About | Auckland War Memorial Museum
Learn more about New Zealand’s rich culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, it’s a great introduction to our history. There are Māori and Pacific collections to explore. The museum also serves as a place of remembrance to those that lost their lives at war.
Being inside, this makes the perfect rainy day activity.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is situated with a tranquil park so come enjoy a wander or picnic as well.
For international visitors, family admission is $60. Otherwise, for Auckland residents, it’s free and for New Zealand visitors a donation is invited. There are also guided tours and a Maori cultural experience available.
Open 10am – 5pm every day of the year, except for Christmas Day.
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In front of the museum you’ll find a nice water feature and some canyons.
On the ground level of the museum, we step into the Maori Court which tells the story of the Maori people, showcasing carvings and precious objects they used. The detail in the carvings is really magnificent. The gallery contains more than 1,000 artefacts from New Zealand, some which date all the way back to the arrival and settlement of the Maori. View everyday objects which were once used for living, hunting and fishing. There’s also a full size meeting house which you can walk around in.
Behind the boys is the last great war canoe that was used in battle, carved from a giant totara tree.
Onto the first floor where we explore the Origins gallery, here we learn more about the origins of New Zealand’s animals and plant life.
Scientists only realised 20 years ago that dinosaurs once lived in New Zealand. Here you’ll be able to view lifesized replica skeletons of the cryolophosaurus, malawisaurus and the pteranodon.
The kids will especially love the Weird and Wonderful Discovery Centre which can be found on Level 1. It’s aimed for children and helps them learn and discover in a fun and interactive way.
Open up the drawers to see an awesome collection of bugs, insects, butterflies, moths, shells and lots of other cool, interesting and beautiful things.
There’s so much to see at the Auckland Museum, see what interests your kids and go at their pace.
