Skip to main content

Te Papa, New Zealand National Museum

 

While visiting Wellington, New Zealand, I took a Royal Princess shore excursion, which included a tour of Te Papa, the country's national museum. Te Papa means 'the treasure box' in the Māori language.

DSC_1470

Te Papa, the largest museum in the nation, is renowned for being bicultural, scholarly, innovative, and fun. Its 36,000-square-meter repository of collections is six stories high and is home to more than 800,000 artworks, objects, and specimens.

DSC_1542

Our tour kicked off with a lively guide who delved into the rich Māori culture. I was captivated by the Polynesian journey to New Zealand and Māori history, which came to life with a scaled-down model of their traditional boat.

DSC_1493

He also explained the Māori community house. A modern version is in the museum for special ceremonies and meetings. It is living history.

After our hour with the guide, we had another hour to explore.

Because I had visited Gallipoli in Turkey, the site of a savage WWI battle, I wanted to see the ‘Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War' exhibit.

DSC_1506

The stark realities of war follow eight ordinary New Zealanders through the Gallipoli campaign, using their stories and words to explain this harrowing event. Models of the men, at 2.4 times human size, reflect the monumental impact of war. The exhibition combines technology with crucial historical storytelling.

DSC_1526

I only wish I had longer to explore. From what I saw, I am sure the entire museum is excellent.

Entry to Te Papa is free.

Click here for more information on the museum and here for more information on Royal Princess and Princess Cruises.

Attachments

Images (6)
  • A Māori community meeting place in Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum in Wellington
  • DSC_1470
  • DSC_1493
  • DSC_1506
  • DSC_1526
  • DSC_1542

Add Comment

Comments (0)

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×