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The Best Museums In Auckland To Visit This Year

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Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira entrance.
If you’re curious about anything (or everything), get yourself along to one of Auckland’s many incredible museums and prepare to expand your mind. From ancient relics to impressive architecture, lush outdoors to lifeforms past and present, Auckland has no shortage of intriguing historic collections to get amongst.
 
Here are the best museums in Auckland.

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Must-Visit Major Museums In Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland

A T-Rex skeleton towers over museum-goers at Auckland War Memorial Museum. Image credit: Auckland War Memorial Museum  | Kathryn Steane

When it comes to free museums, Auckland has a very clear winner. With a jaw-droppingly large collection, the Auckland War Memorial Museum covers everything from natural history and animals to decorative arts, documentary history and human history—there’s a tonne to be impressed by. There are frequent new displays featuring everything from LEGO and local history to sea monsters and dinosaurs (above), and whoever thought up ‘Mingle At The Museum’—a night out for singles—deserves a medal. Luckily, the museum has a whole collection of those, too. Catch your breath over a glass of vino at the museum's swanky bar and bistro, or take a trip to nearby Parnell to sample one of its many great eateries.

Need-to-know: Free entry for Auckland residents | Open every day except Christmas

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Corner Quay & Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

A family in one of the galleries at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Image credit: New Zealand Maritime Museum  | Website

We live for beach days and, as an island nation, there’s no getting around the importance of the ocean to our collective heritage. The New Zealand Maritime Museum (often dubbed the Auckland Maritime Museum by locals) is a celebration of all things Tangaroa (the creator of waves and life within the ocean) and our relationship to the sea, from the Great Pacific Migration to the America’s Cup and modern yachting. Expand your mind then expand your palate with a stop at one of the Viaduct’s fantastic bars and restaurants

Need-to-know: Free entry for Auckland residents | Open every day except Christmas

Best Auckland Museums For Kids

MOTAT Museum Of Transport And Technology 

805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland

A plane in the Aviation Hall at MOTAT. Image credit: MOTAT  | Instagram

Aucklanders spend a lot of time complaining about public transport but the ingenuity involved in the transport and technology industries is actually immense. MOTAT is a mind-bending museum for when you’re ready to get hands-on, or just want to live your tram fantasy and is one of the best interactive museums Auckland has.

MOTAT was established in 1964 by the founding institutions of the Old Time Transport Preservation League, the Royal Aeronautical Society (New Zealand) and the Historic Auckland Society. A brand new science and technology centre, Te Puawānanga, opened last year with three unique spaces forming the centre and providing a place for everyone to discover and learn. This new experience is at the heart of MOTAT’s vision to use the past, present and future technology and ingenuity of Aotearoa to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow.  

Need-to-know: Free entry for under 5's | Open every day except Christmas

Howick Historical Village

75 Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, Auckland

A wooden school house from the 1980s: in the foreground is an abacus with brightly coloured beads, a blackboard with cursive handwriting sits in the mid-ground and at the bag of the room is an organ. Image credit: Howick Historical Village | Website

Blast back to 1847 when European settlement had just begun in East Auckland with the emigration of retired soldiers, known as 'fencibles', to New Zealand. The largest Fencible settlement was in Howick and the Howick Historical Village means you don't have to try to imagine what it was like—you can actually walk through it. Fun fact: the village is also the set of popular New Zealand YouTube channel, Viva La Dirt League’s, Epic NPC Man and Mysteries of Honeywood D&D skits.

Need-to-know: Free entry for under 5's | Open every day except Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day & New Year's Day

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland

A rare horse-shaped nebula in the night sky. Image credit: Stardome Observatory & Planetarium  | Website

When you look up at the night sky you’re seeing light from stars that were around billions of years ago—that makes the sky one of the best natural museums around (and the birthplace of all things astrology).

If you’re seriously into stars, you’ll love Auckland’s Stardome Observatory & Planetarium where you can marvel at meteorites and peek through some impressively high-powered telescopes to infinity and beyond. Not into telescopes? Here are the best places for stargazing in Auckland. Or settle into the comfortable theatre for a totally immersive tour of the planets.

Need-to-know: Free entry for under 3's

Auckland's Best Outdoor Museums

Maangere Mountain Education Centre

Māngere Domain, 100 Coronation Road, Māngere, Auckland

Mangere MountainImage credit: Maangere Mountain Education Centre | Supplied

When it comes to history, there’s no teacher better than an ancient volcano. The Maangere Mountain Education Centre is one of the most authentic Auckland cultural attractions you'll find and was created by mana whenua—local people—passionate about the rich cultural heritage, archaeology, history, geology and mythology that surrounds Māngere Mountain. Sign up for a guided walk to take your mountain experience to the next level (seriously, Auckland cultural experiences don't come much richer than this).

Need-to-know: Free entry, guided walks & workshops extra | Closed weekends

Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre

160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Auckland

Dolphins on display at the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre. Image credit: Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre  | Website

For all things marine science, head to the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre. Interactive displays will teach you about marine species endemic to North-Eastern New Zealand waters and insight gleaned from the latest research activities of the Institute of Marine Science. Soak up the knowledge then plunge into the marine reserve for some snorkelling fun (this is, after all, one of the Auckland's best snorkelling spots).

Need-to-know: Free entry for under 4's | Open weekends, public holidays & school holidays

Mahurangi Cement Works

145 Wilson Road, Warkworth, Auckland

The ruins of the Mahurangi Cement Works. Image credit: Cement Works Warkworth Conservation Trust  | Website

An iconic quarry and cement works left to flood and ruin forms a picturesque spot for picnicking among history. The Mahurangi Cement Works were the first in New Zealand to manufacture high-quality ‘Portland’ cement in the 1880s. Its story may be in the past but there have been whispers of paranormal activity here in recent years, with reports of shadow apparitions moving through the stones…

Need-to-know: Gates close at 7pm

Best Auckland Museums For History

NZ Warbirds Association

Ardmore Airport, 824 Harvard Lane, Ardmore, Auckland

One of the many historical planes on display at the NZ Warbirds Visitor Centre. Image credit: NZ Warbirds Association  | Website

Know your Vampires from your Mustangs, your Zeros from your Skyhawks? You will after a trip to the NZ Warbirds Visitor Centre. Walk among these birds of a different feather in the warbirds hangar, then peer at tiny replicas and read up on squadron history in the aviation library. For a grand romantic gesture, grab a loved one and take to the skies for a date neither of you will ever forget. 

Need-to-know: Free entry for under 5's | Open weekends only, excluding Christmas & New Year's Day

Mansion House

Kawau Island Historic Reserve, Kawau Island, Auckland

Looking down a path to the iconic Mansion House. Image credit: Mansion House  | Kathryn Steane

Mansion House has a rather fascinating history... set on the beachfront at Kawau Island, this iconic abode was once home to the country's most famous governor, Sir George Grey. It's clear from the lavish decor that he had a taste for the finer things in life, which extended to an interest in exotic animals (you can still see the peafowl and wallabies he introduced to the island, here today. Sadly,  the zebra, monkeys, and antelope he also imported, are long gone). You'll also spot some unusual species of plants, again coveted by Grey. Ooh and aah over the beautiful homestead and its surrounding gardens, then finish off with a trip to the island cafe or perhaps a swim and an icecream, if the weather permits.

Need-to-know: Small entry fee ($2-$4) | Seasonal hours

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

64 King Edward Parade, Torpedo Bay, Devonport, Auckland

An artwork by Colin Wynn, depicting HMNZS Moa and Kiwi encountering a Japanese submarine off Kamimbo Bay. Image credit: Torpedo Bay Navy Museum  | Instagram

This spot is steeped in history, and that’s before you even step foot in the museum—legend has it that Kupe, the great navigator, landed in this spot way back in 950 naming it ‘Te Hau Kapua’ or ‘cloud carried along by wind.' The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum illustrates how the Navy has shaped the identity of Aotearoa, presenting history through the lens of the Navy’s values: Courage Tū Kaha, Commitment Tū Tina, Comradeship Tū Tiara and Integrity Tū Maia. Finish your outing with a visit to nearby Devonport village (or at the very least, its famous chocolate boutique).

Need-to-know: Free entry for NZ residents | Open every day except Good Friday, Christmas & Boxing Day

Couldrey House

Wenderholm Regional Park, 37 Schischka Road, Waiwera, Auckland

The gorgeous pale blue Couldrey House homestead. Image credit: Couldrey House  | Facebook

A roadie to Wenderholm is always a good idea and history buffs might like to visit Couldrey House, a Victorian-Edwardian family home and garden. We’re particularly enamoured with Mrs Annabella Mary McKail Geddes, of Ngā Puhi descent, who lived there from 1918-1927 and was a founding member of Plunket. Visit in summer to catch the gorgeous Pohutukawa glade in full bloom, and take a dip at the beach (one of Auckland's best).

Need-to-know: Free entry for children | Seasonal hours

Chelsea Sugar Factory

100 Colonial Ave, Birkenhead, Auckland

A hot pink train waits outside the sweet peach facade of the Chelsea Sugar Factory.Image credit: Chelsea Bay  | Facebook

This pretty peach dame has been serving the people of Auckland sugary goodness for more than 130 years, and to this day remains New Zealand's only sugar factory. Take a tour (on a mini hot pink train, no less) around the harbourside grounds, where you'll learn all about the site's long-running and super sweet history (the cherry on top is getting to see a literal mountain of sugar). Fill up on more history at the Interactive Zone, before making a pit-stop at the on-site cafe to sample their larger-than-life pink lamingtons, world famous here in Auckland. Don't forget to check out the cute colonial-style workers' cottages on the drive out (from the comfort of your car, please, as people actually live in these). Auckland heritage sites don't come sweeter than the Chelsea Sugar Factory.

Need-to-know: Free entry, tours extra

Best Auckland Museums For Arts And Culture

Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki

Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD

𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 | 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴: 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘢, one of the free exhibitions at the Auckland Art Gallery. Image credit: Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki  | Instagram

Founded in 1888, the Auckland Art Gallery is one of the best of its kind and fuses historical and contemporary elements, expressed even in its architecture—two buildings combine the old and the new. With 16,000 pieces from the 11th century to today, Auckland Art Gallery showcases works that you won’t see anywhere else. With this much art you’ll have to make a day of it, so grab a bite at the café and make your way through the centuries. While they have permanent exhibitions, they often have top international exhibitions visiting our shores, so keep an eye on their website to keep up to date. This one truly sets the bar for Auckland museums, and Auckland art galleries at that.

Need-to-know: Free entry for NZ residents | Open every day except Christmas

Te Toi Uku—Crown Lynn & Clayworks Museum 

8 Ambrico Place, New Lynn, Auckland

A ceramic plate decorated with joyful orange and dusky red flowers. Image credit: Te Toi Uku—Crown Lynn & Clayworks Museum  | Website

Will ceramics never cease to be trendy? We certainly hope not. Go full circle (pun intended) and dip into a pocket of clay industry history browsing. At Te Toi Uku—Crown Lynn & Clay Works the collections span the forty-year history of New Zealand ceramics producer, Crown Lynn, from 1940 to 1980 including instruments used in production, nurseryware for children, swan vases, technical ceramics and trials of new shapes and glazes. If you wanna snap up your own piece of Crown Lynn gold, try your luck at one of these top op shops.

Need-to-know: Currently closed for renovations

Whittaker's Musical Museum

Artworks Centre, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa, Waiheke

An old-fashioned accordion at Whittaker's Musical Museum. Image credit: Waiheke Community Art Gallery  | Website

Want to see a pink accordion from 1840's France? An auto bandonion from 1890's Tanzbaar? A flugel of unknown origins? At Whittaker's Musical Museum, you can, and you might just be able to play them too. This ‘live’ musical museum is one-of-a-kind and it’s just a short ferry ride away, at Oneroa’s Artworks Centre on Waiheke Island. Maximise your trip by checking out some of the island's other great attractions while you're there.

Need-to-know: Free entry for children & students | Open Fridays only

Charlotte Museum

1A Howe Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland

Artowrk at one of the many exhibitions hosted by Charlotte Museum. Image credit: Charlotte Museum  | Facebook

A museum, research library, community art gallery, community space and reading room and art studio in one, the Charlotte Museum is a celebration of lesbian life. The space holds over 800 lesbian cultural artefacts and more than 2100 lesbian books. We love that the team also offer guided history walks spotlighting local lesbian history, venues and stories around Auckland. 

Need-to-know: Free entry, however koha/donations are deeply appreciated

Auckland's Best Alternative Museums

The Civic

Corner Of Queen Street &, 269-287 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD

The interior of The Civic Theatre showing a canopy of stars overhead.Image credit: The Civic  | Wono Kim Urban List

Designed as a ‘movie palace’ in 1929, The Civic is an atmospheric gem—one of only a few of this type left in the world. The architectural history alone is so rich the team offer walking tours of the building. Our favourite feature is the floating ceiling studded with stars to mirror the Southern Hemisphere night sky. See what happened when we took the tour of the grand old dame.

Auckland Domain Wintergardens

Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland

A statue shines in the sun at the Auckland Domain Wintergardens. Image credit: Auckland Domain Wintergardens  | Kathryn Steane

Slip into the Wintergardens’ heated, barrel-vaulted Victorian-style glasshouse and discover a collection that’s a plant paradise. Designed in the early 1900s this garden is home to carnivorous pitchers and other spectacular tropical plants. When it’s time for a change of scene, pop next door to the temperate seasonal glasshouse and wile away time in the nearby fairy-like fernery; or wander around the whimsical outdoor pond flanked by flowers and stautes.

Need to know: Free entry | Open every day, including Christmas

Crystal Mine Museum

Crystal Mountain, 80 Candia Road, Swanson, Auckland

One heck of a crystal on display at the Crystal Mine Museum. Image credit: Crystal Mountain  | Facebook

Brush up on your crystal knowledge in the heart of Crystal Mountain. The lift will transport you underground where you’ll wander amongst New Zealand’s largest exhibition of ethically sourced rare and exquisite crystals and minerals. And if you happen across a rock that makes your aura glow, you can purchase your own at the shop on the surface. Score. 

Need-to-know: Small entry fee ($5-$8) | Open every day except Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day

Just Plane Interesting

100 Parrs Cross Road, Henderson, Auckland 

The quirky interiors at Just Plane Interesting. Image credit: Just Plane Interesting  | Website

This place is as much a museum as it is an antique store—a wander through Just Plane Interesting is a strange and wondrous journey through time. Part nostalgia, part intrigue, a visit to this expertly laid out store is an unmissable experience. 

Need-to-know: Free entry (it's a shop, after all!)

The Hollywood

20 Saint Georges Road, Avondale, Auckland

The immaculate, retro interior of The Hollywood.Image credit: The Hollywood  | Instagram

Housed in a neo-classical building built in 1915, The Hollywood (aka one of the city's best cinemas) was Auckland’s first film house and began its life screening silent movies as the Avondale Town Hall. It holds the record for the longest run screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show (21 years) and even got Quentin Tarantino’s stamp of approval when he dubbed it the best cinema in New Zealand. Opt for a rare 35mm or more prolific digital screening and be prepared to be intrigued, sitting in a slice of history. 

Glenbrook Vintage Railway

135 Glenbrook Station Road, Waiuku, Auckland

A steam train in engine at Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Image credit: Glenbrook Vintage Railway  | Facebook

Live your best life in first class aboard an immaculately restored steam engine on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. A velvet-roped walkway leads you to the Parlour Carriage. Ooo and aah at the premium decor then enjoy the ride to Waiuku and back, indulging in complimentary high tea. History never felt so fancy.

Need-to-know: Free entry for under 2's | Select dates

Wanna know what else to check out in Auckland? How about: 

Main image credit: Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Richard Ng 

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