Books about Te Papa

Books about the national museum and stories from its rich and varied collections.

Book cover with white space either side.

The Te Papa Activity Book

Fun activities about Te Papa Tongarewa and the taonga (treasures) we hold.

Te Ata o Tū The Shadow of Tūmatauenga: The New Zealand Wars Collections of Te Papa

Accessible, important guide to the taonga relating to the New Zealand wars held by Te Papa.

Flora: Celebrating Our Botanical World

The magnificent plant world of Aotearoa New Zealand in art and object.

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Shells of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique shells of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach and backpack.

Book cover for Native Insects of Aotearoa

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Insects of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique insects of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach and backpack.

Tiny Statements: A social history of Aotearoa New Zealand in badges

The words and symbols we’ve worn. This small book with a big heart delves into Te Papa’s collections of over 1600 badges to examine how New Zealanders have used badges to join, belong, resist, defy and celebrate.

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Plants of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique flora of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach, and backpack.

A book cover with a lot of stylised birds on it

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Birds of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique birdlife of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach, and backpack.

Lost in the Museum

An exciting, beautifully illustrated book set in the world of museum treasures.

Ngā Tai Whakarongorua | Encounters

Accessible, informative guide to one of Te Papa’s most popular permanent art exhibitions

Going to Te Papa | Asiasiga ‘i le Falemata‘aga i Te Papa

An appealing board book that develops Samoan language and cultural knowledge.

Whiti: Colossal Squid of the Deep

Discover the fascinating story of the colossal squid at Te Papa

Nature — Stilled

Stunning photographs of remarkable natural history specimens from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

The Cook Voyages Encounters: The Cook Voyages Collections of Te Papa

A comprehensive guide to the objects associated with the voyages of James Cook held at New Zealand's National Museum

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Souvenir Guide

Haere mai and welcome to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

100 Natural History Treasures of Te Papa

An insider’s guide to the natural treasures of New Zealand’s national museum.

New Zealand Art at Te Papa

A survey of Te Papa’s treasure trove of New Zealand art

The New Zealand Art Activity Book (New Edition)

100+ art activities based on the collection of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum and gallery

Ten x Ten: Art at Te Papa

One hundred of the best-loved works in the national art collection at Te Papa

The Fishes of New Zealand Poster

Reminiscent of the iconic fish 'n' chip shop poster, this poster from Te Papa Press features a selection of 222 fishes from the landmark 4-volume publication The Fishes of New Zealand.

Whatu Kākahu | Māori Cloaks (Second Edition)

A celebration of the science and art of Māori weaving, focused on the largest collection of Māori cloaks in the world.

Three Cool Board Books

Beautiful, collectible, cool introductions to New Zealand art for very young readers.

Tangata o le Moana: New Zealand and the People of the Pacific

Discover a millennium of exploration, encounter, and cultural exchange in this beautifully illustrated history of Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

Museums and Māori: Heritage Professionals, Indigenous Collections, Current Practice

This ground-breaking book explores the revolution that’s transformed New Zealand museums in recent decades, and is influencing how museums worldwide care for indigenous objects.