Te Papa Tongarewa — the Museum of New Zealand — is the country’s national museum, located at 55 Cable Street on Wellington’s waterfront. It’s one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest museums, spanning six floors of New Zealand history, culture, natural environment, and art. Admission is free for New Zealand residents; international visitors pay a general admission charge. Te Papa is open every day except Christmas Day, with late Thursday hours until 8pm.
Practical Information
| Address | 55 Cable Street, Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara waterfront) |
|---|---|
| Monday – Wednesday | 10am – 6pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 8pm |
| Friday – Sunday | 10am – 6pm |
| Closed | Christmas Day only |
| Admission (NZ residents) | Free |
| Admission (international, 16+) | NZ$35 (valid for 48 hours) |
| Admission (international, under 16) | Free |
| Café / restaurant | Yes — multiple options on site |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible |
| Parking | Paid parking at Cable Street and Jervois Quay; walking distance from Wellington CBD |
About Te Papa
Te Papa opened in 1998 and has become one of New Zealand’s most visited attractions. The name means ‘our place’ in te reo Māori, and the museum is designed to reflect that — it’s the meeting place of New Zealand’s people, stories, and taonga (treasures). The building stretches 240 metres along the waterfront and holds around 1.5 million collection items, of which a fraction are on display at any time.
The museum covers a wide span: Māori and Pacific cultural collections, natural history (including a giant squid specimen), New Zealand history from first settlement to today, contemporary art and design, and major touring international exhibitions. The Marae on level four — Rongomaraeroa — is a living marae within the museum, available for events and welcoming all visitors.
What to See
First-time visitors often prioritise the Māori collections on levels two and four, the natural history floor, and Te Papa’s geological and earthquake exhibits — which are particularly relevant to Wellington as a seismically active city. The museum holds significant works from New Zealand’s leading artists alongside its cultural and historical material. Special exhibitions change regularly and some may carry additional charges — check tepapa.govt.nz before visiting for current listings.
The 48-hour ticket validity for international visitors is genuinely useful — Te Papa is too large to absorb in a single day, and a second visit the following day at no extra cost is worth taking up.
What Visitors Say
“World class museum. Hours could be spent here. The Maori exhibits are absolutely incredible and the natural history section is fascinating. Don’t miss the giant squid.” — TripAdvisor reviewer
Where to Learn More
Te Papa — Plan Your Visit: Current hours, admission details, accessibility information, guided tour bookings, and what’s on.
FAQ
Is Te Papa free?
For New Zealand residents, yes — general admission is free. International visitors pay NZ$35 per adult (16+); international visitors under 16 enter free. The ticket is valid for 48 hours, so you can return the next day. Some special exhibitions may carry separate charges.
Where is Te Papa?
At 55 Cable Street on the Wellington waterfront — a 10-minute walk from the CBD along the waterfront promenade, or from the Railway Station along Customhouse Quay.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 10am-6pm, with Thursday late hours until 8pm. Closed Christmas Day only.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours. The museum is very large — a full visit across all floors takes the better part of a day. The 48-hour ticket allows you to spread visits across two days.
Is there food at Te Papa?
Yes — the museum has a café and restaurant on site, with waterfront views.
Can I visit the Marae?
Rongomaraeroa on level four is open to visitors as part of the general museum visit. It’s a living marae used for events and welcomes all visitors during museum hours.
Explore more things to do on the Things to Do in Wellington page, or read about the Wellington Museum at Queens Wharf and City Gallery Wellington nearby on the waterfront.
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