7 Family-friendly Museums in New Zealand You Don’t Want To Miss

New Zealand offers many museums that dive into the nation’s history, culture, art, and more. From natural history to aviation to science and more, families certainly have a good amount of museums to pick from, whether they’re locals or traveling from afar. Below we will briefly highlight seven New Zealand museums we recommend families visit. With this condensed guide, parents and adults alike will better understand what museum(s) they should visit that the entire family will enjoy. Remember, museums are a great way to educate kiddos in a fun way!

We always recommend confirming a museum’s current hours and admission rates as they are subject to change from day to day.

Auckland Museum

The Auckland Museum (also known as the Auckland War Memorial Museum) is one of the most known museums in New Zealand, with a focus on displaying and honoring the natural, cultural, and military heritage of New Zealand. Families can check out exhibits featuring Egypt, dinosaurs, and other exhibits covering cultures, arts, and sciences. Make sure to check out the Auckland Museum’s seasonal offerings that are kid-friendly.

• Location: Auckland
• Hours: 10a-5p (Mon-Fri), 9a-5p (Sat-Sun) Open until 8:30p on Tuesdays
• Tickets: $28 (Adults), $14 (Children 5-13), Free (Children 4 and under), and New Zealand locals

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Families at the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum can view various museum galleries featuring journeys from Kai Tahu and more settlers. For example, children can view the iconic steam locomotive, Josephine, as seen in the photo above. Parents will love dining at the Toitū cafe, where sandwiches, fruit, and beverages are served. This museum also includes parenting rooms for diaper changing and more necessities.

• Location: Dunedin
• Hours: 10a-5p (daily)
• Tickets: Free

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Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

For those who love aviation, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is one of the best museums in New Zealand for families to visit. The museum is made up of two exhibits: Knights of the Sky WW1 and Dangerous Skies WW2. Although guests must pay per exhibit, children under 5 are free. There is a cafe in the museum, the Omaka Cafe, where parents can stop by for coffee, muffins, and small bites.

• Location: Blenheim
• Hours: 9a-4p (daily)
• Tickets: Ticket prices vary per exhibition choice (Children under 5 are free)

Canterbury Museum

Located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is the Canterbury Museum—an attraction that focuses on preserving and showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the Canterbury region. Families can explore exhibits about natural, human, and art history. Some exhibits that children will enjoy include Quake City (immersive earthquake experience) and the Discovery Room (hands-on activities), among others.

• Location: Christchurch
• Hours: 10a-5p (daily except Christmas Day)
• Tickets: $20 (Adults), $16 (Students/Seniors), $8 (Children under 15 without adult), Free (Children under 15 with adult)

The Museum of Te Papa Tongarewa

Another one of the most popular museums in New Zealand is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (also known as Te Papa). In all of New Zealand, this particular Wellington museum is considered the national museum and art gallery, making it one of the best art museums in New Zealand. Families will notice unique architecture and art throughout the museum galleries. Many exhibits are hands-on, immersive, or interactive, so kids and parents alike will enjoy their visit to Te Papa!

• Location: Wellington
• Hours: 10a-6p (daily except Christmas Day)
• Tickets: Free

Waikato Museum

In Hamilton, New Zealand, is the Waikato Museum which is known for displaying various works of art and honoring the culture and heritage of the Waikato region. One of the best family-friendly exhibits at the Waikato Museum is the Exscite exhibit. Here children can explore and discover concepts and principles in a fun, interactive way. The Waikato Museum often features crafts and other fun workshops throughout the year.

• Location: Hamilton
• Hours: 10a-5p (daily except Christmas Day)
• Tickets: Free

Kauri Museum

Another one of the best museums in New Zealand for families is the Kauri Museum. This museum is unique in that it is dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s history and the significance of the kauri tree. Within the museum are galleries of kauri trees which seem larger than life when seen in person. Family-friendly exhibits include The Saw Mill (full-sized sawmill), The School House, and the new and immersive Forest Walkway exhibit.

• Location: Matakohe
• Hours: 9a-5p (daily)
• Tickets: $25 (Adult), $21 (Senior/Student), $8 (Children 5-15), Free (Children under 5)

What to Expect When Visiting Museums in New Zealand with Family

If you are feeling overwhelmed in deciding which museums in New Zealand to visit with your family, here are some helpful tips.

• Exhibits. Make a note of kid-friendly exhibits that will be fun for your children’s ages. Some exhibits are suited for older children, and some for younger children.
• Hours. If you have babies or toddlers, hours are important! Make sure the museum is open during a time that will work best for your children’s nap times.
• Tickets. Traveling on a budget? Many museums offer free admission for children, if not for the whole family! You may be able to save some money by purchasing tickets online ahead of time too.
• Interest. What are your interests? What are your children’s interests? This is something to consider before deciding what museum to visit, as you want the whole family to enjoy the experience.
• Strollers. Consider wearing your little one or pushing them in a stroller to help prevent little hands from touching delicate artifacts.
• Snacks. Some museums offer cafes, which is convenient for families with little ones who seem to always be hungry. Check to see whether the museum you’re interested in has a cafe. If they don’t, confirm with them that you can bring your own snacks to the museum.

As you can see, there are quite a variety of awesome museums in New Zealand to visit which are also family-friendly! If you are a family that loves history, cultures, and arts, there’s no doubt that you will enjoy exploring some of these museums and discovering new things.

Have you been to one of these museums before? Let us know below!