Te Papa Museum Review

Te Papa Museum in Wellington is an absolute must-visit for families, offering an interactive and immersive experience that's both fun and educational. With six floors of exhibits, there's something for everyone, from the earthquake house to the giant squid. Best of all, it's completely free, making it an unbeatable value for families.

By Benjamen Updated July 2026 6 min read

What to Expect

Te Papa Museum is a world-class attraction that's designed with families in mind. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages, from the earthquake house to the giant squid. The museum's collection includes over 800,000 items, including significant Maori and Pacific Island collections.

The museum's interactive exhibits are designed to be hands-on and engaging, making it easy for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. The earthquake house is a particular highlight, allowing kids to experience a simulated earthquake in a safe and controlled environment.

With six floors of exhibits to explore, you'll want to allow at least 3-5 hours to get the most out of your visit. The museum also offers a range of guided tours and activities, including storytelling sessions and art workshops.

Age Suitability and Value for Money

Te Papa Museum is suitable for kids of all ages, from babies to teenagers. The museum's interactive exhibits are designed to be engaging and educational, making it an ideal destination for families. The fact that it's free is a major bonus, making it an unbeatable value for families.

While the museum offers a range of free exhibits and activities, some special exhibitions may incur a fee. For example, the Gallipoli exhibition requires a ticket, which costs around $20 per adult and $10 per child.

AgeSuitability
0-5 yearsHighly suitable, with interactive exhibits and play areas
6-12 yearsHighly suitable, with interactive exhibits and educational activities
13+ yearsSuitable, with more in-depth exhibits and educational activities

Insider Tips and Best Time to Visit

To get the most out of your visit to Te Papa Museum, it's a good idea to plan your day in advance. The museum can get busy, especially during school holidays and weekends, so it's a good idea to arrive early or visit later in the day.

The museum also offers a range of facilities, including a cafe and restaurant, as well as a shop selling New Zealand-made products. The museum is also wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts connecting all floors.

Booking and Saving Money

As Te Papa Museum is free, you don't need to book in advance to visit. However, some special exhibitions may require a ticket, which can be booked online in advance.

To save money, consider visiting the museum during the week or outside of school holidays, when it's less busy. You can also take advantage of the museum's free guided tours and activities, which are a great way to get the most out of your visit.

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