Te Taiao | Nature includes four main exhibition areas and two lounges:
Exhibition areas
Te Ika Whenua | Unique NZ
Follow in the footsteps of Māui
Māuia Pacific hero who performs amazing featsMāori | Noun the explorer, and meet our weird and wonderful wildlife. How did species here become unique – or downright odd? Why are so many of our animals and plants gigantic, flightless, or a bit drab (until you get to know them)?
Whakarūaumoko | Active Land
Enter the realm of Rūaumoko, god of volcanoes and earthquakes, and explore the geological forces that shape our shaky land.
The Quake House is back to give you a shake-up, so get ready to drop, cover, hold.
Te Kōhanga | Nest
Step into the Nest and immerse yourself in birdsong. Which native birds are thriving, threatened, or extinct? Touch their eggs to find out. In the centre is a fragile moa egg – a symbol of lost mauri
maurilife-forceMāori and hope.
Ngā Kaitiaki | Guardians
How are we helping to protect our native species? Get ready for our future – as kaitiaki
kaitiakiguardiansMāori of our natural wonders. How can we make our rivers, lakes, and seas healthy again? How are innovative Kiwis tackling the challenges of climate change?
Here you can also find the colossal squid!
Lounges
Te Papa Hui | Backyard
Families, take a break on a comfy couch in this spacious lounge area.
Backyard’s also the place for nature-themed events and school holiday programmes.
Te Whare Rākau | Treehouse
Make yourself at home in this cosy lounge. Leaf through a book, enjoy the view from the window seat, or snuggle into the low-sensory nook and take some time out.
