Wellington Museum

About Wellington Museum

Wellington Museum is a things to do venue in Wellington Central, North Island.

The museum is located in a three-story building that covers an area of 2,200 square meters. Established in 1972, the museum commemorates Wellington’s social, cultural, and maritime history.

It houses four floors of local taonga (treasures) reflecting the region’s vibrant history, its people, and the future. While Wellington Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the region, it is not the only museum in Wellington.

The city is also home to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, which is located on the waterfront pier. Te Papa is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in New Zealand’s history and culture.

The museum has six storeys of cutting-edge interactive exhibitions housed in an architectural wonder of a building. Te Papa Tongarewa translates to “container of treasures,” which is an apt description for a museum considered the home of New Zealand stories.

Unlike many museums, general entry to Te Papa is free. The clever, contemporary, and bicultural approach puts Te Papa in a league of its own.

The exhibition opens with literally larger-than-life models of these real Kiwis, expertly crafted at 2.4 times human size. This monumental scale is a fitting tribute to the birds’ importance in New Zealand’s culture and ecology.

The museum also has two cafes on site serving tasty, well-priced food. In conclusion, Wellington Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Wellington, while Te Papa is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in New Zealand’s history and culture.

Both museums offer unique experiences and are worth a visit.

Good to know

• Type: Things to Do
• Area: Wellington Central, North Island
• Phone: +64 4 472 8904
• Website: visit ↗

Frequently asked questions

Find more things to do in Wellington Central or browse the Wellington Central local guide.