A must-see before it’s gone

Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast

This is the standout experience of the season – and your last chance to see it before it closes on 27 April.

This awe-inspiring exhibition connects your breath to the natural world in a way that’s both calming and unforgettable.

• Expect to spend around an hour inside

• A great way to spark conversations about nature and wellbeing

• Book the add-on VR experience to get the most out of the exhibition – it sells out quickly!

Insider tip: Visit later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.

Distortions in Spacetime by Marshmallow Laser Feast, Works of Nature, ACMI, 2023, image by Eugene Hyland

A $2 show kids will love

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: The Tortoise and the Hare

Looking for something a bit different?

This playful retelling of the classic fable combines:

• Live orchestral music

• Narration

• Illustrations

Fri 17 and Sat 18 April
Children’s tickets just $2

Perfect for primary-aged tamariki – and a great introduction to live performance.

Courtesy of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, 2025

A one-day-only whānau experience

Whānau Day – Sat 11 April

Inspired by Breathe | Mauri Ora, this popular event brings families together to explore connections with te taiao through:

• Taonga puoro

• Art-making

• A guided family-trail

These events are always a hit – connecting taonga in our collection with visitors. Worth planning your visit around.

Te Taiao Whānau Day: Backyard Birds and Bugs, 12 July 2019. Photo by Jo Moore. Te Papa (141700)

A creative space many families miss

Papa Toi | Art Studio in Toi Art, Level 5

If your kids love making as much as exploring, head upstairs to Level 5. This recently refreshed space includes:

• A hands-on art studio for drawing

• Interactive creative activities like shadow play

• Room for parents to slow down and recharge

Insider tip: Our award-winning chefs have created a delightful high tea experience that’s almost too beautiful to eat. A queue in Te Papa Cafe tends to form around lunchtime – if you want a table reserved for you, book today.

Papa Toi Art Studio. Photo by Maarten Holl. Te Papa (266552)

A new way to explore a classic

Te Taiao | Nature: The Path of Māui mobile guide

Even if you’ve visited before, this interactive mobile guide offers a fresh perspective. Kids can:

• Explore the native wildlife of Aotearoa New Zealand

• Learn how to be kaitiaki

• Engage with mātauranga Māori in a hands-on way

maui-moa-tepapa-800x600.jpg

For curious teens

Slow Burn: Women and Photography

The newest exhibition at Te Papa is a thought-provoking collection showcasing work from both amateur and professional photographers.

• Ideal for secondary schoolers

• Great for inspiring creative teens

• Note: parent guidance recommended (includes some adult themes and nudity)

Nela Fletcher, Fitting in #189 Otakaro Park, 2022. Purchased 2025. Te Papa (O.052237) 

Planning you visit

• Open daily: 10am–6pm (Te Papa Cafe opens from 9am); afternoons are quieter than mornings.

• Free entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand.

• Parking fills quickly – public transport is a great option and there are secure racks for bikes, scooters, and skateboards.

• Don’t miss the Te Papa Store’s dedicated kids shop on Level 2 – it’s full of books, plushies, clothing, and more. There’s even a slide to help burn off the last of your tamariki’s energy before heading home.

• If you’ve enjoyed your visit, you can choose to leave a small donation with a tap of your card to support the work of the museum.

Whether it’s your first visit or hundredth, these school holidays are all about seeing Te Papa in a new way. Te Papa also makes a great wet-weather option on a rainy day. 

From immersive digital worlds, to live performances and hands-on creativity, there’s something here for tamariki and rangatahi of all ages.

Toa Tamariki, 2019. Te Papa