Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Open every day 10am-6pm
(except Christmas Day)
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
A look back at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and 1953–54 tour to Aotearoa New Zealand – the first ever tour by a reigning monarch.
15–30 Sep 2022
Level 2
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving British monarch. She became Queen at age 25, and reigned for 70 years.
Here, we look back at her coronation and 1953–54 tour to Aotearoa New Zealand – the first ever tour by a reigning monarch. Crowds flocked to see the young Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, during their six-week visit. An estimated 3 out of 4 New Zealanders saw them, and many treasured the memory with souvenirs like these.
Today, New Zealanders hold diverse views about the monarchy, but the Queen is widely respected for the dignity and grace she brought to her royal duties.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926–2022, 2022. Photo by Maarten Holl. Te Papa
New Zealanders celebrated two royal events in 1953. In the middle of the year, their new monarch Elizabeth II was crowned; six months later she came to Aotearoa New Zealand in person.
View excerpts from Leslie Adkins’ diaries – and photographs – documenting Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation celebrations in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the royal tour of 1953–54.
One of the Te Papa collection connections with the late Queen Elizabeth II is via the photographs of Brian Brake.
