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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori Highlights Tour

Offered by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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$75.00 per person

4.8 (23 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

1 hour (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

One-hour introductory tour at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa focused on te ao Māori, using selected taonga to explain culture and history.

Tour Overview

Begin at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where this one hour introductory tour offers a clear starting point for exploring te ao Māori, the Māori world. Guided by a skilled and experienced host, you will focus on key Māori content and concepts within Te Papa, using selected taonga to introduce important aspects of culture, history, and values.

Te Papa Tongarewa, meaning “container of treasures”, is built on a bi cultural partnership that recognises and celebrates Māori as tangata whenua, the original people of this land. As you move through the museum environment, your guide shares stories with context and care, helping first time visitors understand what they are seeing and why it matters.

The wider museum experience spans six floors of interactive displays, including Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s natural environment, major works of art, and the country’s history. This tour does not attempt to cover everything. Instead, it provides a thoughtfully curated overview that introduces foundational ideas and opens the way for further exploration at Te Papa Tongarewa.

The tour includes the international visitor entry charge. Te Papa and Te Papa Tours are Qualmark endorsed, and hold Qualmark Enviro-Gold accreditation.

What's Included

  • International visitor admission fee (two-day entry)
  • Professional Tour Guide

Not Included:

  • Entrance fee to short-term paid exhibitions

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

    The Māori words ‘Te Papa Tongarewa’ mean ‘container of treasures’. At the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, you’ll discover the treasures of our land and people, and hear their stories told with authority and passion. The Museum is built on a unique bi-cultural partnership that recognizes and celebrates Māori as tangata whenua – the original people of this land. Our collections are spread over six floors of engaging, interactive displays. You’ll encounter Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural environment, its most important works of art, and its unique history. Our range of engaging and informative tours enrich any Te Papa visit, and bring the stories of New Zealand’s land and people to life. A tour with one of our knowledgeable hosts is a fun way to help orientate the first-time visitor, and adds depth and understanding to the Te Papa experience. Te Papa, including Te Papa Tours, is a Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity and has achieved Qualmark Enviro-Gold accreditation.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

55 Cable Street

55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

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Departure Point: Te Papa, Wellington Waterfront

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour departure time. When you arrive at Te Papa please identify yourself with a Te Papa Host at the Information Desk on Level 2, this is where the tour will depart from.

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.