Opening Hours

10am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day and ANZAC day morning (25 April). The Museum Library is open 1pm - 5pm Monday to Friday and 10 am - 5 pm Saturday.

 Bookings & Charges

All self guided groups must be booked in advance to ensure access to requested galleries. Click here for Bookings and Charges . There is no charge for adults who accompany self guided school groups if they are there in a supervisory role. However this does not apply to the Maori Cultural Performance.

 Map

Click here for the galleries map and visitor's guide .

 Sessions

Most sessions have a maximum capacity of 30 students but sessions in Te Kakano, the Armoury and Museum Library accommodate groups of no more than 15 students at a time. Session limits may vary according to the activity.

 Health & Safety

Click here for the Museums School Visit Health & Safety Guidelines.

Accompanying Adults

Accompanying adults are responisible for ensuring that:

• they provide active supervision: stay in close proximity and to be able to provide immediate assistance or direction to students.
• Students do not eat or drink in galleries
• Students behave in an appropriate manner
• Their group is in the correct venue on time and not in unbooked areas
• Their students do not go into Weird & Wonderful or Volcanoes gallery unless booked. A general tour does not include these areas.

Note: Please be considerate of other pre-booked groups in a gallery.

 Children

Parents or guardians shall provide supervision and care for children under the age of 14 while attending the Museum.  The Museum does not accept responsibility for any children left unattended

 School Buses 

Click here to download the Bus Circulation Map 

 Timing

We recommend 30-60 minutes per gallery for self guided groups. It is essential that you adhere to the booking times and booked venues as early or late arrival will affect the quality of your visit and the visits of other booked groups.

 Worksheets 

There are worksheets available in our Teacher Resource section. Please note: we request that students use pencils rather than pens.

 Your Arrival

All groups are to enter through the South (rear) Atrium entrance.  Students disembark and buses are to park on the west side of the building.

 Accessibility 

A ramp is located at the entrance. Disabled parking is available. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the south cloakroom.

 School Bags

We have limited bag storage so we ask that bags be left at school or on the bus, alternatively share bags. School bags and lunches can be stored in bins in the south cloakroom.

 Cameras

Cameras can be used in all galleries and in many temporary special exhibitions.

 Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the ground floor either side of the front foyer and on the eastern side of the Atrium.

 Morning break and lunch

It is suggested that students have morning tea on the bus or outside before their visit start time. We recommend you bring a packed lunch to the Museum as there are very limited options for buying food nearby. No food or drink is permitted in the galleries. Unfortunately there is no purpose built lunch area for school groups. In fine weather bring a packed lunch and enjoy the Auckland Domain. If it is raining a lunch space will be provided near the Atrium, please ask Museum staff on arrival. There are no drinking fountains. Bring water/drink bottles to use on breaks.

 Auckland Domain

Auckland Domain is the city´s oldest park and one of its most popular. The spacious green area is a pleasant contrast to the busy city centre, just minutes away. The park has formal gardens, statuary and green clearings edged by century-old trees. Features for visitors include the Winter Garden, Fernz Fernery, a Sensory Garden and duck ponds. No charge for entry. School groups can use the Domain grounds or the band rotunda in the Domain for lunches and break times.

Students remain the responsibility of their teachers and accompanying parents at all times.