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North Island Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended North Island Museums & exhibitions

Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

1. Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

Enter a Maori village in a natural bush setting and learn about their customs during an immersive cultural experience. Following pickup from your Rotorua accommodation, if option booked, get a warm meet and greet from a beautiful Maori maidens. Learn the guidelines to enter the sacred site and select a chief from your group to represent those visiting the village. See warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream and marvel at glow worms in their natural habitat. Be captivated by the songs and dances of an entertaining concert, complete with the spine-tingling haka war dance. Watch as the hangi feast is removed from the earth-cooked oven, explore the art of ta moko (tattoo) and more.  Feast on a hot selection of succulent meats and poultry, vegetables and fresh salads, topped off with tempting desserts.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket

2. Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket

Regarded as one of the finest museums in the southern hemisphere, discover Auckland Museums' renowned and unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures. Visit one of the nation's best heritage buildings that house the museum's three floors with stories of New Zealand. Learn about the great Polynesian voyages that brought people to Aotearoa. Then discover details about the diverse cultures and communities of Auckland. Enjoy views from the roof when you take part in the Incredible Rooftop Tour or discover the best bits of our galleries with the Gallery Highlights Tour.

Auckland: Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries Entry Ticket

3. Auckland: Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries Entry Ticket

Visit the Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries with this entrance ticket. Relax and reflect in the Reflective Garden, see the bunnies in Rabbiton, and see the magnificent Chihuly Chandelier. When you arrive, head to the Miro Room and meet a staff member who will welcome you and explain the layout of the Sculptureum. The property consists of 2 main areas, the front gardens, and the indoor galleries/back gardens. Spend the next 1.5 - 2 hours enjoying the gardens and galleries. Stroll down the flat, wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the property and rest in one of the many comfortable seating options when you wish. As you stroll, stop to read the plaques under each artwork and sculpture to learn the artist's name, where they are from, and a summary about the artist or their work. Begin your experience in the Garden of Creative Diversity at the front of the property. Next, head to the Classical Garden and admire its collection of sculptures from Italy and France. Continue to the Reflective Garden, where you can read quotes about the purpose of gardens. As you wander, stop to enjoy the aviaries filled with various breeds of birds. Continue to the Steve Jobs walk before heading to see the bunnies at Rabbiton with your kids. If you wish, book a rabbit feeding experience for an additional fee. Head inside to the 6 indoor galleries. The first features a display of international glass art, and the second has figurative sculptures and paintings, including works from Matisse, Picasso, and Chagall. In the third gallery, marvel at sculptures of animals and birds from all over the world. Continue the animal theme in the fourth gallery with a giant Rhinoceros from a gallery in the Place des Vosges in Paris and various fish sculptures from Greece and Korea. Learn about sustainability in gallery five, with its innovative creations made with repurposed materials. Head back outside to the Palm Garden, and stroll along manicured paths flowing through a whimsical array of plants and sculptures. At the end of the path, marvel at the Pink Snail Garden, made by the Cracking Art Group in Milan. Re-enter gallery six and see the grand Chihuly Chandelier, the final piece of the Sculptureum experience. Before leaving the Sculptureum, head to the award-winning Rothko fine dining restaurant or grab a bite to eat at Freddie's Outdoor Kitchen for a more relaxed atmosphere. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a wine tasting of the Sculptureum wines at the Terrace Lawn Bar. If you wish to extend your visit, ask a staff member after arrival about the vineyard tours and animal encounters.

Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket

4. Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket

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.

Blenheim: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Admission Ticket

5. Blenheim: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Admission Ticket

Discover two world-class aviation exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Explore the original "Knights of the Sky" exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson's collection of WWI aircraft and artifacts. Learn about the story of aviation during the Great War, which is brought to life in sensational sets created by an internationally acclaimed production company and a special effects company. Make your way to the "Dangerous Skies" exhibition which features aviaton stories from World War II. Learn of tales of valor and tragedy from the British Isles, the forests of Germany, the defence of Russia, and the steaming hot jungles of South East Asia. Admire the two star attractions of the exhibition, the world's only flyable Mk1 Avro Anson, and a Griffon powered Mk.XIVe Spitfire.

Auckland: Maritime Museum Entry Ticket

6. Auckland: Maritime Museum Entry Ticket

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. 

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour

7. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour

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.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour

8. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour

Enjoy a 1-hour guided afternoon tour to discover Te Papa’s Maori cultural treasures and hear their stories. This tour will enrich your understanding of what makes New Zealand’s Maori culture unique. 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. Gain free admission to the museum and explore at your own pace. Then, join a small-group afternoon tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide to learn about Aotearoa and its indigenous Māori people. Listen to engaging and informative commentary as your guide brings the stories of New Zealand's places and people to life. The museum extensive collections are spread over six floors with high-tech interactive exhibits. Encounter Māori and other Pacific Island cultural treasures and learn about New Zealand’s extraordinary natural history. The tour is an ideal orientation for first-time visitors while adding depth and understanding to the Te Papa experience. 

Auckland: Ted Ashby Sailing Tour & Maritime Museum Ticket

9. Auckland: Ted Ashby Sailing Tour & Maritime Museum Ticket

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.

Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour

10. Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour

Take a 45-minute express tour at twilight when the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is less crowded. Tick off the museum's main highlights and learn about New Zealand's land, people, and history from your friendly knowledgeable guide.  The museum extensive collections are spread over six floors with over 200,000 items. Join a small group lead by a friendly, knowledgeable guide who will take you on the most direct route to the museum's popular exhibits. The route may vary depending on your guide.   The guides are highly trained, with a knack for bringing the stories of New Zealand's places and people to life. You will stop regularly to interact with the displays and learn about the most important works and artifacts. See Māori cultural treasures, the museum’s own 'marae' (Māori meeting house), as well as historic and contemporary art. 

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Frequently asked questions about North Island Museums & exhibitions

What are other things to do than Museums & exhibitions that are worth visiting in North Island?

The other unmissable things to do in North Island are:

Other Sightseeing Options in North Island

Want to discover all there is to do in North Island? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about North Island

We had the most incredible evening. We learnt a lot about the Māori culture and thoroughly enjoyed the evening meal cooked in the ‘Māori microwave’. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I am so glad we booked this as an end to our holiday in NewZealand. Highly recommend this experience to others visiting NewZealand.

one of the best cultural experiences I've had very well done worth every penny and would do it again everything was perfect

We found the evening entertaining and informative and the food was delicious.

Cultural experience, very good insight, beautiful food

the experience is amazing, recommended to everyone