If you thought museums were dull and boring, think again. Te Papa is far from it, and will change your concept of museums completely.
Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, where you can explore the amazing stories of this fascinating country and the people who make it tick. Te Papa is very different to the old-fashioned museum who probably visited as a kid with stuffed animals in glass cases – it’s an all-singing, all-dancing, innovative and interactive experience.
Since opening in 1988, Te Papa has welcomed over 16 million visitors and is a great way to get a full insight into New Zealand history and culture.
You can check out an intricately carved marae (Maori meeting house), walk through living native bush and be shaken in the Earthquake House as it simulates a real aftershock.Our Space has just recently opened, which is an exciting multi-media, interactive experience, where you can get a unique insight into New Zealand identity. You can walk across a giant interactive map and trigger different parts of New Zealand into action. You can also log onto The Wall and leave your own mark. Or get your adrenalin pumping with The High Ride and visit a virtual under-sea volcano on The Deep Ride. And you’ve got plenty of time to check it out, as Our Space will be running for the next ten years!
One of the best ways to get a great overview of Te Papa is by doing a one hour guided tour which costs $11.
Entry to Te Papa is free, but there is an extra charge for the interactive rides.
The museum is open every day from 10am until 6pm, including public holidays. It is open late on Thursdays from 10pm until 9pm.
There are also two cafes on level one and level four, if you need a pick-me-up during your visit.
Rachel stayed at Nomads Capital, 118-120 Wakefield Street , Wellington . Tel: 04 978 7800 or freephone 0508 666 237. For more info check out www.nomadscapital.com
