Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand's national museum on Wellington's waterfront. Its exhibitions bring together natural history, Aotearoa New Zealand history, Māori and Pacific taonga, and art. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm except Christmas Day.
Te Papa admission for New Zealand and international visitors
Te Papa is free for New Zealand citizens and people who live, work or study in New Zealand. It is also free for all visitors under 16. International visitors aged 16 and over currently pay NZ$35, and the museum entry ticket is valid for 48 hours. Paid exhibitions and guided tours may have separate charges.
This international visitor charge has applied since September 2024, so older guides describing Te Papa as free for everyone are no longer accurate.
What to see at Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa holds more than two million collection items across natural history, New Zealand histories, mātauranga Māori, Pacific cultures and art. Exhibitions change, so use the official programme rather than relying on an old floor-by-floor list.
Allow several hours if you want more than a quick introduction. Visitor services include free Wi-Fi and free use of wheelchairs and mobility scooters; lockers have a fee.
Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War
This long-term Level 2 exhibition was created by Te Papa with Wētā Workshop. It tells the story of the eight-month Gallipoli campaign through eight New Zealanders, represented by monumental figures built at 2.4 times human size. Te Papa recommends allowing at least 60 minutes.
The exhibition contains graphic material, realistic sound, variable lighting and some confined spaces. Parental guidance is recommended. It is wheelchair accessible, and personal photography is allowed without flash. Te Papa says the exhibition is scheduled to remain on display until April 2032.
Wellington location and visitor information
Te Papa is at 55 Cable Street, Wellington, beside the waterfront and within walking distance of the central city. Check current exhibitions, ticket conditions and any temporary closures before visiting.
Prices and opening information checked in October 2026.