Auckland

Museums & Exhibitions

Regarded as one of the finest museums in the southern hemisphere, discover this museum's renowned and unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures. House on one of the nation's best heritage buildings, the museum's 3 floors tell the story of New Zealand. From the great Polynesian voyages that brought people to Aotearoa to the diverse cultures and communities of Auckland, Auckland Museum portrays the rich diversity of New Zealand in an informative and spectacular way. From the museum, admire stunning views across the city, Waitemata Harbour, Hauraki Gulf and its islands.

Embark on an otherworldly adventure and explore a maze of different rooms, each creatively designed to test your senses. Navigate quirky obstacles, feel your way through dark spaces, and be surprised by unusual sound and lighting effects and mind-bending illusions. Dive into a truly immersive sensory experience and make your way through Odyssey at your own pace. Undertake a journey like no other as you get hands-and-feet-on with this unique, labyrinthine world.

Your half-day tour through Auckland’s indigenous culture begins with morning pickup from Auckland CBD. The first stop on your tour of New Zealand’s most bustling city is Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, more commonly known as Bastion Point, the site of significant Maori protests against intrusion onto their land by European settlers.  Afterwards, head off towards the volcanic vistas of One Tree Hill, which has significance as a Maori memorial site, and to the Wintergardens, a complex of heated gardens which date back over 100 years. Your sightseeing caps off with a visit to the Mt. Eden Volcano, the city’s most significant volcanic cone, where you’ll get unmatched views of the city and harbor. All the while, your guide will help you to understand Maori history, even teaching you some Maori sayings along the way. The last stop of your tour is at the Auckland Museum, where you’ll see a famous Haka, or traditional Maori war dance, and even get the opportunity to try a Maori temporary tattoo. Learn about traditional Maori games and instruments before heading back to your accommodation.

Explore Auckland’s sparkling Waitematā Harbour aboard the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s heritage scow, Ted Ashby. Help hoist the sails or simply sit back and absorb stunning views of the city skyline as you cruise beneath the iconic Harbour Bridge. After your sailing experience, spend some time at New Zealand Maritime Museum and discover the genius of early Pacific navigation and the great voyages of exploration to Aotearoa through to Blue Water Black Magic, a gallery dedicated to our extraordinary story of innovative design, meticulous teamwork, outstanding leadership and New Zealand's international success in sailing.

Take a trip to the Maritime Museum and spend a few hours learning about one of the most maritime nations in the world. Go deep inside the stories and narratives of those affected by the sea through galleries, displays, special exhibitions, and more.  Discover the relationship between the sea and other factors such as immigration, trade, design, innovation, and leisure.  The Museum houses one of the nation’s most important heritage collections which covers the breadth of our relationship with the sea; from the Great Pacific Migration a thousand years ago to the cutting edge of modern technology and design used in America’s Cup and modern yachting. Suitable for all the family, there is something for everyone at the museum thanks to the poignancy of the personal connections and stories told here.