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
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.
See if your mates are going: Te Papa events on Facebook
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Think you’ve seen it all at Te Papa? Think again.
These April school holidays are packed with new experiences, limited-time events, and hands-on activities that give even regular visitors something fresh to discover.
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
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
Ricky town... population Ricky.
This small, short-term display of the clothes Actor Julian Dennison wore as Ricky Baker celebrates the 10th anniversary of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, directed by Taika Waititi.
On soon
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
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
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.
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.
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
Get directions, museum entry information, download the museum map, find out about our parking facilities, reserve a wheelchair, and more.
Fun activities about Te Papa Tongarewa and the taonga (treasures) we hold.
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?
It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.
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.
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.
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.
Try some creative challenges at home with your whānau. Each challenge is connected to Te Papa’s collections or expertise.
Take a moment or two to relax with online jigsaw puzzles using taonga from our collections. Come back frequently to find new ones!
