Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori Highlights Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the richness of Aotearoa New Zealand’s indigenous culture on this one-hour introductory tour, guided by one of our skilled and experienced hosts. Focusing on key Māori content and concepts within Te Papa, this tour offers a welcoming entry point into te ao Māori — the Māori world.
Using a selection of significant taonga (treasures), your guide will share stories and insights that highlight foundational aspects of Māori culture, history, and values. This is not a deep dive, but a thoughtfully curated overview designed to spark curiosity and understanding.
This tour includes the international visitor entry charge. Domestic tour pricing is available on our website.
Available options
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori Highlights Tour
What's included
International visitor admission fee (two-day entry)
Professional Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Māori words ‘Te Papa Tongarewa’ mean ‘container of treasures’. At the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, you’ll discover the treasures of our land and people, and hear their stories told with authority and passion.
The Museum is built on a unique bi-cultural partnership that recognizes and celebrates Māori as tangata whenua – the original people of this land.
Our collections are spread over six floors of engaging, interactive displays. You’ll encounter Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural environment, its most important works of art, and its unique history.
Our range of engaging and informative tours enrich any Te Papa visit, and bring the stories of New Zealand’s land and people to life. A tour with one of our knowledgeable hosts is a fun way to help orientate the first-time visitor, and adds depth and understanding to the Te Papa experience. Te Papa, including Te Papa Tours, is a Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity and has achieved Qualmark Enviro-Gold accreditation.
What's not included
Entrance fee to short-term paid exhibitions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Meeting point
Departure Point: Te Papa, Wellington Waterfront
Important notes
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour departure time. When you arrive at Te Papa please identify yourself with a Te Papa Host at the Information Desk on Level 2, this is where the tour will depart from.
About Wellington
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, coffee culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled between rolling hills and the harbor, it offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventures.
Top Attractions
Te Papa Museum
Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, showcasing the country's art, history, and natural environment.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free entry, some exhibits may have fees
Wellington Botanic Garden
A beautiful garden with a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and scenic views of the city.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Mount Victoria Lookout
A scenic lookout offering panoramic views of Wellington and the surrounding coastline.
Nature
1 hour
Free
Weta Workshop
A special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Cultural
1-2 hours
NZD 30-50
Wellington Cable Car
A historic cable car offering scenic views of the city and harbor.
Historical
30 minutes
NZD 5-10
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hangi
A traditional Māori method of cooking food in an earth oven. The food is wrapped in leaves and cooked underground for several hours.
Dinner
Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Pavlova
A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy, vegan options available.
Fish and Chips
A classic New Zealand dish featuring fresh fish, usually snapper or tarakihi, coated in batter and deep-fried, served with chips (fries).
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish and gluten, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Beach lounging
Picnicking
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
December to February
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Wellington is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of common safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being cautious in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Wellington Airport • 6 km from city center
By train
Wellington Railway Station
By bus
Wellington Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Metlink is the main public transport system in Wellington, offering a network of buses, trains, and ferries.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Te Aro
Miramar
Karangahape Road (K' Road)
Day trips
Red Rocks
30 km from Wellington • Half day
A scenic coastal area known for its rugged cliffs, sea lions, and wildlife.
Matiu/Somes Island
20 km from Wellington • Half day
A small island in Wellington Harbour with a rich history and scenic views.
Kapiti Coast
60 km from Wellington • Full day
A scenic coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Festivals
Wellington Cup Week • Late February to early March
Wellington on a Plate • August
Wellington Jazz Festival • Early October
Pro tips
- Visit Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's national museum, for a comprehensive overview of the country's art, history, and natural environment.
- Explore the vibrant and eclectic Cuba Street, known for its boutique shops, cafes, and street art.
- Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for scenic views of the city and harbor.
- Visit the Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at the special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
- Enjoy Wellington's thriving coffee culture by visiting one of the numerous specialty coffee shops and roasteries.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
