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North Island

Location: Wellington

Discovering New Zealand’s National Museum Experience

This ticket provides museum entry to Te Papa Tongarewa for international visitors. It grants access to Te Papa’s permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions, allowing visitors to explore the museum at their own pace. This option is ideal for those who prefer a self-guided visit or plan to add a guided tour separately.

Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum and offers a wide range of cultural, historical and artistic exhibitions. Visitors can spend as little or as long as they like exploring the galleries. Entry tickets are required for international visitors aged 16 and over.

Museum Access for International Visitors

This entry ticket allows international visitors to access Te Papa’s galleries and exhibitions without joining a guided tour. It provides flexibility to explore independently and focus on areas of personal interest. Exhibitions cover New Zealand history, Māori culture, art, science and natural history.

Guided tours are not included with this ticket but can be purchased separately. Discounted options are available when museum entry and a guided tour are booked together. Details are provided during the booking process.

  • General admission to Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
  • Access to permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions
  • Self-guided exploration at your own pace

Not Included

  • Guided tours
  • Special exhibitions requiring separate tickets, if applicable
  • Adult: 16 years +
  • Children: 1-15 years (free of charge but they need a ticket)
  • More than 24 business hours before tour starts: Full Refund*
  • Within 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

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.

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.

Your ticket is valid for 48 hours from the entry date printed on it. You can enter, leave, and re-enter the museum as many times as you like within this period.

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.

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.

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