Wellington Museums

(Wellington, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

There is a very healthy selection of museums located around Wellington, providing something different to the many coastal attractions and natural beaches. The Museum of New Zealand, known locally as Te Papa Tongarewa, is one of Wellington's most popular, being full of precious native and national artefacts just waiting to be viewed and examined.

Containing maritime artefacts from around the area since the earliest Maori settlement, the Museum of Wellington City and Sea is one to look out for. This complex was previously known as the Maritime Museum and is to be found close to the TSB Bank Arena.

Also exceedingly popular is the Wellington Tramway Museum, which is located on the outskirts of the city, in the Kapiti Coast district. Highlights here include a number of historic trams that once operated around the city centre, enjoyable tram rides, parklands, scenic picnic spots and extensive photographic records

Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa)

Address: 55 Cable Street, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 381 7000
Filled with a host of artefacts from all over the country, the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa) is also known for its large collection of art, multimedia exhibits, hands-on displays for children, temporary exhibitions, research facilities, media libraries, vast cultural collections, state-of-the-art interactive displays, seasonal events, a gift shop and a café area. This attraction is situated in the city centre, next to Lambton Harbour and near to both the Circa Theatre and the Frank Kitts Park, and contains many of the nations' most treasured possessions.
Open hours: Friday to Wednesday - 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday - 10:00 to 21:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Museum of Wellington City and Sea

Address: Bond Store, Queens Wharf, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 472 8904
Sited close to the Lambton Quay and within the city's Central Business District (CBD), the Museum of Wellington City and Sea is home to an array of scientific exhibitions, photographic displays, social history displays, important maps, documents, holographs, video games, interactive exhibits and activity sheets for children. Nearby is the Harbour Board Wharf Office Building and the Dockside Restaurant.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

Colonial Cottage Museum

Address: 68 Nairn Street, Brooklyn, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 384 9122
The Colonial Cottage Museum, on the southern side of the city, is housed in a particularly historic building, dating back to the mid-19th century. Specialising in the city's rich colonial history and heritage, the Colonial Cottage features a number of local artefacts, interesting collections and a host of other exhibits from around the area. Close by, you may also like to pay a visit to Central Park and the Nairn Street Park.
Open hours: January to April, daily - 12:00 to 16:00, May to December, Wednesday to Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Hyde Park Museum

Address: Te Horo Beach Road, Te Horo, 5560, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 298 4515
Located on the Kapiti Coast, some 68 km / 42 miles to the north of the city, the Hyde Park Museum is a large, spreading complex with authentic recreations of colonial New Zealand. Specific attractions include many important collections of dolls, clocks, cameras and farming equipment, together with an early cheese factory, a historic grocery shop, tobacconist, hairdresser and regular guided tours. A trip here really is a trip back in time.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

National Cricket Museum

Address: Old Stand, Basin Reserve, 1 Sussex Street, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 385 6602
The National Cricket Museum can be found on the southern side of the city and is dedicated to the history of cricket throughout New Zealand. Housing many important cricketing relics, visitors can also expect lots of photographs and important related records, as well as a wealth of historic cricketing artefacts. Alexandra Park and the Town Belt are both within walking distance if you fancy stretching your legs.
Open hours: October to April, daily - 10:30 to 15:30, May to September, Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 to 15:30
Admission: charge, children are free

Petone Settlers Museum

Address: The Esplanade, Petone, Wellington, North Island, 6008, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 568 8373
Situated on the outskirts of Wellington and next to the shoreline, in the picturesque Hutt Valley area, the Petone Settlers Museum is a small venue clearly documenting the history of this area. Full of interesting immigration displays, including stories of many extraordinary journeys, there are also many historic artefacts and local collections. Many coastal restaurants are nearby, while the Petone Recreation Ground stands just a few minutes to the north.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 12:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, donations welcomed

Wellington Tramway Museum

Address: MacKays Crossing Entrance, Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki, Wellington, North Island, 6010, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 292 8361
Website: www.wellingtontrams.org.nz
The oldest trams at the Wellington Tramway Museum date back to 1905, although most originate from the 1920s and the 1930s. Past tram services in the city connected many places of interest, such as Courtenay Place, Custom House Quay, Island Bay, Jervois Quay, Lambton Quay, Manners Street, Newtown, Oriental Bay, Thorndon Quay, Wadestown and Wallace Street, amongst other destinations.
Open hours: Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children
Admission: free, donations suggested

Southward Museum Trust

Address: Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu, North Island, 6008, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 297 1221
The Southward Museum Trust stands just over 50 km / 31 miles to the north of the city, within the neighbouring town of Paraparaumu, where it is home to the largest collection of vintage and historic cars in not only New Zealand, but the whole of the southern hemisphere. With more than 250 vehicles in all shapes, sizes and colours imaginable, visitors are always drawn to the early Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the Cadillac car once owned by Marlene Dietrich, and also the gangster's armour-plated Cadillac dating back to the 1950s. If you are coming here, you may also like to spend time soaking up the sunshine on nearby Paraparaumu Beach.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

New Zealand Police Museum

Address: Royal New Zealand Police College Campus, Papakowhai Road, Porirua, Wellington, North Island, 6006, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 238 3141
The New Zealand Police Museum is dedicated to the history of the police force throughout Wellington and features a large amount of interesting artefacts. Notable displays include photographs, historic evidence, uniform displays, weaponry exhibits, guided tours, a gift shop and many family activities, including solving mysteries by applying forensic techniques.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charge for tours - discount available for seniors and children