Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

School Holiday Kids’ ActivitiesNgā Mahi Whai Mā Ngā Tamariki

Events for tamariki ages 3–12 years and rangatahi teens.

Jump into the fun at Te Papa these school holidays with our activities for little ones and older ones. Children under 14 must be accompanied by adults.

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  • Children looking through microscopes at small bugs.

    Whānau Day: Breathe | Mauri Ora

    Join us for a free whānau (family) day of activities inspired by the exhibition Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast. We invite you to explore and celebrate our deep connections through creative exploration.

    Sat 11 Apr 2026, 10.00am to 2.00pm

    Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

  • Illustration shows a smiling hare boasting beside a steady tortoise wearing a helmet while forest animals smile nearby.

    New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Stories Alive! The Tortoise and the Hare

    A lively musical retelling of The Tortoise and the Hare with a quintet of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra musicians. Sing, move and watch the story unfold through music and illustration!

    Fri 17 Apr 2026, 10.30–11.30am

    Fri 17 Apr 2026, 12.30–1.30pm

    Sat 18 Apr 2026, 10.30–11.30am

    Sat 18 Apr 2026, 12.30–1.30pm

    Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

  • Three people are shown in silhouette standing in front of a large screen in a dark room. The screen looks like a galaxy of stars.

    Breathe | Mauri Ora

    Breathe | Mauri Ora illuminates the hidden forces surrounding us, revealing the sublime through sensory journeys beyond our everyday perception. This exhibition features major digital artworks on an awe-inspiring scale from London-based collective Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF). Through guided meditation, large-scale video works, and interactive experiences, you evolve from droplets of water to plants, cells, and stars, becoming part of the cycle of life and the cosmos.

    On now

    Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

  • View of Te Taiao | Nature, with two moa in the foreground and various displays behind

    Exhibitions

    Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural environment. Hear extraordinary stories from Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa Pacific peoples. Find your favourite paintings, sculptures, photographs, or art installations. Experience powerful stories that celebrate Māori as tangata whenua – the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Māui snaps a selfie

    Mobile guide: The Path of Māui

    Explore Te Taiao | Nature in a new way with an interactive mobile guide. Take on challenges with Māui the adventurer, innovator, and shapeshifter and search for the unique animals and plants of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • An image of an orange-red table with tea and teapots along with three-tierd plates with small cakes.

    Eat Your Art Out

    A high tea to delight your eyes and taste buds.  

    Daily sessions at 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2pm, and 2:30pm. 

    Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

  • Te Papa External View. Photograph by Michael Hall. Te Papa

    Plan your visit

    Get directions, museum entry information, download the museum map, find out about our parking facilities, reserve a wheelchair, and more.

  • View from underneath of a hanging life-size recreation of a giant eagle.

    Taonga and spaces included in The Te Papa Activity Book

    Have you found the Haast's eagle? What about our wharenui? Find out more about parts of Te Papa that feature in The Te Papa Activity Book or explore the taonga (treasures) in our collections – which ones have you seen?

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    Discovery Centres

    It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.

  • A person is standing at a coffee counter pouring milk into a cup.

    Te Papa cafes

    Discover two vibrant and cosy cafes tucked among Te Papa’s taonga (treasures). Every purchase supports the mahi (work) of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum.

  • A woman in a green shirt is holding a picture flat children's book up and reading to children off camera.

    StoryPlace

    StoryPlace is a space specially and exclusively for preschoolers and their caregivers. Here, toddlers can explore museum-related themes through play, games, storytelling, and song. Led by a friendly Te Papa Host.

  • Two views of an activity book, one is the cover, and one is with some pages open.

    Free downloadable activity books

    Our activity books are designed for use at home or in the classroom. We’d love to hear your feedback or ideas for other subjects.

  • Three kids make a rainbow from toys and other household items

    Whānau challenges

    Try some creative challenges at home with your whānau. Each challenge is connected to Te Papa’s collections or expertise.