Last updated May 2026
The National Library of New Zealand — Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa — is the country’s most significant public library and research institution, located on the corner of Aitken and Molesworth Streets in Thorndon, Wellington. It holds New Zealand’s documentary heritage: books, maps, photographs, manuscripts, newspapers, and digital collections spanning the full history of the country and the Pacific. Visitors can explore exhibitions on the ground floor, access the Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms for in-depth research, and use the public reference collections.
Practical Information
| Address | Corner Aitken and Molesworth Streets, Thorndon, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 474 300 |
| Hours | Check natlib.govt.nz for current opening hours |
| Entry | Free — ground floor exhibitions and reference access |
| Research rooms | Appointment required for Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms |
| Parking | Street parking on Molesworth and Aitken Streets; Thorndon commercial carparks nearby |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Location | Close to Parliament Buildings and the Court of Appeal |
About the National Library
The National Library was established by statute and holds particular importance for New Zealand history, housing the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library — a world-class research collection of New Zealand and Pacific material assembled by Wellington businessman Alexander Turnbull (1868–1918) and bequeathed to the nation. The Turnbull collection includes early manuscripts, maps, artworks, photographs, and printed material relating to New Zealand from its earliest European contact onward.
The building, completed in 1987, sits in the heart of Wellington’s parliamentary precinct on Molesworth Street, within walking distance of Parliament, Archives New Zealand, and the Beehive.
What You Can Access
The ground floor of the National Library is open to the public and features rotating exhibitions drawn from the collections — often around New Zealand history, photography, or literature. The public reference area allows access to digitised collections, reference databases, and finding aids. For access to original materials held in the Alexander Turnbull Library — manuscripts, maps, photographs, older printed works — visitors need to apply for a reader’s card and book an appointment in advance. Library staff can assist with identifying what’s available and how to access it.
The library also holds a children’s collection and provides services to schools and the wider public through its digital platforms.
What Visitors Say
“The exhibitions are always worth a look — they draw on the collections in ways that tell stories you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The Turnbull reading room staff are extremely knowledgeable and very helpful for anyone doing serious New Zealand research.” — TripAdvisor reviewer
Where to Learn More
National Library of New Zealand — Visiting: Current opening hours, visitor information, exhibition listings, and how to access the reading rooms and collections.
National Library of New Zealand — Wikipedia: Background on the library’s history, its statutory role, the Alexander Turnbull collection, and the building.
FAQ
Where is the National Library of New Zealand?
On the corner of Aitken and Molesworth Streets, Thorndon, Wellington — close to Parliament Buildings, the Beehive, and Archives New Zealand.
Is the National Library free to visit?
Yes — ground floor exhibitions and general reference access are free. The Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms require a reader’s card, which is also free to obtain.
What is the Alexander Turnbull Library?
The Alexander Turnbull Library is the research library within the National Library, holding original manuscripts, maps, photographs, artworks, and printed material relating to New Zealand and the Pacific. It was assembled by Alexander Turnbull (1868–1918) and bequeathed to the nation. Access to original materials requires an appointment.
Can I just walk in?
Yes — the ground floor is open to the public for exhibitions and general reference. For access to original archival material in the Turnbull reading rooms, you need to apply for a reader’s card and book ahead. Check natlib.govt.nz for current hours.
What exhibitions are on?
The National Library runs rotating exhibitions drawn from its collections. Check natlib.govt.nz for current and upcoming exhibitions.
How do I access historical New Zealand documents for research?
Apply for an Alexander Turnbull Library reader’s card (free) via natlib.govt.nz, book an appointment at the reading room, and request items in advance. Library staff can advise on finding aids and collections relevant to your research.
Explore more things to do on the Things to Do in Wellington page, or visit Archives New Zealand nearby for access to government records, or the Wellington Central Library Te Matapihi for public library services.
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