Something big is here

Feel the ground shake? The greatest predator that ever lived has arrived at Auckland Museum.

Until September, Museum visitors will be able to get up close to one of the rarest, most complete T. rex skeletons in the world as it goes on display for the first time ever.

A T. rex skeleton is an incredibly rare sight in New Zealand and one containing real bones is even rarer, as most of the examples in museums are replicas. But what makes this example ultra rare is its stunning black colour, caused by mineral deposits on the bones.

ON DISPLAY NOW

TE AO MĀRAMA, SOUTH ATRIUM
ON DISPLAY FRIDAY 15 APRIL - SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
FREE

Measuring 12m in length and nearly 4m high, the skeleton, named ‘Peter’, is an awesome sight, posed in what would have been the T. rex’s hunting position.
Only four obsidian black T. rex have ever been found so this free, world premiere is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
One of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found, damage to Peter's bones reveals the fate of one of nature's most impressive predators.

Want to know more?
Discover the palaeontological study on a new specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex named Peter.

Read the report

Enhance your visit

Wander off to the Origins Gallery, grab a bite to eat at one of our cafés or stop by the Museum Store to take home a piece of T. rex with you.

T. REX-THEMED SPECIALS

Kids Platter or Ribs at Tuitui

Dine Jurassic style at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café, where the little ones can try our T. rex-themed platter and the grown-ups can dig into some decadant ribs.

Tuitui

A PIECE OF T. REX

Stop by the store

Ensure your T. rex experience isn’t forgotten by treating yourself, or a palaeontologist pal, to merchandise at our store. From toys to puzzles, let everyone know you were one of the first in the world to see Peter the T. rex! Also available online.

ONLINE STORE

FREE, LEVEL 1

Explore Origins Gallery

After getting to know Peter, come and meet some of his prehistoric peers. Origins tells the story of the beginnings of the land and the origins of its plants and animals. Visitors will be forgiven for believing they've stumbled into "Jurassic Park" when they see the lifesized replica skeletons.

LEARN MORE

Additional experiences

Your encounter with Peter the T. Rex, doesn't need to end so soon. Join us for some extra special experiences - from Awesome Afternoon Birthday Parties, to a Dinosaur Zoo show!

26 MAY - 4 SEP

_{BOOKINGS OPEN NOW}

T. Rex Birthday Party

Did you miss having a birthday party because of lockdown or COVID restrictions? Never mind the prehistoric past - there's no time like the present! Join us for a celebration, with a limited season of birthday parties with Peter the T. rex.

JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

_{DETAILS COMING SOON}

Junior Palaeontology Club

Do you have a child that loves dinosaurs and everything about them? Join us during the school holidays where they will learn what it is like to be a paleontologist. This unique, fun and educational experience offers children the opportunity to learn direct from our Museum team and see themselves as a paleontologist. Each child will get receive a certificate and take-home memento.

DETAILS COMING SOON

_{FREE, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED}

Treasures & Tales: Dino Wars

Join us for another epic adventure as we travel back to prehistoric times and witness colossal dinosaur battles!

In these fun storytelling sessions, we’ll delve into what secrets a fossil can tell us, which dinosaurs had the greatest conflicts, and get an up-close look at some of the amazing defences and adaptations that had evolved over that time.

Recommended for ages 5-12 years.

DETAILS COMING SOON

_{FREE, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED}

Fascinating Fossils

Join our Museum educators as we get hands on with our amazing fossil collection. Tamariki will hear about where they were found and how they were formed, while getting to hold REAL 3-million year-old fossils and take part in some cool fossil arts and crafts.

Recommended for ages 5-12 yrs.

Discover more

As a centenarian research institution with over 4 million collection items, Auckland Museum has a story or two to tell.

Peter the T. rex is supported by the Local Activation Fund Programme, administered by Auckland Unlimited on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

Kids Platter or Ribs at Tuitui

Stop by the store

Explore Origins Gallery