Museum of New Zealand -- Te Papa Tongarewa

Frommer's Review

New Zealand's largest cultural investment and Wellington's most exciting attraction, Te Papa opened in 1998. It has since played a major role in increasing visitor numbers to the capital city. One of the largest national museums in the world, Te Papa is redefining the word museum. Built at a cost of NZ$317 million (US$225 million/£114 million), it is believed to be 5 years ahead of anything of its kind in the world, combining interactive technology with stunning world-class displays that tell the story of New Zealand -- its history, art, and natural environment. Advanced motion simulators take visitors back in time to the explosive formation of New Zealand and the prehistoric landscape, and in the present you can try virtual-reality bungy jumping, shear a sheep, or ride on the back of a whale.

Te Papa is also a partnership between Pakeha (the majority culture of European descent) and Maori culture. It includes a range of magnificent exhibitions featuring Manu Whenua, some of the country's most significant Maori treasures, as well as Te Marae, a unique 21st-century carved meetinghouse. Visitors can share in formal Maori welcomes and iwi (tribal) ceremonies, see how the Maori navigated the Pacific, and learn the stories behind the carvings and the Treaty of Waitangi.

The second level contains Mountains to Sea, which puts the spotlight on the natural world. From minuscule insects to the gigantic skeleton of a 21m (69-ft.) pygmy blue whale, it presents both the familiar and the bizarre of New Zealand's natural inhabitants. Mana Pasifika explores how Pacific Island cultures have influenced and affected New Zealand. On the Sheep's Back examines the place of those friendly, woolly creatures in the lives of New Zealanders, often in a surprising and witty manner. Passports explores the migrant story of New Zealand in a fantastic exhibition and audiovisual presentation that is one of the highlights of the museum.

Spread over five levels, the museum includes much more and warrants at least half a day's exploration. It's playful, imaginative, bold, and more than impressive. It is an essential destination if you're keen to learn more about New Zealand. Few people leave unmoved. It's stunningly high-tech and loads of fun. On top of that, the architecture isn't bad, either.

Special guided tours must be pre-booked. These are priced NZ$10 to NZ$30 (US$7.10-US$21/£3.60-£11) for adults and NZ$5 to NZ$20 (US$3.55-US$14/£1.80-£7.20) for children 15 and under. The 60-minute Introducing Te Papa Tour is an excellent choice if you're short on time. It runs hourly from 10am to 3pm November through March, and twice daily at 10:15am and 2pm in winter, and costs NZ$10 (US$7.10/£3.60) for adults and NZ$5 (US$3.55/£1.80) for children 15 and under. Request foreign-language guides at the time of booking. A self-guided tour booklet is available at the information desk for NZ$3 (US$2.15/£1.10), an excellent investment. Audio guides in several languages are also available.

Te Papa has two eateries: Te Papa Café serving excellent New Zealand cuisine; and Espresso Bar for coffee and snacks. It also has a superb gift shop, Te Papa Store, featuring original crafts and top Maori designs.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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