Last updated June 2026
The National Library of New Zealand — Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa — is the country’s leading public library and research institution, located on Molesworth Street in Thorndon, Wellington. It preserves New Zealand’s documentary heritage through extensive collections of books, maps, photographs, manuscripts, newspapers and digital resources covering the nation’s history and the Pacific region. Visitors can view rotating ground-floor exhibitions drawn from the collections, use public reference areas, and access the Alexander Turnbull Library for in-depth research with prior arrangements.
Practical Information
| Address | 54-70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington |
| Phone | 0800 474 300 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday 9am–1pm (confirm on natlib.govt.nz) |
| Entry | Free for ground-floor exhibitions and reference access |
| Research rooms | Reader’s card and appointment required for Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms |
| Parking | Street parking on Molesworth and Aitken Streets; nearby commercial car parks |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Location | Adjacent to Parliament Buildings and near Archives New Zealand |
About the National Library of New Zealand
The National Library of New Zealand was established by Act of Parliament in 1965. It serves as the primary repository for the nation’s published and documentary heritage, with a statutory role to collect, preserve and make accessible New Zealand’s published and unpublished material.
The Alexander Turnbull Library forms a core part of the institution. Wellington businessman Alexander Turnbull (1868–1918) assembled a major private collection of New Zealand and Pacific material, which he bequeathed to the nation. The Turnbull Library opened in 1920 and later integrated into the National Library.
The current building on Molesworth Street was completed and officially opened in August 1987. It consolidated collections previously held across multiple Wellington sites and stands in the parliamentary precinct, within easy walking distance of Parliament, the Beehive and Archives New Zealand.
Exploring Knowledge and Resources
The National Library provides extensive digital collections and databases accessible both on-site and remotely. These include digitised newspapers, photographs, maps, manuscripts and oral histories that support research into New Zealand history, culture and the Pacific.
Public reference areas on the ground floor offer free access to finding aids, online catalogues and selected digital resources without an appointment. Staff assist visitors with locating materials and navigating collections.
For original items held in the Alexander Turnbull Library, researchers must obtain a free reader’s card and book appointments in advance. The library supports school programmes, public events and digital platforms that extend its resources nationwide.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently note that the rotating exhibitions offer unique insights drawn directly from the collections and that staff in the reading rooms provide knowledgeable assistance for serious research projects.
Many appreciate the free entry and central location, describing the building as a calm, well-organised space ideal for both casual browsing and focused study.
Where to Learn More
National Library of New Zealand Visiting page: Current opening hours, exhibition details and guidance on accessing collections and reading rooms.
National Library of New Zealand official site: Search collections, digital resources and information on services for researchers and the public.
National Library of New Zealand – Wikipedia: Overview of statutory role, history and the Alexander Turnbull Library (citing primary sources).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Library of New Zealand?
It is located at 54-70 Molesworth Street in Thorndon, Wellington, near Parliament Buildings and Archives New Zealand.
Is entry free?
Yes, ground-floor exhibitions and general reference access are free. A reader’s card for the Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms is also free but requires an application.
What are the current opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 9am–1pm. Always confirm current hours on the official website as they may change.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
No appointment is needed for ground-floor exhibitions and public reference areas. Appointments and a reader’s card are required for access to original materials in the Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms.
What is the Alexander Turnbull Library?
It is the research collection within the National Library, holding original manuscripts, maps, photographs, artworks and printed material on New Zealand and the Pacific, assembled by Alexander Turnbull (1868–1918).
How do I access research materials?
Apply for a free reader’s card via the National Library website, book an appointment for the reading rooms, and request specific items in advance. Staff can provide guidance on collections and finding aids.
Are there digital resources available?
Yes, extensive digitised collections including newspapers, photographs and manuscripts are accessible online and on-site through public computers and catalogues.
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