Planning a self-guided visit
All exhibition areas of Te Papa are open to school groups. Book your visit at least two weeks in advance by using our online booking form. Report to a friendly Te Papa Host, at our main entrance, when you arrive.
Times
10am or later, Monday – Friday during term time.
Getting here
Te Papa is located on Cable Street on Wellington’s waterfront.
By train – You can walk to Te Papa from Wellington’s railway station in 20 minutes.
By bus – A bus lane for drop-off and pick-up is directly outside.
By car – When travelling south into the city, take the Aotea Quay exit from the Wellington motorway. Continue along Waterloo, Customhouse, and Jervois Quays, which lead directly into Cable Street.
School bags
We have limited bag storage so we ask that bags be left at school or on the bus, alternatively share bags.
Student supervision ratios
We require you to bring the following number of adults to supervise your students.
ECE: One adult for every three students (1:3).
Primary: One adult for every six students (1:6).
Secondary: One adult for every ten students (1:10).
Please supervise your students closely as they explore Te Papa as you are responsible for your students’ safety. Take particular care near high walkways, bridges, water, and in Bush City.
Safety of exhibition objects
Please remind your students not to touch exhibition objects as they can’t be replaced. Displays that allow interaction are labelled. Also ensure that students use only pencil for sketching and taking notes.
Food and drinks
Food and drinks (excluding bottled water) are not allowed in exhibition areas. This policy protects our collection and maintains the principle of tapu around Māori taonga.
Lunch spaces
Schools bringing their own lunches to Te Papa are welcome to eat lunch in the following spaces (please note restrictions for each space). These locations can be found on the Te Papa map.
Amphitheatre – an outdoor space
Bush City Kiosk – an indoor space (capacity 30 students). This is accessible through the Level 1 outdoor courtyard until March 2019
Behind visitor kiosk on Level 2 – an indoor space (capacity 30 students). Hosts will support school groups to find space during terms 2 and 3 (if not set up, schools can request these through Hosts during terms 1 and 4).
Schools may choose to purchase lunches from the Level 1 Te Papa café and are welcome to use café space to eat. (School lunches will soon be bookable prior to visiting – watch this space)
In inclement weather if other spaces are not available, please approach Level 1 Te Papa café staff and ask for the Retail Food and Beverage Manager. The Manager may be able to accommodate school groups in the café to eat their own lunches where possible.
Wheelchair access and parents’ rooms
All our main exhibition areas, some special attractions, and most toilets are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Parents’ rooms are located in Te Papa Cafe (Level 1) and beside StoryPlace (Level 2).
Find out more about accessibility and facilities.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Education Coordinator on (04) 381 7443 reservations@tepapa.govt.nz