’s diverse history and heritage with interactive and cutting-edge displays at the **Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.**

Sign up for an edutaining day at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which proudly highlights the country’s rich culture, history, and traditions.

Don an explorer’s hat at the Te Taiao exhibit where you can listen to native birdsong and learn about the geological force that shaped the land.

Follow the stories of eight New Zealanders who braved the harsh and unforgiving World War I in the Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War zone.

Learn about the official English version and the 1840 version in Māori about the Treaty of Waitangi on a video projection in the Treaty of Waitangi zone.

Did you know? The giant sculptures in the Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War zone took a whopping 24,000 hours to create.

Entry to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Visitors viewing portrait gallery at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Visitors viewing portrait gallery at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Discover NZ’s history and cultural identity

If you take a trip to New Zealand, then a visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is a must. Located in the heart of Wellington and known as Te Papa, which means "Our Place" in Māori, the museum offers a unique experience that will connect you to the country's rich storytelling traditions, cutting-edge art, and scientific discoveries. With a mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, Te Papa highlights everything from Māori and Pacific Island treasures to fascinating displays about New Zealand's biodiversity and geological forces. 

Watch NZ’s rich culture come to life

Among the highlights are the Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibit which features larger-than-life sculptures and tells the stories of eight New Zealanders who lived through the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. Learn about the unique fauna and flora of the country and see the fragile moa egg in the Te Taiao zone. Head on to the Treaty of Waitangi zone that contains multimedia displays and objects that tell you how it shaped the relationship between the residents of this country. Plus, the museum’s waterfront location makes it an accessible and popular attraction for both locals and tourists. So, whether you’re exploring the intricate carvings of a Māori meeting house, learning about volcanic landscapes, or marveling at contemporary art, Te Papa Tongarewa museum offers a dynamic and enriching journey into New Zealand’s identity.

Visitors viewing colorful art installation at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Visitors viewing colorful art installation at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Visitors interacting with digital displays at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Visitors interacting with digital displays at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa exterior with waterfront view.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa exterior with waterfront view.

What to bring

  • Bring a printed or digital copy of your tickets to the venue.

What’s not allowed

  • Eating and drinking are not allowed on this experience.

  • Photography is strictly not allowed at areas marked with ‘no camera’ signs at the venue.

  • Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue. Please ensure that the dog wears the appropriate coat and carries a valid ID card.

Additional Information

  • Facilities: Restrooms, lockers, parents room, free Wi-Fi, discovery centers, parking.

  • These tickets are for international visitors aged 16 and above. Entry to the venue is free for residents of New Zealand.

  • The ticket is valid for 48 hours after the entry date printed on it. You revisit the museum using the same ticket within the 48-hour time frame.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitors engaging with bird exhibits at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Visitors engaging with bird exhibits at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Guide explaining exhibit to visitors at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

Guide explaining exhibit to visitors at Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa.

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Operating hours

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Monday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday
10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.
  • Closed on 25th Dec 2026.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

Early morning between 6-8 AM offers fewer crowds and beautiful golden light for photos. Avoid Fridays when it's closed for prayers. October to March provides cooler weather, making it more comfortable. Sunrise visits offer a magical atmosphere with stunning views. Guided tours are available in multiple languages and last about 2 hours.
Visiting Te Papa typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, but many spend up to half a day exploring its extensive exhibits. Plan at least an hour for each major exhibit and allocate extra time if you're interested in interactive displays or guided tours.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the museum covers a large area, and consider bringing snacks and water since there are limited food options inside. A camera is essential for capturing the unique exhibits and installations. Smartphones can be used for accessing interactive features and digital guides.
Te Papa offers many family-friendly activities, including hands-on exhibits and storytelling sessions for children. The museum also has a dedicated area for young visitors called the Kidspace where they can play and learn in an engaging environment. There are special events and workshops designed specifically for families.
Te Papa is easily accessible by public transport, with buses stopping nearby or a short walk from Wellington Railway Station. The museum is also within walking distance of many hotels in the city center and can be reached via the cable car from Kelburn. Parking is limited and expensive, so consider alternative modes of transportation.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of Te Papa, but remember to be respectful of other visitors and exhibit guidelines. Flash photography and tripods are usually not permitted due to conservation reasons or space limitations. Check specific instructions near each exhibit for any restrictions.
Your entry ticket grants access to all permanent exhibitions and selected special exhibits. It includes audio guides for various languages and admission to interactive activities like augmented reality experiences or workshops. Some temporary exhibitions may require additional fees, so check beforehand.
While not mandatory, booking your ticket online before visiting is recommended as it guarantees entry and often comes with benefits like skip-the-line access or reduced wait times. Online bookings are available on the official website and through authorized third-party providers.
Visitors can view a video projection explaining both the official English version and the Māori version of the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840.
The giant sculptures in this zone took 24,000 hours to create, highlighting stories from World War I involving eight New Zealanders.
Highlights include exploring NZ’s rich culture at various exhibits such as Te Taiao with native birdsong, Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War zone featuring giant sculptures, and learning about the Treaty of Waitangi.
Eating and drinking are not permitted during your visit to this experience at Te Papa.
The museum features a mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, including Māori and Pacific Island treasures, New Zealand's biodiversity, geological forces, and more.
You need a printed or digital copy of your tickets for entry.
Yes, this experience is wheelchair accessible.
In the Te Taiao exhibit, you can listen to native birdsong and learn about geological forces that shaped New Zealand's land.
Photography is not allowed where 'no camera' signs are displayed, and flash photography inside the venue is prohibited.
Guide dogs are welcome at the venue. Please ensure they are properly managed during your visit.

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