Most New Zealand museums are open every day apart from Christmas Day, making them a fantastic day activity year around. Not only are they impressive buildings with central locations, but they are also at the core of showcasing culture, heritage and history. New Zealand has a huge variety of museums including WearableArts collections and World War I and World War II exhibitions. Get exploring with the below list of top museums in New Zealand!
1. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum located in Wellington city. More than 1.5 million people visit this museum in New Zealand every year. Te Papa means our place, and the people of New Zealand do treasure this museum. Be sure to check out their ever-changing exhibitions.
2. Auckland War Memorial Museum
One of the best museums in New Zealand. The collections at the Auckland War Memorial Museum focus on New Zealand history, natural history and military history. Discover current exhibitions, galleries and cultural performances. In remembrance of those who died at war, this is one of New Zealand’s most important war memorials.
3. Toitu Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum is New Zealand’s oldest history museum and focuses on the old Otago Province, especially the city of Dunedin. This is an architecturally striking regional history museum and is a fantastic cultural attraction in the heart of Dunedin.
4. The Kauri Museum in Matakohe, Northland
The Kauri Museum is located in the west coast village of Matakohe in Northland. This museum is known for its storytelling, sharing the tale of the Kauri tree, its gum and timber and New Zealand’s pioneering days.
5. Steampunk HQ, Oamaru
Steampunk HQ is responsible for a lot of tourism in small North Otago town, Oamaru. It’s a fascinating gallery in the towns historic Victorian precinct. Steampunk is a genre inspired by steam-powered machinery, and in gallery form is retro-futuristic sci-fi art, movies, sculpture and sound. Steampunk HQ in Oamaru promotes sustainability and recycling through its collection. It’s the perfect location for a version of 19th century England, in New Zealand.
6. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Blenheim
This aviation museum is located 5km out of Blenheim in the Marlborough Region, and is really impressive! Check out the WW1 Exhibition ‘Knights of the Sky’ and the WW2 Exhibition ‘Dangerous Skies’, or both.
7. Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
Waikato Museum is a regional museum located in Hamilton, telling the stories of the wider Waikato Region. It also has a focus on visual art, social history, tangata whenua and science from its own collections and by hosting touring exhibitions. A great spot to visit to gain an understanding of the area’s history.
8. World of Wearable Art & Classic Car Museum, Nelson
World of WearableArt is an internationally recognised design competition, producing some truly spectacular works of art. This Nelson museum hosts the garments from previous years competitions, allowing visitors to discover them all over again. And it doesn’t stop there! Alongside the WearableArt are more than 140 veteran, vintage and classic cars. It’s a great combo of creativity and invention in one fantastic space.
Check out our list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Nelson.
9. Canterbury Museum, Christchurch
Canterbury Museum is located in Christchurch central and is where everyone from enthusiasts to the genuinely curious can go to learn about Canterbury’s past, present and future. It all started with Moa bones and bird skins, as the beginning of a collection that has grown to what is now the Canterbury Museum. Almost 150 years old, this is one museum to put on your must-visit list.
10. Tawhiti Museum, South Taranaki
This is a fascinating New Zealand museum, with lifesize exhibits and scale models that represent New Zealand’s heritage. Artist Nigel Ogle crafted these masterpieces with great attention to detail and care. Located in Hawera in South Taranaki, it’s worth the visit!
11. New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland
New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland is on Hobson Wharf, right by the water. It celebrates New Zealand’s connection with the ocean, covering stories of discovery, exploration, immigration and sailing. This is a fantastic museum in New Zealand with a great location.
