Discovery Centres
It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.
StoryPlaceTe Papa Pūrākau
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.
Current programme: Whakaahua tō ao – Paint your world
Prepare your imagination and grab a paintbrush as we celebrate our Toi Art gallery being open! Join us as we explore shape and colour through story and play.
Where: Our Host will meet you outside StoryPlace, Level 2. Please arrive promptly to avoid disappointment – unfortunately, we can’t accept late arrivals.
Please be mindful of attending sessions while you or your children may be sick, as we want to ensure the safety of everyone during sessions.
Cost:
Baby (under 1 year old): Free, but requires a ticket
Preschooler (1–5 years old): $5
Adult: $5
Group booking (see details below): $90
Time:
Monday–Friday (excluding public holidays), 9:30am, 10:30am, and 11:30am
Saturdays, (excluding public holidays), at 10:30am only.
Duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: 20 people per session
Book tickets for StoryPlace
Group bookings
Group bookings are available for StoryPlace. We accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Please select the 'Group booking' option when booking.
Note for ECEs: StoryPlace sessions consist of story and mat time, and a free play session. These sessions are not developed to be an education programme, if this is something you are looking for, please contact our Learning Team.
Please note, we no longer take bookings for birthday parties.
Prams and pushchairs
Prams and pushchairs are not permitted inside StoryPlace due to space restrictions.
You can park your pram or pushchair in our free stroller park, just outside StoryPlace, for the duration of the session.
Scooters, bikes, and tricycles
Scooters, bikes, and tricycles are not permitted inside the museum. You can park your scooter, bike, or tricycle at our racks near our main entrance. We loan out padlocks for scooters free of charge. Speak to a Host in the Entrance Foyer when you arrive.
StoryPlace tickets – Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions for StoryPlace tickets:
Your ticket(s) will be emailed to you after purchase. When you arrive for your session, please bring a printed copy of the email or present it on your smart device.
StoryPlace sessions will start at the scheduled time. If you are late, you will not be refunded.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will be provided for a group booking if cancellation is made within 2 working days of the scheduled start time.
Children must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a ticketed adult at all times.
In the event that multiple copies of the ticket are presented, Te Papa may refuse entry to all ticket holders.
Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact bookings@tepapa.govt.nz.
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.
Facilities
Read about self-service lockers, parents’ rooms, lost property, Wi-Fi, and Discovery Centres.