Auckland War Memorial Museum

“Visiting Auckland Museum for the first time was an absolute blast. We didn't have time for the special Sharks exhibition or the haka performance, but we did make it through all of their regular exhibits. I was surprised at the variety of displays for a "War Memorial Museum." There certainly is a war memorial element, but this is so much more than a war museum. It combines New Zealand's Māori and colonial history, world history, natural history, natural disasters, social commentary, and more. There are a lot of Māori artifacts and social commentary/discussions, which I love. There have a small but mighty display of global antiquities including pottery from ancient Greece, Mayan sculptures, and even an Egyptian mummy. There are multiple hands-on children's sections throughout as well, including a mildly terrifying mock house where you watch a volcano erupt outside the window and destroy everything in its path. The natural history section was my favorite. They have two dinosaurs, a pterosaur, and mosasaurus replicas displayed, along with ichthyosaurus, and plesiosaurus skull replicas. There was a decent number of authentic prehistoric fossils as well. The staff was super friendly and the gift shop was top notch. Next time, I hope to check out their special exhibitions and haka performance.”

“I visited the Auckland War Memorial Museum right when it opened and purchased tickets at the counter. It’s honestly one of the best museums I’ve seen—very interactive and packed with detailed historical information. I was short on time and only stayed about two hours, which felt far too brief. I’d recommend setting aside at least 3–4 hours to properly explore everything. I also highly recommend booking the Māori Cultural Experience. Seeing a haka performed in person, hearing the Māori language, and watching the interpretive dances was an incredible experience. This museum is absolutely a must-visit when you’re in Auckland.”

“The Auckland War Memorial Museum is an impressive and huge museum, definitely not a place to rush. You’ll need at least half a day to explore it properly, as there’s an enormous amount to see, from history and culture to fascinating exhibitions. Some sections are wonderfully interactive, which makes the experience more engaging and enjoyable, especially for younger visitors. It’s also a great spot for kids, with plenty to spark their curiosity while still being educational. Overall, it’s a must visit in Auckland,enriching, welldesigned, and well worth the time”

“5/5 Highly Recommend this place for Families to visit (2hours) and then picnic on the grass outside. A very educational place for kids and adults to learn and explore. It is free to NZ citizens and affordable for those living outside NZ. All the staff are knowledgeable when asking questions. We visited here this year in Jan 2026. We will be back again!!”