The
National Museum of New Zealand
Te Papa, New Zealand's opened on the 14 of February 1998. The Museum is located in Wellington the capital city. With waterfront views and a unique architectural design, Te Papa is one of the cities most visted attractions.
Te Papa challenges the concept of what museums should be. Many of the exhibits celebrate & educate what it means to be a New Zealander. But what makes this Museum standout from the rest are the exhibits themselves. Many of these exhibits are interactive and make you feel like you are virtually there. The Museum has 4 main areas, they are the Discovery Centres, Te Marae, Bush City & the Time-Warp.
Te Marae - is a Marae that
exists within a museum. Here you can learn about New Zealand's facinating
and rich Maori culture. There are also many Maori Artifacts and exhibits with
many beautiful examples of Maori Carving.
Te Marae is for all New Zealanders and a place that all of us can stand together
to celebrate our multicultural society.
Bush
City is an outdoor area of Native Bush that one can walk through.
There are many Native New Zealand Plants here together with a river and small
waterfall.
Bush City is located between the Museum Building and a man made lagoon. There
are also many great views of the Wellington Harbour and city.
Other special features include some volcanic rocks and a small cave.
Time-Warp is Te Papa's main attraction. This area
of the Museum is a virtual show about New Zealand. From New Zealand's Volcanic
Birth right up to Wellington in the year 2055, this experience entertains
and educates you as you take this virtual reality tour through time.
Or how about a virtual Bungee Jump or a spot of virtual Wind Surfing.
Discovery Centres ie the
PlaNet Pasifika, Te Huka aTai, Inspiration Station, and NatureSpace are places
of learning that also includes activities for adult and children alike. There
are also many Video Programmes, CD Rom applications, Internet Links and Books
that helps vistors to interact with the centres for additional information.
Te Papa is a maze of attractions that would take 4 days
to see every exhibit. The best way to see Te Papa is to just wander around
and get lost amongst the many attractions. Some of the exhibits are almost
hidden behind doors and secret passages that only a few find, but the good
news is that you can always find your way out.
Te Papa is located on Cable St, Wellington.
Late night Thursday to 9.00pm
Te Papa is open 365 days per year.
Admission is Free.
