Life-like Gallipoli soldiers at Te Papa Museum in Wellington – a remarkable and most realistic exhibition, thanks to Peter Jackson and his team at Weta Workshop in Miramar
Te Papa Museum is the national museum of New Zealand. The Te Papa Tongarewa, is an innovative and progressive state-of-the-art institution that celebrates New Zealand’s Maori culture, environment, history and art. The Te Papa museum experience is rich and interactive, being both educational and fun for all visitors to enjoy. Te Papa Tongarewa is from the indigenous Māori language and means the “container of treasures” and treasures of New Zealand are just what you will discover on a visit to the museum – there’s even an intricately carved marae (meeting house) in its entirety which is actually a wharenui (literally “big house”). Before it was linked to the museum, it would have been on a marae. The latter word refers to a gathering place for the local Māori people of the relevant tribal affiliation. A marae normally includes a large open space and a number of buildings, including a wharenui and a wharekai (eating house) and kitchen, a wharepaku (an ablutions block) and often has a small urupa or burial ground as well.
Te Papa Museum Wellington – a must visit attraction for everyone
The Te Papa’s exhibitions and collections focus on five sectors: New Zealand’s Māori, the Natural Environment, the Pacific, Art, and History. The demonstrations are interactive and cover an impressive range of academic interests. Along with Te Papa’s permanent exhibitions, there are many other exciting events: a variety of short term exhibitions, entertaining performances, educational lectures, fascinating floor talks and more. These events change regularly, so there is always something new and exciting to look forward to.
The Te Papa Tongarewa Museum offers daily tours to visitors. General tours are best for single persons or small groups. For larger groups, we recommend the Private Tours, which can be done in English, Māori, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin Chinese. For an even more detailed tour, you can opt for a guided one with one of Te Papa’s knowledgeable guides. Special accessible needs are catered to by both the museum’s design and its staff
We definitely recommend Te Papa’s newest exhibition: Gallipoli: The scale of our war. Told through the eyes and experiences of eight New Zealanders, this exhibition examines the impact of the Gallipoli campaign on everyday life. This authentic exhibition is made even more genuine with diary entries, letters, photos and their personal belongings. The Gallipoli exhibit is a spectacular display of an important part of New Zealand’s history and should be on your must-see list.
Discovery Area for children at Te Papa Museum Wellington – “what will it be today Ma’m?!”
At the Te Papa Museum, children are certainly not forgotten. From the beginning to the end, they will be captivated with tours such as Bush City, where they will hunt for fossils, climb a lava flow and cross a swing bridge; and Awesome Forces, where they will learn about a variety of dinosaurs. There are four discovery centres, which were especially designed for kids and families to have fun, explore and learn. After these exciting adventures, kids can have a break at the Te Papa Cafe and eat from a delicious selection of kids friendly meals. There is also a play area to keep the kids busy while you enjoy your food.
Visiting with a baby? The Te Papa Museum makes it hassle free with baby-changing rooms, bottle and food warmers, and even breastfeeding chairs.
At the end of the Te Papa museum tour, visitors get the opportunity to purchase an interesting assortment of great gifts and unique mementos for family and friends or a keepsake to remember your trip to New Zealand. These include jewellery, wood carvings, exhibition replicas, books, art and more. Profits from purchases are funnelled back into the museum to keep it open and running for generations to enjoy.
Every visitor to New Zealand should visit the Te Papa Museum. There is truly something for all to enjoy and with free general admission, there is really no reason not to visit.
Good news! Te Papa museum is open every day of the year from 10am – 6pm. There’s a car park and the address is 55 Cable Street right on the waterfront.
Te Papa Museum has perhaps the largest caught giant squid in the world
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