Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, National museum in Wellington, New Zealand.
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is a large cultural institution in Wellington with six floors filled with exhibitions. Collections here cover natural history, art, and the Pacific cultures that shaped the nation.
The institution began as the Colonial Museum in 1885 and relocated to Buckle Street in 1930. Its move to the current location in 1998 brought a new name in the Māori language and a modern identity.
The museum's name reflects Māori language and culture, showing how New Zealand's different communities live together. The exhibitions reveal daily life, artistic traditions, and the stories that matter to the nation's people.
Admission is free and the building opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with about four hours needed to see the main exhibitions. Plan extra time if you want to explore all areas.
The museum houses the world's largest documented giant squid specimen and features an earthquake simulator showing New Zealand's geological activity. This hands-on experience helps visitors understand the natural forces that shape the country.
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