Auckland War Memorial Museum

Te Whare Taonga o Tāmaki Makaurau

One of the Southern Hemisphere's largest museums, housing world-class collections of Pacific art, mummies, dinosaurs, and taonga (treasured objects). It's a must-visit for understanding New Zealand's history, Māori culture, and world heritage.

Things to do

• Explore the Pacific Masterpieces Gallery — View an exceptional collection of Pacific art, including Samoan tapa cloth, Tongan wooden clubs, and intricate shell ornaments that showcase the artistic heritage of island cultures.
• Visit the Egyptian Mummies — See preserved mummies and sarcophagi from ancient Egypt, including the famous mummy of Kheti, with detailed information about burial practices and afterlife beliefs.
• Discover the Dinosaur Collection — Examine fossils and skeletons including New Zealand's own moas and a impressive array of prehistoric creatures that dominated ancient ecosystems.
• Experience Māori Taonga and History — Engage with treasured Māori artifacts, traditional weapons, weaving, carvings, and displays explaining iwi (tribal) histories and pre-European New Zealand.
• Enjoy Views from the Rooftop Terrace — Access the museum's rooftop for panoramic views across Auckland city, the harbours, and volcanic cones while enjoying the architectural elegance of the building itself.
• Attend a Māori Cultural Performance — Watch live kapa haka (traditional Māori performance) featuring haka, waiata (songs), and poi dances that demonstrate authentic cultural expression and tribal pride.

Food to try

• Museum Café Coffee and Kai — The on-site café serves locally roasted coffee, hangi-inspired dishes, and fresh New Zealand produce in a relaxed setting overlooking the gardens.
• Rewena Bread — Try this traditional Māori sourdough made with a native potato starter, often available at the café or nearby food vendors around the museum precinct.
• Pavlova with Native Berries — Sample this iconic New Zealand dessert topped with local fruits like feijoa, kiwifruit, or native berries served at the museum café.
• Seafood from Local Waters — Look for fresh fish, pāua (abalone), or mussels featured in café dishes, sourced from nearby Auckland harbours and New Zealand waters.

Local customs & good to know

• Show Respect for Taonga and Tapu — Many displayed items are considered sacred (tapu) in Māori culture; observe quiet reverence in galleries, particularly around taonga and burial remains, and follow any photography restrictions.
• Learn Pronunciation of Te Reo Māori — Make an effort to pronounce Māori words displayed throughout the museum correctly—staff appreciate visitors attempting proper pronunciation and it deepens cultural respect.
• Understand the Significance of the War Memorial — The museum honors New Zealand service personnel; the building itself is a war memorial, so approach exhibits about conflicts with appropriate solemnity and awareness of this dual purpose.
• Engage with Guided Experiences — Consider joining a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff or Māori cultural guides who provide context and stories that enriched visits beyond what plaques alone convey.