Trade: Private and VIP tours
For those seeking a more personalised experience, Te Papa offers a range of private and VIP tours. Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth Māori cultural experience, VIP access to our exhibitions, or a behind-the-scenes look at the museum, our tours can be customised to ensure a truly special visit for your clients.
Kīnaki tour
Take time to engage with Māori taonga through the eyes of your experienced tour guide, then enjoy a tasting of some traditionally inspired kai. This tour is ideal for large private groups who want to learn about the cultural history of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Inclusions: Large group tour for up to 30 people, tasting of traditionally inspired kai, and 48-hour general admission to the museum.
Manaaki tour
Experience Te Papa in a way that few others will. Your highly trained Māori guide will take you on a personal journey through the national museum. This small group tour allows visitors to learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural history from a guide who has their own connection to te ao Māori. Your guide will share stories and connections from their own iwi on the tour, with the experience culminating in some shared kai.
Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions: Small group tour for 1–7 people, tasting of traditionally inspired kai, and 48-hour general admission to the museum.
Back of House tour
The ultimate VIP experience at Te Papa, this exclusive tour takes your clients behind the scenes of New Zealand's national museum. With your personal tour guide, head behind the scenes to our research labs and collection rooms. Here visitors will discover how Te Papa preserves, researches, and protects Aotearoa New Zealand's treasured taonga and gain an insight into the parts of the museum that are usually off limits to the public.
The Back of House tour reveals the hidden treasures of Te Papa’s vast collection – only 2–4% of the museum’s entire collection is on public display at any time. Depending on your clients’ interests, the tour can focus on natural history – featuring botanical specimens collected during Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour voyage to New Zealand – or explore highlights from the national art collection rarely seen by the general public.
Inclusions: Small group experience for 1-7 people, expert-guided behind-the-scenes access, 48-hour general admission to the museum.
Bespoke requests
Looking for something different? Do your clients have a special interest or request? Contact us to discuss your requests.
International visitor entry tickets included
Our guided tours include museum entry costs for international visitors. This two-day pass gives your clients the flexibility to explore the museum at their own pace.
Book your Private or VIP experience today
If you’re looking for a memorable, exclusive experience at Te Papa, our Private and VIP Tours offer something truly exceptional. To reserve your tour or for more information, please contact us at tours@tepapa.govt.nz or call us on +64 4 381 7111.
Tour of the library, 2019. Te Papa