Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Auckland City. Located on the beautiful and historic Pukekawa mountain, the museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery about the rich history of Aotearoa - New Zealand. The museum offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits that will keep visitors of all ages engaged and entertained. From the ancient Maori artifacts and cultural exhibits, to the natural history displays and war memorials, there is something for everyone. The museum also features a fantastic gift shop and café, making it a perfect destination for a family day out. One of the highlights of the museum is the Maori cultural exhibits, which offer a fascinating insight into the traditions and customs of the indigenous people of New Zealand. The exhibits are beautifully presented and provide a wealth of information about the Maori culture. The museum also has a great collection of natural history specimens, including a wide variety of birds and animals from New Zealand. The war memorials at the museum are also a must-see. They are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by New Zealanders in the service of their country. The exhibits are very well done and offer a great opportunity to learn about the history of New Zealand's involvement in the various conflicts. Overall, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is an absolute treasure and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Auckland City. The museum offers a wealth of information and knowledge about the rich history of New Zealand, and is a great day out for the whole family. So take your time and explore this magnificent treasure, you will not be disappointed.
Shanan TanaShanan Tana
10
We came by for the sea monsters exhibit. The newly refurbished atrium was large and very nice. It had waiting areas as well as the ticketing area, a cafe and the souvenir store. We purchased a ticket to the special exhibition there. The ticket to the exhibit also included entry into the museum. The sea monster exhibit was ok. There were quite a few nice fossils and some interesting things to do but it was a lot shorter than I expected. With plenty of time to spare we decided to walk around the museum too. Some of the areas were a lot newer and it was quite interesting watching the new interactive displays. There were also some of the older ones like the volcano exhibit. There is also a place for children at weird and wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the Imaginarium since it was quite different. The natural world display was also nice with the dinosaur and moa bones. There were a few exhibits that were smaller but also interesting. We didn't walk through it all but did enjoy what we saw. They also have an underground paid carpark that goes right into the atrium of the museum. It was useful in the rain and if there are no free parking spots in the domain. Quite a nice place to wander about to see the history of New Zealand. Take a day or two to see whats in there.
Benedict UyBenedict Uy
00
This extraordinary museum has something for everyone to enjoy. Right now the wildlife photography exhibit is happening, and soon there will be an extension open for the World War I exhibit. The staff here are mostly friendly if keen on maintaining the rules (don't make my mistake and drink from your water bottle in the stairwell. Food and drinks are pretty much limited to the cafe area). There is a short (30 minute) but highly entertaining and informative Māori cultural performance narrated and performed by 2 Māoi wāhine and 4 more Maori warrior tane. Please also note that during the performance there are no video or other photography permitted. Afterwards, though, the performers are happy to take photos with you and answer questions. The Heart's Scar, Hall of Rememberance and and war plane exhibits are amazing and sombre. Please visit the New Zealand Wars exhibit! I was thrilled by the ever expanding Māori history exhibit as well (finally! I can see the inside of a marae!). This museum will be the one place I will continue to visit again and again. Seriously considering getting the membership pass. Tuesday nights are a great, quiet time to visit!And we haven't even touched on the Winter Garden...
Jourdene Rosella AguonJourdene Rosella Aguon
00
I was hesitant about visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum because I'm bothered by the loss of young life lost in wars. This museum contains not only a War Memorial but a history of the people who live in Auckland, the history past and present of the Maori people, natural history, Asian history, science, an exhibition on volcanoes including an experience relating to volcanoes. There is an audioguide. The museum consists of three floors. The third floor contains the War Memorial and exhibits from different wars. I spent over 3 hours in this museum. It really is a must-see. It is well laid out. You will find staff throughout who are eager to assist you. There is a section on the first floor of about 12 people of all ages and backgrounds who live in and around Auckland. I listened to all the stories, and it gave me a deeper understanding of the people. The young boy who spoke reminded me so much of my grandson. If you have time after the visit, I would also recommend visiting the winter garden, which is free entry. You can see the green houses from the front of the museum. It's about a 2 minute walk.
Beverly (Beverly)Beverly (Beverly)
10
My interest was in seeing Māori artefacts in particular and certainly I saw plenty of them. However they’re spread across the ground floor and its extensions, plus parts of the first floor, and some on the second. So I didn’t reach the latter as I was suffering from ‘museumitis’. While I’m against the ‘dumbing down’ tendency in curation, I feel the AWMM could do with a re-think. I’d seen the ‘Stonehenge’ special exhibition in London, so didn’t re-visit, but in that show there’s a fairly clear story which helps put the display of thousands of objects into an evolutionary flow. (Note that the promotional graphic of the Stonehenge stones is misleading - the exhibition is largely about jewellery, weapons, and implements and not at all about the building or meaning of the henge.) So I would have appreciated a more limited number of Māori artefact pulled together by a cohesive narrative. Nevertheless I spent a happy couple of hours there and recommend it. P.S. Not sure the ice cream van is the ideal sight on arrival…
Hamish PringleHamish Pringle
00
This cost two pensioners $32 each. We were visitors from your friends in the Adelaide Hills Australia. If you live in Auckland the entry fee is ZERO!! This is therefore discrimination at its worse! It made us two oldies feel like 2nd class people!!! Get with it! Either it is free for ALL or you charge a smaller entrance fee for EVERYONE! I’m afraid the bullshit about an encumbrance on Auckland ratepayers (from a conversation with your entry supervisor) just didn’t wash! If the museum needs additional funds, why not use your heads and promote your income by increasing the space given to the cafe!!!! Tourists love tea and scones!! You are missing a trick here! There were also many people outside the door just looking! It’s about time you got some professional people in to run the museum more adventageously for the benefit of ALL and that includes visitors. I can offer my services as a hospitality expert of 50 years! Comments welcome please!
Mo JohnsonMo Johnson
00
Nearby Attractions Of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland Domain
Domain Wintergardens
接睫毛 La Bises Beauty Clinic and Spa Newmarket
Rialto Cinemas Newmarket
Auckland Museum Atrium
The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
Event Cinemas Broadway
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Timezone Newmarket
The Warehouse Newmarket

Auckland Domain
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(5.3K)Click for details

Domain Wintergardens
4.7
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接睫毛 La Bises Beauty Clinic and Spa Newmarket
4.9
(557)Click for details

Rialto Cinemas Newmarket
4.2
(488)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Archie's Restaurant & Pizzeria
BurgerFuel Parnell
Burger Burger Newmarket
Chocolate Boutique Café.
Napoli Contemporanea pizzeria bar cucina
Selera Cafe Limited
The Lumsden Free House
La Porchetta Restaurant Parnell
Gerome
Winona Forever

Archie's Restaurant & Pizzeria
4.5
(1.1K)Click for details

BurgerFuel Parnell
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Burger Burger Newmarket
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Chocolate Boutique Café.
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Basic Info
Address
Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Map
Phone
+64 9 309 0443
Call
Website
aucklandmuseum.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(5.4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira or Auckland Museum is one of New Zealand's most important museums and war memorials. Its neoclassical building constructed in the 1920s and 1950s, stands on Observatory Hill, the remains of a dormant volcano, in the Auckland Domain, near Auckland CBD.
attractions: Auckland Domain, Domain Wintergardens, 接睫毛 La Bises Beauty Clinic and Spa Newmarket, Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Auckland Museum Atrium, The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre, Event Cinemas Broadway, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Timezone Newmarket, The Warehouse Newmarket, restaurants: Archie's Restaurant & Pizzeria, BurgerFuel Parnell, Burger Burger Newmarket, Chocolate Boutique Café., Napoli Contemporanea pizzeria bar cucina, Selera Cafe Limited, The Lumsden Free House, La Porchetta Restaurant Parnell, Gerome, Winona Forever

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