Last updated June 2026
Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum, located on the Wellington waterfront at 55 Cable Street. It houses extensive collections covering Māori and Pacific cultures, natural history, New Zealand history, and art across multiple floors. The museum is free for New Zealand residents and people living in New Zealand, while international visitors aged 16 and over pay a general admission fee. It operates daily except Christmas Day and offers cafés, stores, and full accessibility. Special exhibitions may have separate charges.
Practical Information
| Address | 55 Cable Street, Wellington waterfront |
| Opening hours | Daily 10am – 6pm |
| Closed | Christmas Day only |
| Admission (NZ residents) | Free |
| Admission (international, 16+) | NZ$35 (valid for 48 hours) |
| Admission (international, under 16) | Free |
| Cafés and stores | Yes — multiple options on site |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible with additional support available |
| Parking | Paid parking nearby at Cable Street and Jervois Quay; short walk from Wellington CBD |
About Te Papa
Te Papa opened on 14 February 1998 on Wellington’s waterfront. The name Te Papa Tongarewa is often translated as ‘our place’ and reflects its role as a meeting point for New Zealand’s people, stories, and taonga. The building is a landmark structure designed with cultural symbolism and engineering features suited to its waterfront location.
The museum holds approximately 2.5 million collection items, with a wide range of taonga Māori, Pacific artefacts, natural history specimens including a colossal squid, historical objects, and the national art collection on display. Only a portion of the holdings is exhibited at any one time, and the displays rotate or are supplemented by touring exhibitions.
Rongomaraeroa, the museum’s marae on level four, functions as a living marae for ceremonies, events, and visitor welcome while remaining open as part of general admission. It was created as a contemporary space acknowledging the whakapapa of all peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Exhibitions and Highlights
Visitors commonly explore the Māori and Pacific collections, natural history galleries, and history exhibits that cover settlement through to contemporary times. The national art collection features works by leading New Zealand artists, and geological or earthquake-related displays connect directly to Wellington’s setting. Special exhibitions change regularly; some carry additional charges.
The 48-hour validity of international tickets allows visitors to return the following day without extra cost, which suits the museum’s size and the time needed to view multiple floors and changing displays.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Te Papa as a world-class museum with impressive Māori exhibits, fascinating natural history displays including the colossal squid, and a vast collection that rewards several hours of exploration. Many note the waterfront location and recommend allowing time to return on a second day.
Where to Learn More
Te Papa Plan Your Visit: Official details on hours, tickets, accessibility, parking, cafés, and current exhibitions.
Te Papa International Tickets: Current pricing, 48-hour validity terms, and what is included for international visitors.
Te Papa Rongomaraeroa: Information on the marae, its protocols, and visitor access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Te Papa free?
General admission is free for New Zealand residents and people living in New Zealand. International visitors aged 16 and over pay NZ$35; those under 16 enter free. The ticket is valid for 48 hours.
Where is Te Papa located?
At 55 Cable Street on the Wellington waterfront, a short walk from the CBD and near public transport stops.
What are the current opening hours?
Te Papa is open daily from 10am to 6pm and closed only on Christmas Day.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours. The museum’s size means a thorough visit across all floors can take most of a day, and the 48-hour ticket supports returning the next day.
Is there food available?
Yes, the museum has cafés and stores on site with waterfront views.
Can I visit the marae?
Rongomaraeroa on level four is open to visitors as part of general admission. It is a living marae used for events and welcomes visitors during museum hours, though access may be limited during ceremonies.
Is Te Papa accessible?
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with additional support and resources available for visitors with disabilities.
Are there parking options?
Paid parking is available nearby at Cable Street and Jervois Quay; the site is also within easy walking distance of the CBD.
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