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Tāmaki Makaura Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s economic powerhouse.
But that doesn’t mean it’s all suits, boots, and soulless skyscrapers. Auckland is a light, bright, and airy metropolis, and one that takes full advantage of its location between two glittering harbours. Try and get on out on the water at least once during your stay. You’ll also discover a dynamic food and wine scene, a rich history to explore, a revitalised waterfront to enjoy, and of course, a robust arts and cultural scene to delve into.
Not sure where to begin on the latter? Here are six of the best Auckland museums and galleries to check out — each of which offers something different and really special.
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1. Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum — also referred to simply as Auckland Museum — is the centrepiece of the Domain parklands east of the city. It sits on the rim of the Pukekawa dormant volcano, the name of which translates to ‘hill of bitter memories’, and is thought to refer to battles that took place here between Māori tribes pre-European settlement. Constructed in neo-classicist style, the museum is one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings and is home to more than 4.5 million artefacts from across the country and around the world. Only a fraction are on display at any one time, with much of the remainder stored safely in the basement.
The museum is spread over three floors and divided into several sections, which include the war memorial exhibits, the origins of Oceania and New Zealand, Māori treasures, and the wonders of the natural world. Entry to the permanent collection is free for those living in Auckland, while a koha/donation is requested from those who live outside the city. There is an entry fee for international visitors, but it’s well worth it to see this fabulous collection.
2. Auckland Art Gallery
Closer to the city centre, Auckland Art Gallery is home to the largest visual arts collection in New Zealand and should be high on the list of places to visit for art buffs. It has more than 17,000 works of its own, and also exhibits pieces on loan from other institutions. The collection encompasses classic and contemporary works, and there’s a strong showing of Māori and Pacific artists. The gallery often holds special events and activities, and has a cafe and design store on site.
3. The Civic Theatre
The Civic Theatre is an Auckland landmark that’s far more impressive inside than out. When you step inside the building, you can’t help but be wowed by the detail and magnificence of its design. The interior is a mishmash of exotic figures, elaborate artworks, and motifs from various cultures, which work together to create a whimsical feel. In the main theatre, the ceiling is a recreation of the night sky — complete with twinkling stars and clouds drifting by.
The theatre was the very ambitious brainchild of Thomas O’Brien and opened at the end of 1929. O’Brien persuaded local businessmen and the BNZ bank to invest in the project, although it’s understood that he didn’t invest any of his own money. 2,000 workers completed the theatre in less than 8 months, and at least eight men lost their lives on the job. During the early years, many famous performers graced the stages at The Civic — including the very popular Freda Stark — a dancer who entertained the troops during World War II.
Today, Aucklanders flock to the theatre to see musicals such as Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, Jersey Boys and Wicked. Tours of The Civic are also very popular and book out well in advance in peak periods. These small group guided experiences offer a wonderful opportunity to explore this remarkable performance space and get insights into its history from an expert guide.
4. New Zealand Maritime Museum
New Zealand Maritime Museum is home to one of the country’s most important collections of seafaring artefacts. New Zealand has a strong connection to the ocean, which began with Pacific migration some 800 years ago. Several centuries later, whalers, traders, settlers, and finally, modern tourists would visit New Zealand from all over the world, and while methods of transport have changed, the connection between people and the ocean remains as strong as ever.
The museum charts the evolution of maritime travel from the days of Kupe — the mythological Māori navigator who discovered New Zealand — to the technologies used in today’s America’s Cup yachts. A highlight of any visit is the opportunity to sail in one of the museum’s heritage vessels. There’s the vintage motor launch Nautilus and the very impressive Ted Ashby — a ketch-rigged scow. Both have regular weekly sailings. The tiny steam tug SS PUKE sails on selected dates, so check the website for details. And then there’s Aotearoa One — a modern take on a traditional waka (Polynesian ocean vessel). It’s now used to teach students traditional Polynesian seafaring methods and navigation practices. Aotearoa One doesn’t have a regular sailing schedule, but it may come down to luck and good timing — so keep an eye out for it. The museum is located in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin.
5. Museum of Transport and Technology
New Zealanders are well known for their ingenuity and innovation, and the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is a wonderful showcase of that inventive spirit. The museum’s vision is to ‘use past, present and future Kiwi technology and ingenuity to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow’. It sums up exactly what you can expect from a visit to this fascinating facility.
The location of MOTAT is special in itself, in that it’s also home to an iconic brick pumping house. The machinery inside pumped water for the city from as early as 1877. The original beam engine is still operational today and the pumphouse has Category 2 Historic Place status.
MOTAT has something to interest everyone and if you’re one of those people who loves to know how things work, you’ll really enjoy your visit here. The museum is a little way out of the city, but buses run regularly from downtown Auckland. It’s worth noting that Auckland Zoo is located in the same area, so many people spend a day enjoying both attractions.
6. All Blacks Experience
The All Blacks are said to be the most successful sporting team in the world (Google it if you want proof!). You may not necessarily agree, but they’re definitely revered throughout the rugby world and loved by most New Zealanders. And they have a dedicated museum! The interactive All Blacks Experience opened in December 2020 and has proven to be a popular addition to Auckland’s cultural scene. A collaboration between New Zealand Rugby and Ngāi Tahu Tourism, visitors to the facility can watch a four-metre high screening of the haka, test their own skills on the field, and hear commentary from the legends of the game.
The experience is dedicated to everyone who has the privilege of putting on the black jersey. That includes the All Blacks, the Black Ferns, the Māori All Blacks, and the All Blacks Sevens. The All Blacks Experience is located in the Sky City entertainment precinct.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.aucklandnz.com.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best Auckland museums and galleries? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Hailing from Aotearoa New Zealand, Karllie Clifton is an avid midlife traveller and blogger who loves an adventure. In 2015, Karllie left her teaching profession, sold her home, and spent the next three years travelling full time. It sparked a real passion for budget solo travel, which she now loves to inspire others to do. In recent years, Karllie has visited more than twenty countries across three continents. She loves hiking and anything to do with the ocean.
