Museum descriptions

In 60 words

Welcome to Auckland Museum. Auckland Museum is your first stop to gain an insight into New Zealand and its peoples.

Be inspired by the compelling story of our nation; from our unique natural world and social history to the story of New Zealand at war.

Discover the ever evolving story of Auckland, through themed permanent collections, special exhibitions, events, and performances.

In 100 words

Housed in one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings, Auckland Museum is the cultural and spiritual touchstone for the many communities that inhabit this beautiful land, and the first stop for anyone wishing to gain an insight into New Zealand and its peoples. Priceless Māori and Pasifika treasures, amazing natural history, and a variety of new special exhibitions, events, and performances.

Tāmaki Paenga Hira is Auckland’s War Memorial Museum, home to an ongoing remembrance of New Zealand’s service personnel. The Museum is also New Zealand’s oldest research institution, actively contributing to societal and environmental understanding, with an international benchmark setting focus on indigenous knowledge.

In 160 words

Auckland Museum is regarded as one of the finest Museums in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its unique collection of Māori and Pacific treasures. It is also a war memorial for the Auckland province.

Housed in one of the country's finest heritage buildings, the Museum tells the story of New Zealand as a nation; from award-winning natural history exhibits to galleries which investigate New Zealand's cultural origins.

Scars on the Heart, the Museum's war memorial gallery, tells the story of New Zealand at war, while He Taonga Māori - the Museum's Māori treasures gallery, displays over 2,000 priceless Māori artefacts, including rare carvings and the last great Māori war canoe carved from a giant Totara tree.

The Museum is home to an ever-evolving host of galleries and special exhibitions, including Tāmaki Herenga Waka, a contemporary gallery dedicated to the stories of Auckland and the people who call it home. The Imaginarium is the new children’s gallery where learning is curiosity lead, and awe-inspiring.

In 350 words

Housed in one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings, Auckland Museum has the most significant collection of Māori and Pacific treasures in the southern hemisphere. From the great Polynesian voyages which first brought people to Aotearoa, to the diverse cultures and communities that make up Auckland today, Auckland Museum portrays the rich diversity of New Zealand.

The Museum is spread over three floors each telling a significant New Zealand story. The Ground Floor tells the story of New Zealand the people and their place in the Pacific. The Māori Gallery - displays over 2,000 priceless treasures, including rare carvings and the last great Māori war canoe used in battle. Adjacent to these treasures are the Pacific Masterpieces and Lifeways galleries presenting Pacific arts, history and culture. These galleries and others, tell the story of New Zealand's people.

On the first floor, natural history galleries explain New Zealand's remarkable flora and fauna, from the subtropical north to the mountainous south. These galleries trace New Zealand's ancient origins from the great lost continent of Gondwana and are complemented by interactive and award-winning children’s discovery centres. The discovery centres feature hundreds of hands-on displays and interactive activities to keep the kids captivated.

On the top floor, Halls of Memory record the names of Aucklanders lost in military conflict while Scars on the Heart, the Museum's war memorial exhibition, tells the compelling story of New Zealand's emergence as a nation through the loss and suffering of war.

As part of an ongoing regeneration project, the Museum has recently completed a series of interior renovations. Te Ao Mārama South Atrium, the newly opened south entrance, is host to Tuitui Bistro and Café, serving seasonal menus and excellent coffee. The Museum Store in its new location offers an exceptional range of quality New Zealand and Pacific handcrafts, from wooden carvings and jade, to books, fine jewellery, ceramics and glassware.