Wellington, New Zealand has a lot of great museums to explore. They’re typically perfect on a rainy day – of which Wellington has a few of in the winter. I personally really like Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, for its interactive and educational nature. There are quite a few other museums in Wellington, though, from the popular The Weta Workshop to the Wellington Museum and the Carter Observatory.
Museums in Wellington, New Zealand
As I already noted, Te Papa is possibly my favourite of the museums in Wellington, if not in all of NZ. It’s a striking modern building on the waterfront and accessible from the entire city. However, it’s not the exterior I like the most. The exhibits inside are both informative and educational while still interesting and interactive. The exhibits begin on the first floor, with a large section dedicated to the natural and geological formation of New Zealand. Learn about volcanoes and how they shaped the country. See skeletons of now-extinct species. And visit the giant squid.
As of this writing (2018), the Gallipoli exhibit is still on. This fascinating exhibit – created in partnership with The Weta Workshop – details the story of the ANZAC troops in World War One. The exhibit runs the duration of the Great War – that is to say, 2015 to 2019, or the length of the ANZAC involvement from 1915-1919. It is truly exceptional and highly emotional. I have yet to hear a bad review from anyone who’s been.
Te Papa also has extensive and detailed exhibitions on Maori tribes, the Waitangi Treaty, and Polynesian culture. Visitors can see a full-scale marae, or meeting house, sea-faring canoes, and more. There is often a special exhibition as well. While the museum itself is free, the special exhibition is a separate ticket. I had the chance several years ago to attend the Dreamworks Exhibition, which was pure enjoyment.
Private tours of Te Papa can include tours of the vast storage spaces where they house the majority of the collection not on display. Even with five floors to the museum, Te Papa’s collection far outstrips the available space!
Wellington history
Just a few minutes walk from Te Papa along the harbour is the small but illustrious Wellington Museum. This museum highlights the history of the city, from the Maori through to the English settling. Historic photos detail the city’s growth from small port town to capital city. Do not miss the maritime history exhibits, which highlight what it was like to travel to Wellington from Great Britain and also explore the unrelated Wahine ferry disaster. The Attic is by far the most curious of the exhibits, as it’s a peek into the weird world of Wellington – from time capsules and time travel machines to vampires and lions. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Like Te Papa, the Wellington Museum is free.
The Museums Wellington collection includes three other museums in Wellington. Nairn Street Cottage, which is believed to be the oldest house in Wellington. It highlights the early settler days, complete with period furnishings and a heritage garden in the back. The Cable Car Museum is located at the top of the cable car route, in Kelburn, right near the botanic gardens. It’s free to explore and a unique place to see the early days of transportation across the city. Carter Observatory is nearby, also at the top of the cable car. While not free, it is a great place to view the night sky over Wellington. Do not miss the scientific exhibits about our solar system and planet.
The Weta Workshop
For film lovers, look no further than The Weta Workshop on the Miramar Peninsula. This is the literal home of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and it’s thrilling to see the creative teams at work. Be sure to experience the videos at the beginning as well as the tour of the studio space. You’ll get to hold props, meet the teams, and see it all unfold. Photos are not permitted. If you have already been to the Gallipoli exhibit at Te Papa, you’ll get to learn more about the construction of the larger-than-life models that dominate the small, dark theatre.
The Weta Workshop also partnered with the Dominion Museum on a Great War Exhibition. This is an excellent companion to Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibit as it highlights the war in its entirety.
Should you wish to include any of the museums in Wellington on your New Zealand itinerary, it’s easy! As many are free and open 365 days a year, dropping in if the weather turns nasty or you find yourself with unexpected free time is the easiest way to visit. However, arranging a private tour of the museums in Wellington is a great way to ensure you don’t miss the highlights.
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