Top 100 best museums in New Zealand

Place where extraordinary things happen! This workshop creates facilities for Hollywood movies such as Avatar, Lord of the Rings or King Kong.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also known as Auckland Museum, is the largest cultural and natural history museum in Auckland, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural monument and is classified by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a top-tier cultural heritage site. The museum was founded in 1852, making it the oldest museum in the country. It is located in the Auckland Domain, on a grass-covered hill, a dormant volcano, and was inaugurated on November 28, 1929.

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand, previously known as the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, is situated in Wigram, which was the first operational base of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The museum is located in Christchurch, on the South Island of New Zealand.

The Mission House, also known as Kemp House, is a significant part of New Zealand's history. Completed in 1822, it is the oldest surviving building in the country. It was built as part of the Kerikeri Mission Station by the Church Missionary Society. This historical landmark provides a glimpse into the early missionary life in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Rugby Museum, situated in Palmerston North, is a dedicated space for the sport of Rugby union. It is a place where visitors can explore the rich history and culture of this popular sport in New Zealand. The museum houses a wide range of exhibits, including equipment, clothing, books, photographs, trophies, and badges, among others.

The Canterbury Museum, situated in Christchurch, New Zealand, is home to a wide range of internationally recognized exhibitions. These include displays on Antarctica, contemporary costumes, New Zealand avifauna (including extinct species), insects, the history of conflicts between the Maori and Europeans in the Canterbury region, ornamental art from Asia, and Canterbury's natural history. These diverse exhibits provide a comprehensive insight into the region's rich cultural and natural history.

Come visit real kiwi and up to twenty other native birds and reptiles! Entertain yourself with the Live Bird Show or Kiwi Feedings.

Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is a museum and art gallery situated in the Government Gardens, a short distance from the center of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, on the North Island of New Zealand. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.

City Gallery Wellington is an art gallery located in the heart of New Zealand's capital, Wellington. It is operated by the Wellington Museums Trust, with the majority of its funding coming from the Wellington City Council. This gallery is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a variety of art forms and styles.

Ferrymead Heritage Park, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is an open-air museum that takes visitors back to the Edwardian era. The park is designed to replicate a small town from this period, providing a unique glimpse into the past. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and want to experience what life was like during the Edwardian era in New Zealand.

Space Place at Carter Observatory is a significant location in Wellington, New Zealand. It is situated at the top of the Wellington Botanic Garden, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and scientific exploration. The observatory is a public museum and planetarium with a focus on space and New Zealand astronomy, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in these fields.

Enter freely into the museum which brings alive the old cable cars once driving in the city. Try to image the old elegant days.

Nairn Street Cottage, located in the suburb of Mount Cook in Wellington, holds the distinction of being the city's oldest original cottage. Constructed in 1858 by the Wallis family, the cottage stands as a testament to the early British colonists and their descendants who lived there for three generations. The cottage was built in a late Georgian style, similar to other houses built during that period.

Olveston Historic Home is a significant landmark in Dunedin, New Zealand. It was constructed between 1904 and 1906 for David Theomin, a prosperous merchant. This period property provides a glimpse into the life and times of its original owner, offering a unique perspective on the early 20th century.

The Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, originally known as the Otago Early Settlers' Museum, is a regional museum located in Dunedin, Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The museum focuses on the history of settlement and transportation in the region, providing a comprehensive look into the past of this unique area.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is an aviation museum situated at the Omaka Air Field, which is a short 5 km (3 mi) journey from the centre of Blenheim, New Zealand. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.

The Warkworth & District Museum, also known as the Warkworth Museum, is a local museum situated in the township of Warkworth in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in local history and culture.

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed on February 6, 1840, is considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation. This significant event took place in Waitangi, marking the village as a crucial site in the country's history. Visitors to the village can learn about the treaty and its implications for New Zealand's development as a nation.

Founders Heritage Park is a museum located in Nelson, New Zealand. It is home to a variety of historical themes, one of which includes transport. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of New Zealand through its diverse collections.

Te Waimate Mission holds a significant place in New Zealand's history as the fourth mission station established in the country. It was also the first inland settlement from the Bay of Islands, marking a shift in the pattern of settlement during the early missionary period. Today, visitors can explore this historic site and learn about its unique role in the country's past.

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is a technology and transport museum located in the Western Springs suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. It was established in 1960 by a group of interest associations that had come together in 1957 to collect and preserve historical tram vehicles and railway locomotives. The museum was opened in 1964 and is home to a wide range of land vehicles and aircraft, many of which are still maintained by volunteers.

Highwic is a significant 19th-century house located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is recognized by Heritage New Zealand as a Category I structure, indicating its high historical and cultural value. The house was built in 1862 and has since been preserved as a testament to the architectural and societal norms of the time.

A lovely and romantic colonial mansion from 1863, which used to host balls and garden parties. Come to see the original furniture.

Swanson is an outer suburb of the Auckland region, situated in the North Island of New Zealand. It's a peaceful and scenic location that offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. The suburb is surrounded by the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.

The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is located in the Waterfront Shed 11 building in Wellington, New Zealand. This art gallery is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of portraits featuring works by, and of, New Zealanders.

The Basin Reserve, fondly referred to as 'The Basin', is a cricket stadium located in Wellington, New Zealand. It was inaugurated in the year 1868, making it the oldest cricket stadium in the country. This historical significance adds to the charm of the stadium, making it a point of interest for tourists visiting Wellington.

Artspace Aotearoa, previously known as Artspace NZ, is an art gallery situated in Auckland, New Zealand. It is conveniently located on Karangahape Road in the Newton area of the city. The gallery was established in 1987 and has since been a hub for contemporary New Zealand and overseas art.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand was established in its current form in 1934 by the then Finance Minister, Gordon Coates. This historical event marked a significant milestone in the financial history of New Zealand. As a tourist, learning about this could provide you with a deeper understanding of the country's economic evolution.

The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame is an organization that commemorates the greatest sporting triumphs of New Zealand. It is a place where visitors can learn about the country's rich sports history and the athletes who have made significant contributions to it.

The Waikato Museum, also known as Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, is a regional museum situated in Hamilton, New Zealand. It is managed by the Hamilton City Council and is a significant cultural institution in the region. The museum is located at 1 Grantham Street in Hamilton’s central business district on the west bank of the Waikato River, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Physics Room, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a non-commercial contemporary art gallery. It is recognized as one of the country's leading contemporary experiential art spaces. This gallery offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience contemporary art in a non-commercial setting, providing a different perspective on the art scene in New Zealand.

The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is a significant cultural institution in Dunedin, New Zealand. It houses the city's main public art collection, making it a key destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. The gallery's collection is diverse, featuring both historic and contemporary works by New Zealand and international artists.

Pompallier House, located in Russell, New Zealand, is a significant historical site that dates back to the nineteenth century. It once served as the headquarters for the French Catholic mission to the Western Pacific. The building is named after Jean Baptiste Pompallier, the first vicar apostolic to visit New Zealand, who established several missions in the North Island.

MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahuriri is a multifaceted cultural institution located in Napier, New Zealand. It comprises a museum, theatre, and art gallery, all housed within three buildings that underwent significant redevelopment in 2013. This establishment offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from exploring historical artifacts and artworks to enjoying theatrical performances.

Takaka is a quaint village nestled at the southern end of Golden Bay, in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island. It's a charming place that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Te Aro is an inner suburb of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. It is conveniently located just 1 km from the city center, making it easily accessible for tourists. The suburb is home to a majority of the city's entertainment center and covers a large part of the residential building area, extending from 'the Terrace' to 'Cambridge Terrace', at the foot of Mount Victoria.

Puke Ariki, which translates to 'Hill of Chiefs' in Maori, is a unique establishment in New Plymouth, New Zealand. It is a combined museum and library, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of exhibits and resources in one location. This combination of cultural and educational resources makes it a unique destination for tourists.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, colloquially known as Te Papa and Our Place, is the national museum of New Zealand. It is situated in the city of Wellington. This museum is a significant cultural and historical institution that provides a comprehensive insight into the nation's history, natural history, and culture.

The Edwin Fox is a significant piece of maritime history, being one of the world's oldest surviving merchant sailing ships. It also holds the unique distinction of being the only surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in maritime history and the history of convict transportation.

The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, situated in Devonport, Auckland, is the official museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and heritage of the New Zealand Navy, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.

The Hokitika Museum, situated in Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand, is the largest museum and archive on the West Coast. It is housed in the historic Hokitika Carnegie Library building, adding to its charm and historical significance.

The painful topic of Holocaust is treated with respect in this little museum which is also a research center whose goal is to teach tolerance.

Devonport was originally made up of three volcanic islands, Mount Victoria, North Head, and the largely quarry-destroyed Mount Cambria. These geographical features add to the unique landscape of Devonport and offer tourists opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. The views from these points are spectacular, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.

To see some contemporary art head straight to this gallery which gives a chance to rising New Zealand artists.

With its 150 year-old tradition the oldest dealer gallery in the country supports contemporary artists from both New Zealand and Australia.

The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, also known as the Christchurch Art Gallery, is the public art gallery of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a substantial collection of art and hosting a variety of New Zealand and international exhibitions. The gallery is funded by the Christchurch City Council and is a testament to the city's commitment to the arts.

The Dunedin Gasworks Museum is situated in South Dunedin, on the South Island of New Zealand. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of industrial history in a beautiful setting.

Mansion House, located on Kawau Island in New Zealand, is a significant historical site. It was owned by Sir George Grey from 1862 to 1888, who extended the house significantly during his ownership. The house was originally built in 1845 for the manager of a copper mine on the island. Today, it stands as a testament to the island's rich history and the life of Sir George Grey.

Wellsford is a town located in the Auckland Council area on the North Island of New Zealand. It was part of the former Rodney District until the end of October 2010, when it became part of the newly formed Auckland Council. The town is approximately 17 km northwest of Warkworth and about 65 km north-northwest of Auckland city center.

The Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, located at Pukenamu, Queen's Park Whanganui, is currently undergoing redevelopment and is therefore closed to the public. This is an important piece of information for tourists planning to visit the gallery, as they would need to adjust their plans accordingly.

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is a unique multi-cultural and multi-purpose hub located in Foxton, a town in the southern part of New Zealand's North Island. This facility serves as a visitor and community center, offering a variety of services and attractions to both locals and tourists.

The Foxton Courthouse, located in the township of Foxton, New Zealand, is a historic building that dates back to 1929. This brick structure replaced a previous wooden building and has since become a significant part of the town's history.

Te Hikoi Southern Journey, is the South's ultimate heritage attraction, just 30 minutes from Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route. The museum features authentic life size displays, adventurous characters and engaging stories. These reveal how our Māori and European ancestors adapted to survive

An art gallery with a reputation for discovering new talents and exhibiting their artworks, be it paintings or photography.