Learn online with Te Papa

Are you interested in peeking inside Te Papa to take a journey into the wonders, taonga, and events that make up Aotearoa New Zealand’s history?

Te Papa has produced a series of free, accessible, and engaging short courses (2–12 hours long) about Aotearoa New Zealand's fascinating history, culture, and natural world. Hear the varied stories of this whenua, illustrated by the rich and diverse collections of Te Papa.

Who are the courses for?

Whether you’re a local who wants to expand your knowledge, a new migrant who wants to understand what makes Aotearoa tick, or an international visitor looking to deepen your insight, our courses are appropriate for all audiences.

What can you expect?

Students and history buffs alike, there’s always something new to learn! In our courses, we explore questions like:

How did Māori get to Aotearoa New Zealand, and what was early life like? What happened when Western explorers arrived?
What makes New Zealand’s flora and fauna like “life on another planet”?
What are Māori values, and how are they interwoven into the fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand?
Aotearoa New Zealand has been a global trailblazer in protest and social movements, more than once. What were they, and who made them happen?
What are the historical and spiritual connections the land and people of Aotearoa New Zealand have with our whales?

In our courses, we encourage you to chat with other learners to share your reflections as you go, with the dedicated guidance of a Te Papa facilitator there to answer your questions and guide your learning.

Step 1: Choose your platform

Our courses can be found on two free platforms, so choose the one that best suits your needs:

Khan Academy offers flexible, login-free learning. Dip in and out at will, without any time limits. Share your thoughts with learners from all over the world on this global platform, used by classrooms and lifelong learners alike!

FutureLearn, is a great choice if you want to complete the course in a more intentional way. This platform requires a login but provides a more structured experience and deeper discussions with a very active and supportive community.

Our FutureLearn courses are free with the ‘limited access’ option. You will have full access just for the course’s duration, so ensure you can set aside a couple of hours each week to work through it!

Step 2: Choose your courses (or do them all!)

A green parrot sitting high on a mountain. It has one wing extended which shows bright orange feathers

Biodiversity, Guardianship, and the Natural History of New Zealand: A Museum Perspective

On this two-week course, you'll learn how 85 million years of geological and environmental history has shaped Aotearoa New Zealand's unique natural wonders – its landscape, biodiversity, Māori culture, and the values of New Zealanders.

Two men press their noses together for hongi

New Zealand History, Culture and Conflict: A Museum Perspective

On this three-week course, you'll get a brief introduction to the human history of Aotearoa New Zealand. From the first arrival of Pacific explorers who made their home here, through the arrival of Western explorers and and all that happened as a result.

Black and white photo of a group of people on a protest march. They are carrying a large flag.

A History of Protest in Aotearoa New Zealand

On this four-week course, you'll learn about Aotearoa New Zealand's rich and world-leading protest history. From historic protests to protect Māori land rights to modern-day queer and environmental activism, you’ll explore a variety of social movements in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Significance of Whales to Aotearoa New Zealand

On this four-week course, you’ll hear the many surprising ways that the whales of the South Pacific have been woven into the fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand, through natural heritage, Māori culture, colonial history, and the forging of the country it is today.