Last updated July 2026
When you visit the Reserve Bank Museum in Wellington, you explore the evolution of New Zealand’s currency from early exchange systems to modern polymer notes and coins. The museum highlights the Reserve Bank’s role in monetary policy and financial stability since its establishment in 1934. Exhibits cover the shift from British coinage to local currency and the 1967 decimalisation that introduced the New Zealand dollar. Interactive displays, including a working MONIAC hydraulic computer, illustrate economic concepts in an engaging way.
Practical Information
| Location | 2 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington |
| Status | Closed to the general public; open for school visits by appointment |
| Opened | 2006 |
| Admission | Free for booked school groups |
| Key Features | Numismatic collection, MONIAC machine, historical panels on banking and currency |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
About the Reserve Bank Museum
The Reserve Bank Museum is the only specialist economic and central banking museum in New Zealand. It is located on the ground floor of the Reserve Bank building and tells the story of the bank’s foundation and its role as Aotearoa New Zealand’s central bank. The museum celebrates New Zealand’s wider economic and banking history through an extensive range of exhibits, including rare notes and coins from its numismatic collection.
Displays cover the history of currency from early banknotes through to decimal currency, the development of the banking system, and the Reserve Bank’s responsibilities in maintaining price stability and financial system integrity. A featured exhibit explores New Zealand’s banking history from the 1840s to 2010, while another section demonstrates inflation and economic principles using the MONIAC machine designed by Bill Phillips.
The museum space includes three major display bays covering aspects of the economy, the banking system, the history of the Reserve Bank, and numismatic displays. It serves an important educational function, particularly for school groups learning about kaitiakitanga, monetary policy, and New Zealand’s economic heritage.
History of New Zealand Currency
New Zealand’s currency history begins with pre-colonial Māori gift exchange systems that prioritised relationships over material value. European arrival introduced bartering, with Māori trading goods for metal tools. Before a unified local currency, foreign coins, promissory notes, and merchant-issued notes circulated in a fragmented system.
British coins became legal tender in the colony from 1858 and remained dominant until the 1930s. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, established in 1934, issued its first banknotes on 1 August that year. These featured Māori iconography and were printed in London. The 1967 decimalisation replaced the pound with the dollar at a rate of two dollars per pound, accompanied by public education campaigns and new coin designs reflecting national identity.
Subsequent changes included the introduction of polymer notes in 1999 and the 2015 Brighter Money series with enhanced security features. The Reserve Bank continues to issue currency, combat counterfeiting, and manage the money supply.
Museum Exhibits and Features
The museum houses a numismatic collection with paper money and coins dating back to 1934, alongside rarer earlier banknotes. Highlights include commemorative items and a 1937 proof set. Interactive elements feature a simulated vault door and the working MONIAC hydraulic computer that demonstrates monetary concepts.
Historical panels chronicle economic milestones from Polynesian settlement onward. The collection also addresses counterfeiting and security features in modern notes. School visits include a 45- to 60-minute presentation covering the Reserve Bank’s role, monetary policy, and economics.
Visiting the Reserve Bank Museum
The museum is currently closed to the general public. Schools can arrange visits by appointment through the official Reserve Bank website. Bookings require details such as preferred time, student numbers, and contact information. The space is also used for media conferences, so alternative dates are recommended when booking.
Wheelchair access is available. There is no gift shop or café. Visitors are advised to check the Reserve Bank website for the latest updates on access or reopening.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors who have accessed the museum describe it as an informative small space with clear displays on currency history and engaging interactive elements like the MONIAC machine. School groups appreciate the focused presentations on New Zealand’s economic story.
Reviewers note the free entry for eligible groups and the educational value of the numismatic collection and historical panels, though they emphasise the need to book in advance due to limited public access.
Where to Learn More
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Museum page: Official information on exhibits, school visits, and current access status.
Reserve Bank school visits page: Details on booking educational tours and what students can expect.
Museum history and collection page: Overview of displays and highlights from the numismatic and banking collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current access policy for the Reserve Bank Museum?
The museum is closed to the general public. It remains open for school visits by appointment only.
How can schools book a visit?
Schools contact the Reserve Bank with preferred time, student numbers, year level, and contact details. Alternative dates are recommended due to possible scheduling conflicts.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum offers wheelchair access.
What exhibits are on display?
Exhibits include numismatic collections, historical banking panels, the MONIAC hydraulic computer, and displays on currency evolution and monetary policy.
When did the museum open?
The Reserve Bank Museum opened in 2006.
Are there any facilities like a café or shop?
No, the museum does not have a gift shop or café.
What topics do school presentations cover?
Presentations cover the Reserve Bank’s role, monetary policy, economics, and New Zealand’s banking history.
Where is the museum located?
It is on the ground floor of the Reserve Bank building at 2 The Terrace, Wellington Central.
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