Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

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

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  • Two young boys wearng VR headsets and standing in front of three signs advertising an immersive antarctic virtual reality experience anotu Scott's Hut.. 

    Scott’s Discovery Hut VR Experience

    Antarctic Heritage Trust and Te Papa invites you to explore Antarctica and visit Scott's Discovery Hut through our latest virtual reality experience.

    6 - 17 Jul 2026, Every half hour from 10.00am to 4.00pm

    Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

  • A top-down view of two white plates of food on a blue background.

    Matariki Specials at Te Papa Cafe

    Experience Matariki with seasonal cafe specials inspired by the flavours of Aotearoa New Zealand, drawing from the land, sea, and sky.

    1 - 15 Jul 2026, 9am to 3pm every day

    Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

  • A set of tables and a sign in a large room with carving art in the background and coloured carpet.

    Mānawatia a Matariki

    Celebrate Matariki – the beginning of the New Year in Aotearoa New Zealand, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

    Open now

    23 Apr - 13 Jul 2026

    Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

  • View of Te Taiao | Nature, with two moa in the foreground and various displays behind

    Exhibitions

    Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural environment. Hear extraordinary stories from Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa Pacific peoples. Find your favourite paintings, sculptures, photographs, or art installations. Experience powerful stories that celebrate Māori as tangata whenua – the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Māui snaps a selfie

    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.

  • A set of three plates on a stand with different food on each plate, surrounded by a colourful tablecloth and cups and saucers.

    Eat Your Art Out

    A high tea to delight your eyes and taste buds – with new menu inspired by Slow Burn: Women and Photography.

    Daily sessions at 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, and 2:30pm.

    Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

  • Te Papa External View. Photograph by Michael Hall. Te Papa

    Plan your visit

    Get directions, museum entry information, download the museum map, find out about our parking facilities, reserve a wheelchair, and more.

  • View from underneath of a hanging life-size recreation of a giant eagle.

    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?

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    Discovery Centres

    It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.

  • A person is standing at a coffee counter pouring milk into a cup.

    Te Papa cafes

    Discover two vibrant and cosy cafes tucked among Te Papa’s taonga (treasures). Every purchase supports the mahi (work) of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum.

  • A woman in a green shirt is holding a picture flat children's book up and reading to children off camera.

    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.

  • Two views of an activity book, one is the cover, and one is with some pages open.

    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.

  • Three kids make a rainbow from toys and other household items

    Whānau challenges

    Try some creative challenges at home with your whānau. Each challenge is connected to Te Papa’s collections or expertise.