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North Island

Start: Wellington
Travel Time: 1 hour

Explore the Depths of Wellington’s Cultural Gem

The Introducing Te Papa tour at Te Papa Tongarewa offers a welcoming overview of New Zealand’s history, cultures and landscapes. Beginning over one hundred million years ago, this guided experience traces the stories that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s an ideal starting point for visitors wanting context before exploring the museum further.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour highlights key moments from natural history, Māori culture and artistic expression. Stories of adaptive wildlife, cultural resilience and life in the South Pacific bring the museum’s collections to life. The experience is designed to be informative, engaging and easy to follow.

A Guided Introduction to New Zealand’s History and Cultures

This highlights tour provides a broad introduction to the themes that define Aotearoa New Zealand. From geological origins to contemporary culture, selected exhibits help explain how land, people and creativity are interconnected. The guided format makes complex ideas accessible within a short timeframe.

Whether you have limited time or are planning a longer visit, this tour offers valuable orientation. Guides share insights that enrich the rest of your museum experience. It’s a practical and engaging way to understand what you’ll encounter throughout Te Papa.

  • General admission to Te Papa Museum
  • A 60-minute guided tour
  • Adult: 16 years +
  • Children: 5-15 years
  • More than 24 business hours before tour starts: Full Refund*
  • Inside 24 business hours: Non-refundable

Note: *Excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Te Papa is an accessible museum. Most areas can be accessed by wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility aids. Free wheelchairs and a mobility scooter are available, and certified assistance dogs are welcome. New Zealand Sign Language options are also available.

Yes, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted. Some exhibitions or displays may have specific restrictions on photography, which will be clearly marked. Please respect these guidelines to ensure the safety of exhibits and the comfort of other visitors.

When you arrive at the Te Papa Museum, have your ticket ready, either printed or on your device. On Level 2, show your ticket to a Host near the Tickets queue, then walk past the queue and enjoy the museum.

Your ticket gives you access to open exhibitions at Te Papa. You’ll need to purchase separate tickets to get access to Te Papa’s paid exhibitions and experiences.

Address: 55 Cable Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

  • On Foot: Te Papa is centrally located on Wellington’s waterfront, making it easily accessible by foot. It’s approximately a 20-minute walk from Wellington Railway Station and just a few minutes’ walk from many central city bus stops.
  • By Bus: Most Wellington buses, including those from the airport and railway station, stop along Courtenay Place and Willis Street, which are a short walk to Te Papa. Private tour and ‘hop on, hop off’ buses also stop outside the museum.
  • By Car: If you’re driving, take the Aotea Quay exit when heading south into central Wellington along SH1. Continue along Waterloo, Customhouse, and Jervois Quays, which lead directly into Cable Street and Te Papa’s car park.
  • From the Airport: Wellington Airport is about a 15-minute drive from Te Papa. You can catch a taxi or bus from the airport to the museum.

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