New Zealand has its own share of museums and galleries that feature its history and culture. The world-class collections found in them provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the material cultures of the country. Their exhibitions and activities bring stories of arts, history, culture and science.
The Otago Museum opens a window on the natural and cultural heritage of the Southern region from the Pacific Coast to the Southern Alps. It contains internationally significant ethnographic materials from New Zealand, Oceania and further afield. The best collections of Southern Maori material and Pacific Island statues that are rarely seen elsewhere can be found here. The museum also features the largest collection of New Zealand spiders and butterflies plus wonderful examples of native birds, insects, marine animals and fossils including the now extinct giant moa.
The Waikato Museum is situated in Hamilton, New Zealand which overlooks the beautiful Waikato River. It features eight galleries that show touring exhibitions as well as exhibitions featuring items from its own collection. One of the most impressive featured pieces is a majestic, 200-year old carved waka taua – Te Winika. There are also featured artworks by prominent New Zealand and regional artists plus an interactive science experience. A regular program of activities is available to ensure that guests are able to maximize their visits.
Te Manawa is the only regional museum in New Zealand that weaves together the three disciplines of history, art and science. Its program includes a range of collection based and interactive exhibitions developed in-house as well as through national and international touring shows. A strong education program supports it and is made up of various talks, events, performances and workshops. It has important collections, both regionally and nationally of Laonga Maori, New Zealand and contemporary art, social history and natural history. Part of the Te Manawa’s mission is to present, preserve and make accessible collections of arts, science and heritage of New Zealand.
Pataka is a museum and art gallery that is considered the heart of Porirua City. It is dedicated to celebrating the region’s heritage and showcasing the very best in contemporary Maori, Pacific Island and New Zealand art. Pataka features works from leading local, national and international artists with a commendable range of heritage and social history exhibitions. It is housed under one roof together with the Porirua City Library, Melody Farm Music Museum, a traditional Japanese garden and Café Kaizen which is seen as a cultural oasis in the city.
New Zealand has many other notable history museums that will let a traveler experience a piece of the country’s rich history. Some of which are the Army Museum Waiouru in North Island, Auckland Museum in Auckland, Buried Village in Rotorua, Petone Settlers Museum in Wellington, Riccarton House and Bush in Christchurch, Whangarei Museum, Kiwi House and Heritage Park in Whangarei, South Canterbury Museum in Limaru and many others. Museums in New Zealand are open daily and usually offer guided tours. Visitors should make it a point to go to Te Papa, the country’s national museum in case time constraints allow for only one museum.