Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Culture & history

Avoid the crowds and enter the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa before it opens to the public at 10:00 AM, and access the "Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War" exhibition to learn more about one of the major campaigns of World War I. Get a short introduction from a knowledgeable guide, and then explore at your own pace. Combining the world of museums with the world-class creative artistry of Weta Workshop, the ground-breaking exhibition tells the story through the eyes and words of eight ordinary New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.  Learn all about the giant sculptures that took a staggering 24,000 hours to create. Encounter 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences that will bring New Zealand's Gallipoli story to life. Then, use your entry ticket to explore the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa's vast collections at leisure.

This introductory 1-hour guided tour is the perfect way to gain an overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Maori treasures, and New Zealand history. It is ideal if you have limited time or would like an introduction for an extended visit!  In central Wellington, you're rarely more than a 20-minute walk away from The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a cultural history museum located on the waterfront. Join a tour in either English or Mandarin led by a friendly, knowledgeable guide to make the most of your visit. The guides are highly trained, with a knack for bringing the stories of New Zealand's places and people to life. Tours available in English or Mandarin.  Learn about Maori history, traditions, and art. View photography and natural science displays, come face-to-face with the largest and only colossal squid on display in the world. Enjoy high-tech interactive exhibits, art and design galleries, and the living, growing exhibition of Bush City. After the tour, use your entry ticket to explore the museum further at your own pace. There is plenty to see and you are welcome to stay as long as you like. Rest and recharge at one of the onsite cafes and browse for a souvenir at the gift stores.

Ride at your own pace by hiring an e-bike to explore Wellington city and the surrounding bays. These high-quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. Ride the bays to take in the best viewpoints or use your e-bike as your transport between the must-see attractions of Wellington such as the Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum, or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, these top-quality electric bikes make your mode of transport an experience in itself. The local partner can recommend a great day route that takes you from their store on the Wellington Waterfront, around the bays to the Miramar Peninsula and back via a lookout of the harbor entrance and the Mount Victoria lookout.

Discover the best of Wellington on a guided tour of the city. Admire the picturesque views of the city and harbor from Mount Victoria, visit the Weta Cave, and take a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car. Start your tour with a pick-up from your meeting point and head downtown past Te Papa and the QT hotel. See St Gerard’s Church and Monastery before driving up to the top of Mount Victoria to see spectacular views of Wellington’s city and harbor. Drive to Lyall Bay beach, pass Wellington airport, and see some of the rugged coast line. On a clear day, you may see some spectacular views of the South Island. Pass Barrett’s Reef, where on 10 April 1968 the roll on/roll off ferry Wahine hit the reef and capsized near Seatoun during a hurricane resulting in 52 lives being lost. Drive to the Wellington sign on your way to Weta Studios on the Miramar Peninsula for your Lord of the Rings experience with a short visit to Weta Cave where you will have a chance to purchase Lord of the Rings memorabilia and more photo opportunities. Continue around the coastline, passing popular Oriental Bay before venturing through the different parts of the inner city ending up at the bottom of the iconic Wellington Cable Car which first carried passengers in 1902. After you have traveled to the top in the cable car and visited the quaint museum at that end, you will have more breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and city. Drive pass the lovely Botanic Gardens and drive through the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, before seeing Parliament Buildings and its grounds and finally Old St Paul’s Cathedral – one of the world’s best examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Be dropped off wherever you wish within the city center to take with you lasting fond memories of your visit to Wellington.

Experience the majestic beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscapes on a 21-day adventure. Take part in unique local activities along the way and end your journey in the city of Christchurch. Day 1: Welcome to Auckland- Arrival at Hostel Welcome evening - Meet your Small Group Tour driver guide and fellow travelers Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel •Explore the stunning Cathedral Cove •Relax at Hot Water Beach by digging your own spa pool Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo •Hike through the Karangahake Gorge •Admire the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua •Explore the lush Ruakuri Reserve •Spend the night in a Māori village, where you'll learn about local history and culture •Visit Hobbiton (extra) •Discover the town and lake in Rotorua Day 5: Rotorua Free Day •Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo •Walk the scenic Huka Falls walkway •Soak under a waterfall or in the naturally heated rock pools at Spa Park Day 7: Taupo Free day •Today is at your leisure; feel free to explore; you can book one of the many optional activities online via the Trip Planner. Day 8: Taupo to River Valley •Walk the trail to Taranaki Falls •Spend the day at River Valley Lodge, nestled along the Rangitikei River •Taste an organic roast dinner Day 9: River Valley to Wellington •Take in the vibrant city vibes of Wellington, New Zealand's capital Day 10: Wellington Free Day •Today is yours to do as you wish! Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura •Board a spacious ferry for a ride across the Cook Strait •Sip on some local wine in the Marlborough region •Visit the impressive Kaikoura seal colony Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch •Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway •Admire incredible panoramic views of Kaikoura •Discover hidden gems of Christchurch on a city-street art trail Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo •Marvel at the stars in the Dark Sky Project •Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook •Spend the day inside the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park •Walk through the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown •Feast on a buffet dinner with panoramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant Day 16: Queenstown free day •Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound •2 hour Milford Sound boat cruise Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka •Take in views over Lake Wānaka from Roys Peak (weather dependent) •Visit the famous Wanaka tree Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef •Discover the Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park •Admire the famous mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from Lake Matheson Day 20: Franz Josef •Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop •Take on a glacier walk Day 21: Franz Josef to Christchurch •Explore a variety of trails across Arthur's Pass •Walk the Castle Hill track •Stop at the Devils Punchbowl waterfalls

Experience the best of Wellington in one day on a tour that blends nature, culture, and history, offering a comprehensive look at New Zealand's vibrant capital city. Perfect for all ages, this unforgettable adventure includes entry fees, guided tours, and transportation between attractions. Visit the Weta Cave to explore the creative world behind some of the biggest films in history with fascinating exhibits, props, and behind-the-scenes insights. Next, head to the Wellington Zoo to enjoy up-close encounters with a wide variety of animals and learn about conservation efforts. Take in panoramic views of Wellington city and harbor from the iconic lookout point of Mt. Victoria. Then, discover New Zealand’s rich history and culture at the Te Papa Museum through engaging exhibits covering natural history, Maori heritage, and contemporary art. Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car, offering charming views as you ascend to the Botanical Gardens. Stroll through the peaceful Wellington Botanic Gardens with beautiful landscapes and exotic plants. Explore the unique urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia, home to rare native birds and New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. NOTE: If you are coming off a cruise ship, reach out to us with your docking schedule and we will accommodate your needs. Book Now:Experience the best of Wellington on this full-day adventure, blending nature, culture, and history into an unforgettable day. Perfect for all ages and interests, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the best of what New Zealand’s vibrant capital has to offer.