1 / 3New Zealand Police Museum
📍 Papakōwhai, Wellington
The NZ Police Museum in Porirua traces the force from its origins to the present through interactive displays, detailed case narratives, and exhibits of confiscated handmade weapons and police equipment.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for school-age children and curious adults - the case stories hold attention in a way that standard museum displays rarely do, and the confiscated weapons exhibit prompts genuine conversation. Staff are a real asset: knowledgeable, approachable, and happy to go deep on any display. Build in extra time - most visitors stay longer than planned.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →426 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Ash Highnam
a month ago
“Absolutely incredible experience for my daughter, she had an amazing time. She loved collecting her fingerprints but her favourite part was the detective case program. It was awesome to finish her home school unit off like this. We really appreciate Kate, and the time she took to engage, educate, and explain things. She was over the moon with her little pack of goodies, and her Police Dog plush. Thank you so much, highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area!!”
Cath Jacobs
9 months ago
“From past to present, an awesome display of stories, exhibits and information about the NZ police and some infamous incidents. Seeing some of the weapons on display, it gives you a new appreciation of what the police have to face everyday! The people that work here are lovely and there is also a cute little gift shop.”
Jayshree Dastracey
8 months ago
“It will make you appreciate and be grateful and thankful. It will make you cry and it will make think about the trauma and what they had to see and do. Very touching and informative. Lovely people to answer your queries”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsPolice work
18 reviews
Free entry
15 reviews
Interactive exhibits
13 reviews
Informative displays
8 reviews
Police history
7 reviews
Overview
The New Zealand Police Museum covers the full history of NZ policing through interactive activities, detailed case stories, and exhibits of confiscated handmade weapons. Displays range from historical origins to contemporary policing challenges. Staff are warm and willing to answer questions at length. Younger visitors engage with hands-on activities; older children and adults are drawn to the case narratives and weapon exhibits. A small gift shop is on site. Free on-site parking. Indoor venue.
