• As experienced functions managers, the Te Papa team provides a robust template which covers all details of organising an event. Their support and attention to detail made all the difference in the smooth running and effectiveness of each conference – as well as the enjoyment of the organising team!
    Angela Ryan, Director, Mana Education Centre. 21 February 2011
  • As well as the impeccably able staff, the spaces that Te Papa offers for events are superb. The presentation of the spaces and amenities is of a consistently high standard which raised the sophistication and atmosphere surrounding our conference.
    Angela Ryan, Director, Mana Education Centre. 21 February 2011
  • Te Papa have a wonderful team of Conference and Event professionals, fantastic catering, and onsite facilities that are second to none. In choosing a venue for my clients I need to ensure that all will run smoothly, after all – it’s my reputation on the line. Te Papa is therefore a first choice venue for me.
  • The Te Papa team has the attitude that each Conference or Event is special and will therefore strive to make sure it is a success.
    Dean Bradley
    Director/Owner
    Convention Management New Zealand Ltd
  • We always receive such positive feedback from our delegates, who never fail to have a great experience at Te Papa. It's definitely a venue with a difference with an ideal central, waterfront location.
    Michelle Kane, Conference Manager, Conference and Events Ltd
  • Te Papa definitely has the WOW factor and helps attract delegates to conferences. The spaces are great to work in, the staff always extremely helpful and the food is first class.
    Louise Watson, Conference Manager, Conference and Events Ltd
  • The event went off without a hitch and the feedback from all who were there has been overwhelmingly positive. The overall experience with Te Papa has been wonderful - the planning and professionalism through to the execution cannot be faulted.
    Grant, Ellie, Shalimar and the GJ Gardner Team. 28 February 2013
  • We had our wedding reception in the icon room and we couldn't have asked for a better experience.
    Angela Prestidge - Bride
  • We had a wonderful experience holding our wedding at Te Papa! From the booking process to the big day itself, we found the staff to be most helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. We initially booked Icon at Te Papa for our reception but after realizing that our wedding fell on the same day as the Homegrown concert, we decided to hold our ceremony there as well. Glenn Lust did a fantastic job coordinating the day. He found a stunning space for the cocktail hour while Icon was switched over from ceremony to reception area. Meanwhile we took our photos in the beautiful backdrop of Te Papa’s pond, which was nicely secluded from the concertgoers. The food was absolutely perfect! Every dish was cooked to perfection and our guests still talk about it! Glenn and his team executed our vision perfectly and we are thrilled to recommend Te Papa to anyone looking to hold their party in a stylish venue operated by highly skilled and talented people!
    Julie Anne & Matthew

Activities and unique experiences 

It’s easy to be the perfect host at Te Papa – there’s so much for your guests to see and do. Here are some other ideas to help make your event or function extra special.

Pōwhiri

A pōwhiri (Māori welcome) on Te Papa’s marae is a powerful and moving way to welcome your guests and launch your conference or event. Pōwhiri take about 1 hour and are generally held Monday to Friday between 8 and 10am, although early evening pōwhiri can be arranged. A flat fee applies to cover costs.

Exhibitions and tours

All our exhibitions are available for private viewing outside museum operating hours, in conjunction with a private function. This includes our exciting programme of short-term touring exhibitions. Group tours are popular for partners’ programmes and evening functions – they can provide a welcome break during a lengthy meeting schedule.

OurSpace

Create your vision of New Zealand with this state-of-the-art interactive exhibition. Entry is free, although admission charges apply for the OurSpace rides. Find our more about OurSpace

Cafes

Te Papa has plenty of spaces where your guests can chill out and chat. Te Papa Cafe on the ground floor is a vibrant, family-friendly cafe offering great food and drink, including espresso coffee, wine, and beer. It’s open every day of the year from 9am to 5pm.

Level 4 Espresso is a great place to relax in the heart of the museum and enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine and a snack. Espresso is also open every day of the year from 10am to 5.30pm, and 10am to 8.30pm on Thursdays.

Shopping

Whether you’re shopping for a gift or a memento for yourself, you'll find something special in Te Papa’s fabulous shops. Te Papa Store on Level 1 features works by New Zealand’s finest artists, authors, and craftspeople. Choose the perfect treasure to take home from our range of artworks, books, clothing, and Te Papa-branded souvenirs. Te Papa Store is open from 9am to 6pm, and 9am to 9pm on Thursdays.

You can also shop online at our Te Papa store

Te Papa Kids’ Store on Level 2 is full of educational, fun, and distinctively New Zealand gifts for kids – books, dress-ups, puzzles, toys, and more. It’s open from 10am to 6pm, and 10am to 9pm on Thursdays.

Model Tipaerua (model canoe), 2002, Kennedy, Alex, Tahiti. Commissioned 2002. Te Papa

Let us look after your next function: Call us on (04) 381 7272 or get in touch through our enquiry form.