Auckland Museum
A highlight to many families adventures around Auckland.
Looking for things to do in Auckland while staying at our Parnell hotel? Our accommodation near Auckland Domain is a short walk from the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Museum is a great place to spend a few hours, marvel at some incredible exhibits and discover things you didn’t know about our special country.
About Auckland War Memorial Museum
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum was built in 1929 and is is one of New Zealand's first Museums. Its Māori name means ‘Auckland's memorial to fallen chiefs and their gathered taonga’. The Museum is bursting with stories, artworks, photographs, artefacts, artwork and many other exhibits that tell the stories of New Zealand and the Pacific, its people and its places.
Because it is partly funded by Auckland ratepayers, general admission is free for Auckland residents – and those visiting from out of town will be asked for a koha or donation. Some special exhibitions also require an entry fee.
Exhibitions At Auckland Museum
Te Rā: navigating Home has been extended, and will now be on display at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum until Sun 17 August 2025.
Te Rā is the only known traditional Māori sail in existence. Woven from harakeke and almost 4.5 metres long, Te Rā is accompanied by two sibling sails created by Te Rā Ringa Raupā, a group of highly skilled weavers mentored by weaver, installation artist and researcher, Dr Maureen Lander.
Te Rā usually resides in the collection of the British Museum. For the first time in its over 200 year history, it has returned to Aotearoa, giving New Zealanders the opportunity to see this culturally significant sail in person.
Special exhibitions including RELICS: A New World Rises featuring incredible LEGO worlds, DIVA exploring the social impact of superstars, and the interactive Sharks exhibit keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Permanent exhibitions are set over three levels and include the stories of our people, New Zealand’s natural environment and our country’s involvement in wars. The museum is also home to a valuable collection of Māori taonga which is displayed in the two main Māori galleries.
Places to Eat at Auckland Museum
There are three different places to eat within Auckland Museum and they truly have all bases covered. 1929 Espresso Bar offers coffee, cold drinks and baked goods, while Tuitui Museum Bistro and Café is a popular place to sit and enjoy a meal or a cocktail. There is also the Kai Room within the South Atrium where you can bring your own food to prepare and enjoy using the communal seating and kitchen facilities. If you're strolling to or from the museum, you can also stop by some of the best places to eat in Parnell.
How to get to Auckland Museum
Visiting the Auckland Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Parnell, so the fact that it’s within walking distance of The Parnell Hotel and Conference Centre is a great bonus for our guests. The Museum is located in the crater rim of the Auckland Domain, one of the city’s largest parks. It’s just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from our accommodation near Auckland Domain, and we are happy to help you with maps, directions, bookings and more so you can get the most out of your visit.