Royal New Zealand Ballet Whānau Day
The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) comes to Te Papa for our annual day of fun for all ages.
Sat 20 Sep 2025, 10.00am–2.00pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
School Holiday Kids’ ActivitiesNgā Mahi Whai Mā Ngā Tamariki
Events for tamariki ages 3–12 years and rangatahi teens.
Jump into the fun at Te Papa these school holidays with our activities for little ones and older ones. Children under 14 must be accompanied by adults.
See if your mates are going: Te Papa events on Facebook
Sign up to our school holidays mailing list to be the first to know about what’s on every term.
Davey's Backyard Skiffle Band and instrument making workshop
Join us for a fun-filled day of learning how to make and play instruments using everyday household items.
Fri 3 Oct 2025, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
Meccano and LEGO Fun Day
Watch your tamariki (children) marvel at moving models, then get hands-on building their own!
4 - 5 Oct 2025, 10.00am–5.00pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
Toi Art
Explore vibrant artworks of the National Art Collection, then watch your tamariki (children) bring their own stories to life in the Papa Toi | Art Studio.
On now
Long-term exhibition
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Mobile guide: The Path of Māui
Explore Te Taiao | Nature in a new way with an interactive mobile guide. Take on challenges with Māui the adventurer, innovator, and shapeshifter and search for the unique animals and plants of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Te Papa Activity Book
Fun activities about Te Papa Tongarewa and the taonga (treasures) we hold.
Taonga and spaces included in The Te Papa Activity Book
Have you found the Haast's eagle? What about our wharenui? Find out more about parts of Te Papa that feature in The Te Papa Activity Book or explore the taonga (treasures) in our collections – which ones have you seen?
Te Taiao | Nature
You’re the explorer in our Te Taiao | Nature exhibition zone. Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural environment – and get ready for our future as kaitiaki.
On now
Permanent exhibition
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Karetao-puoro
Visit three karetao-puoro (instruments that are figures too) created by artist James Webster to give karetao a voice by incorporating taonga puoro into their design. Watch the whānau of karetao in action in Tokotū (Rise Up), the story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
On now
Wed 5 Jun – mid 2026
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Discovery Centres
It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.
Te Papa cafés
Discover two vibrant and cosy cafés tucked among Te Papa’s taonga (treasures). Every purchase supports the mahi (work) of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum.
StoryPlace
StoryPlace is a space specially and exclusively for preschoolers and their caregivers. Here, toddlers can explore museum-related themes through play, games, storytelling, and song. Led by a friendly Te Papa Host.
Tangata o le Moana: The story of Pacific people in New Zealand
Celebrate the story of Pacific people, past and present, in all areas of life.
On now
Long-term exhibition
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Bush City
Step outside into a living, growing exhibition. Explore native bush and a volcanic landscape.
On now
Open daily until 5pm
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Manu Rere Moana
The navigation of the Pacific by waka hourua | double-hulled sailing waka is one of the great achievements of human technology. This exhibition celebrates the mātauranga of celestial navigation that enabled these extraordinary voyages.
On now
Permanent exhibition
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Free downloadable activity books
Our activity books are designed for use at home or in the classroom. We’d love to hear your feedback or ideas for other subjects.
Whānau challenges
Try some creative challenges at home with your whānau. Each challenge is connected to Te Papa’s collections or expertise.
